Unlike its cousin, Las Vegas, Reno is known for its hospitality and a relaxed feel. It's refreshingly uncrowded and an affordable getaway near Lake Tahoe. Golf.com even called the Reno-Tahoe area "one of western golf's best bets." And if you don't mind the drive, there are plenty of spectacular mountain courses, some that are even just over the border in California. Whether you are renting your golf clubs or packing them, here are our top picks for golf in the Reno area.
Home to the University of Nevada - Reno golf team, this course is just south of the city. It's fun and birdie friendly, plus it's rolling terrain provides some challenges. It also boasts a neat gimmick: a bet settling 19th hole shaped like the paw of the college mascot.
1400 Wolf Run Rd
Reno, Nevada 89511
(775) 851-3301
Green Fees: $25 - $60
Located a mere 10 minutes from downtown Reno, this 1971 Trent Jones, Sr. layout is one of the most inviting local tracks. Though it has some demanding holes, it's perfect for an easygoing round of golf, allowing for conversation. The 15th hole offers the city's best golf photo op with a view of Reno's casinos.
1218 Golf Club Drive
Reno, NV 89519
(775) 825-2200
Green Fees: $35 - $75
An hour outside of Reno and just across the border in the Sierra Mountains of California is The Dragon. A real lip-biter of a course that requires surgically placed tee balls. It will test even golfers at the top of their game. The clubhouse, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is also one of western golf's most appealing and interesting structures and well worth a visit.
348 Bear Run
Clio, CA 96106
(877) 462-5662, (530) 322-3333
Green Fees: $65 - $85
This High Sierra gem features 18 scenic holes that overlook the Sierra Nevada Ridgeline. Coyote Moon is wildly popular with the locals and for good reason too. Its architect, Brad Bell, smartly mapped the course through towering pines and is considered a masterpiece of mountain golf design. Despite visual intimidation on every hole, the course is easily playable. It also features hundreds of feet of elevation change and amazing scenery. The greens on the 16th and 17th holes are bordered by a lake that reflects the dramatic Sierra sky and is truly mesmerizing.
10685 Northwoods Blvd.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 587-0886
Green Fees: $115 - $175
The Championship Course at Incline Village
Back on the Nevada side of the border just a few miles from the shore of Lake Tahoe is Incline Village, which hosts two of the region's most beautiful courses, particularly in the fall when the trees turn yellow and red. The Championship Course is a 1970's Trent Jones, Sr. design with wide open fairways uniquely clear cut of trees. The 15th hole also offers a stunning view of Lake Tahoe. Don't forget that you are still 6500 feet above sea level here and your tee shot will carry further.
955 Fairway Blvd
Incline Village, NV 89451
(866) 925-4653, (775) 832-1146
Green Fees: $45 - $170
