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Where, oh where have the locals gone? As the American Century Championship takes over Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, what do local golfers do?

Charles Sizemore
Charles Sizemore / Tahoe Daily Tribune / Will Twining tees off at Tahoe Paradise Golf Course Thursday afternoon.
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The American Century Championship tournament gets into full swing today and has dominated the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course all week with celeb/ams and practice rounds for the participants. In light of this week’s happenings, where do local golfers go to golf, especially members of Edgewood?

“They cry,” said Ron Blum, a golf professional at Edgewood. Blum said that most of their members go play elsewhere this week. Edgewood members, and players that play their often, play mainly at Genoa Lakes Golf Club, according to Blum. They’ll also play at the Coyote Moon golf course and at Old Greenwood golf course, both in Truckee.

Some golfers stay in the South Shore, and head to one of the other two golf courses in the area, Lake Tahoe Golf Course and Tahoe Paradise golf course, both located on Highway 50, just past the Lake Tahoe Airport.



According to Sean McDade, the director of golf at Lake Tahoe Golf Course, there’s a little bit of overflow to their course from regular Edgewood players, but not much. This time of year is their busy season, and they don’t rely upon getting too many players who can’t play at Edgewood.

One basin golfer, a casino employee, has never golfed at Edgewood because of the expense — $225 per round from July to August. Lake Tahoe Golf Course offers a discount to casino employees.



Tahoe Paradise golf course also experiences their busy season during the end of June through July, although this season hasn’t been as busy as past seasons, according to Randy Morrison, director of golf.

“The fire messed us all up,” Morrison said.

Apparently people think the two golf courses located near the fire zone were affected by the Angora fire, as the Lake Tahoe golf course Web site carries a disclaimer: Please note: We were not affected by the recent fire and are open for business.

Their answering message carries a similar disclaimer.

Morrison expects to see some Edgewood members this weekend.

“There’s just the two courses,” Morrison said, referring to the Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Paradise golf courses. Many Edgewood members will want to stay in the area, as opposed to driving to Genoa or Truckee.

Will Twining, a South Lake Tahoe resident and retired teacher, was preparing to tee-off at Tahoe Paradise golf course on Thursday afternoon. Twining used to be a member at Edgewood, and would volunteer during the American Century Championship.

“I was the marshal on the sixth hole,” said Twining.

Jim Lira, owner of Lira’s Supermarket, will play often at Edgewood, although lately he’s been too busy as Lira’s Supermarket has been involved in several recent benefits for victims of the Angora fire. Lira was out playing at Tahoe Paradise golf course on Thursday.

“Today’s the first day I’ve been able to play,” said Lira.

Lira plans to play at the Edgewood Tahoe golf course on Monday. In years past he has gone to Edgewood to watch the tournament.

“I’m usually out there watching (the tournament),” said Lira.


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