Our region offers championship courses, mountain backdrops and chances to see celebrities, making it a dream destination for golfers. Plus, you can tee it up year-round since many courses stay open during the cooler months. This guide has everything you need, from top public courses to pro tournaments and insider tips.
Reno Golf Course Guide
Grab your clubs and get ready to play at the best public golf courses in Reno and Sparks. Whether you’re after championship-level challenges, scenic fairways or a relaxed round with family, you’ll find a course that fits your swing.
Reno Golf Courses
Lakeridge Golf Course
This isn’t just another round of golf—LakeRidge Golf Course delivers a one-of-a-kind experience for the general public at a price that won’t break the bank. Every hole brings something special, but the real showstopper is the legendary 15th. Perched high above Lake Stanley, this par-3 beauty challenges you to hit an island green that looks straight out of a postcard.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this gem has been voted "Best of Reno" year after year for a reason. Play here once, and you’ll see why locals and visitors keep coming back.
Book your tee time at this Reno golf course on their website.
Washoe County Golf Course
Reno’s first golf course is still one of its most welcoming. Washoe County Golf Course delivers a no-frills round with a classic 18-hole layout surrounded by mature trees that are especially vibrant in the fall. Perfect for families, casual players and anyone who just wants to enjoy a day on the fairways without elevation changes or blind shots.
Swing by the Pro Shop for supplies, fuel up at The Shoe Bar & Grill or hit the practice facilities to fine-tune your game.
Wolf Run Golf Club
Beloved by locals and visitors alike, this Reno golf course is a beautiful and accessible venue for golfers of every skill level. In between your swings, admire the sweeping mountain views all around.
Wolf Run Golf Club earned its namesake by being home to the University of Nevada, Reno Men's and Women's golf teams. It offers a practice green, new chipping green and a driving range with a 100-yard short game area. You’ll even find water hazards and sand traps to help you level up. Should you start your day off here or work up an appetite, you can fill up for breakfast and lunch as well as grab a drink from their full bar.
Book your next tee time online or make a reservation by calling Wolf Run Golf Club directly.
Golf Courses in Sparks
Red Hawk Golf and Resort
Looking for a fun, picturesque golf course in Sparks? Members and out-of-town visitors enjoy Red Hawk Golf and Resort for its laid-back atmosphere. After you warm up with their 18-hole putting green, you can move onto one of their two challenging courses:
- The Lakes Course: Spend your day amid natural lakes and springs, and mature cottonwood trees.
- The Hills Course: Designed by U.S. Open champion, Hale Irwin, it’s known for its small greens, dramatic elevation changes and deep bunkers.
Keep track of your group’s scores with their very own app!
Of course, this is more than just a golf course — it’s a whole resort. You can stay on the property and, if you bring your family, they’ll have a blast at the seasonal swimming pool. Additionally, all guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at David's Grill, which has a spectacular view of the 18th hole in addition to their delicious menu.
Golf Courses in Lake Tahoe
Tee off beneath towering pines, soak up panoramic views and experience mountain golf at its finest. Here are two of the best places to go golfing in Lake Tahoe that are open to the public year-round.
Incline Village Championship Golf Course
Golfing in Lake Tahoe always comes with great views. The Incline Village Championship Golf Course is no exception. Come enjoy perfectly manicured fairways, strategic bunkers and smooth greens. This award-winning golf course boasts a classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. design bordered by stunning, old-growth trees.
The Incline Village Championship Golf Course also has top-tier facilities and amenities, from a comfortable clubhouse and dining options to a virtual simulator and friendly staff members. Improve your score at one of their clinics, or stop at The Grille at The Chateau for a satisfying meal after your round.
Call this establishment directly to schedule your visit.
***Please note: This course is typically open mid-May through mid-October.
Incline Village Mountain Golf Course
Welcome to Lake Tahoe’s favorite executive course, a local go-to for a quicker round. This par-3 layout lets you play in about three hours—perfect for those who want the fun of golf without the five-hour commitment of a standard 18.
Set among old-growth trees, this Incline Village Mountain Golf Course keeps things interesting with varied tee placements, ranging from 3,527 to 2,674 yards, with two other combinations to accommodate all skill levels.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting in the summer, head up to this Lake Tahoe golf course to play in cooler midday temperatures. It’ll be a refreshing escape from the Reno heat.
