Top Public Golf Courses
Top Public Golf Courses: Northern Nevada
⛳ Top Public Golf Courses: Northern Nevada
Northern Nevada offers a unique blend of desert landscapes, mountain backdrops, and high-elevation layouts that challenge golfers while delivering stunning views. From Reno to Carson City to the shores of Lake Tahoe, this region is home to some of the West’s most scenic and memorable public-access courses.
Here are the top public golf courses in Northern Nevada, based on design pedigree, reputation, and overall golf experience:
🏌️♂️ 1. Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course – Stateline
Design: George Fazio (1968), updated by Tom Fazio
Why Play: The jewel of Northern Nevada golf, Edgewood is set right on the shores of Lake Tahoe. It’s home to the annual American Century Celebrity Championship and blends alpine beauty with a world-class layout.
Highlights: Towering pines, lakeside views, immaculate conditioning, and a true championship feel.
🏌️♂️ 2. Montreux Golf & Country Club (Public Access via Events/Packages) – Reno
Design: Jack Nicklaus Signature
Why Play: A stunning high-altitude Nicklaus design that has hosted PGA Tour and Champions Tour events. Normally private, it offers limited public play through packages or charity events.
Highlights: Elevation changes, dramatic mountain scenery, and a championship pedigree.
🏌️♂️ 3. LakeRidge Golf Course – Reno
Design: Robert Trent Jones Sr. (1969)
Why Play: A Reno classic, LakeRidge combines a parkland feel with elevated mountain holes. The signature par-3 15th hole plays over water from a breathtaking elevated tee.
Highlights: Variety of holes, strong traditional architecture, and one of the best par 3s in Nevada.
🏌️♂️ 4. Wolf Run Golf Club – Reno
Design: John Fleming (1998)
Why Play: Known as one of Reno’s most challenging layouts, Wolf Run features tight fairways, risk-reward par 5s, and tough greens. A favorite for competitive golfers.
Highlights: Championship-caliber test with strong finishing stretch.
🏌️♂️ 5. Genoa Lakes Golf Club – Genoa
Design: Peter Jacobsen & John Harbottle (Lakes Course) / Johnny Miller (Resort Course)
Why Play: Nestled near Carson Valley, Genoa Lakes offers two 18-hole courses with different personalities: the water-heavy Lakes Course and the more open Resort Course.
Highlights: Beautiful Sierra Nevada backdrops, solid variety, and good value.
🏌️♂️ 6. Toiyabe Golf Club – Washoe Valley
Design: Robert Muir Graves (1994)
Why Play: A scenic layout beneath the Sierra Nevada, Toiyabe is well-regarded for its playability and peaceful setting.
Highlights: Walkable course, great mountain views, and well-conditioned greens.
🏌️♂️ 7. Empire Ranch Golf Course – Carson City
Design: Brad Bell (1997)
Why Play: A wide-open, forgiving course along the Carson River that’s popular with locals. Not as dramatic as Tahoe courses, but affordable and enjoyable for all skill levels.
Highlights: Good value, multiple tee boxes, and friendly atmosphere.
🏌️♂️ 8. Red Hawk Golf and Resort – Sparks
Design: Robert Trent Jones Jr. (Lakes Course), Hale Irwin (Hills Course)
Why Play: A 36-hole facility offering two distinct experiences: the water-heavy Lakes Course and the links-style Hills Course. Both are well-regarded for conditioning and challenge.
Highlights: Variety, resort amenities, and strong architecture.
✨ Northern Nevada Golf Tip: The region’s elevation means the ball travels farther — sometimes a full club difference. Combine that with stunning alpine weather, and you’ll see why Northern Nevada is a must-play golf destination.