***Please note: This course is typically open from Memorial Day Weekend through mid-October.
Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course
Lake Tahoe is a short, scenic drive from Reno, NV and offers a dozen championship golf courses, including Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, where the star-studded American Century Celebrity Golf Championship is held in July. Edgewood is a public golf course in South Lake Tahoe nestled between the pine tree-covered Sierra Nevada mountains and the picturesque shoreline of Lake Tahoe. It is no wonder this Lake Tahoe golf course is rated one of Golf Digest’s top 25 public U.S. golf courses.
Old Greenwood
In North Lake Tahoe, be sure to check out Old Greenwood, a four-season golf course designed by the great Jack Nicklaus and the home of the Barracuda Championship, a PGA TOUR golf tournament.
Gray’s Crossing
Gray’s Crossing is a Tahoe golf course offering fast greens and traditional designs. Gray’s Crossing also offers great food and a golf shop to pick up any last-minute items.
Coyote Moon Golf Course
Coyote Moon Golf Course rests on 250 acres of secluded rolling hills, majestic pines, granite outcroppings and the beautiful Trout Creek.
Old Brockway Golf Course
Old Brockway Golf Course was a 9-hole golf course in the country to become an Audubon cooperative sanctuary and has been rated as one of the top 10 golf courses in Northern California by Golf Today magazine.
Carson City Golf Courses
The Divine Nine Golf Courses
Just 30 minutes south of Reno is the state capital, Carson City. It offers the Divine Nine golf courses, totaling about 70,000 yards of greens and roughs, including Dayton Valley Country Club, Empire Ranch Golf Course and the Golf Club at Genoa Lakes.
Other Golf Courses Near Reno
Just one hour north of Reno Tahoe, in the Graeagle/Portola area, you’ll find a collection of unique, gorgeous golf courses on the edge of the Tahoe National Forest.
The Graeagle Meadows Golf Course offers 6,725 yards of what they call "extreme golf”, which includes elevated tees and numerous water features among the towering pine trees.
Another unforgettable 18-hole golf course is located at the Nakoma Resort and is aptly named The Dragon, where you can play on greens perched on cliffs overlooking the Feather River.
Be sure to check out Grizzly Ranch Golf Club, a sprawling par-72 golf course with generous fairways positioned in a mountainous landscape, making for a fun and challenging round.
Golf Rentals & Gear
You don’t have to travel with your gear to enjoy all these golfing spots in Reno and Lake Tahoe. Most local courses offer high-quality rental clubs, so you can show up empty-handed and still hit the fairway in style. Some even offer women’s and left-handed sets. It’s a great way to test out new equipment or just keep your travels light.
Want to do a little shopping? Swing by Golf NV, The Golf Mart, Scheels, Sportman’s Warehouse and DICK’s Sporting Goods to treat yourself to new gear.
Tips for a Great Day on the Green
Seasoned golfers know that a little preparation goes a long way, whether it’s packing the right gear or timing your tee time just right. Before you head to the first hole, keep these tips in mind.
- Dress for all four seasons—in one day. Reno Tahoe weather doesn’t play by the rules. It’s not uncommon to start your round wearing shorts and a polo shirt, and then end it in a jacket and pants. Always pack extra layers in your golf bag, including beanies and gloves.
- Don’t skimp on sunscreen. That high-desert sun is relentless. The UV index soars here in the afternoon, and with little to no shade on most courses, you’ll need serious SPF. Put some on before you tee off and reapply often.
- Play smart with twilight rates. If you’re looking for a golfing excursion with fewer crowds and lower greens fees, hit up the course after 2 - 3 p.m. You’ll get the atmosphere you want and still have plenty of time for 18 holes. Just keep an eye on the forecast; summer thunderstorms might try to crash your tee time.
Above-Par Experiences Await
There are even more golfing experiences in Reno and Lake Tahoe, including celebrity tournaments and indoor golf.
A day on the fairways is just the beginning. Stay a little longer, and you’ll see why Reno Tahoe is more than just a golfer’s paradise. Dive into the local food scene, hit the casinos or explore the great outdoors. Book a room, and make golf one part of your next trip.