Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course: Playing Golf Above Lake Tahoe
Edgewood Tahoe sits on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, Nevada, with views of the lake and the Sierra Nevada that make it one of the most visually spectacular settings for golf in the United States. The course has been in operation since 1968, redesigned by George Fazio and Tom Fazio, and has hosted the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament since 1990 — the event that introduced most of America to the idea of watching famous non-golfers play golf on television.
The Course
Edgewood Tahoe plays to a par 72 at approximately 7,500 yards from the back tees. The elevation — approximately 6,200 feet above sea level — means the ball travels significantly further than at sea level; add 10-15% to your expected carry distances. Club selection at Edgewood requires recalibrating entirely, and many first-time visitors discover this on the first tee.
The course is known for its finishing holes. The 16th, 17th, and 18th holes all run along or near the lakeshore, with views of Lake Tahoe that are genuinely distracting from the golf. The 17th is the signature hole: a mid-iron par 3 played over a bay of the lake to a green that appears to float on the water. It is one of the most photographed golf holes in the American West.
The American Century Championship
The American Century Championship has been held at Edgewood Tahoe every summer since 1990. The celebrity format — a modified Stableford scoring system that rewards birdies and eagles while limiting the damage from bogeys — keeps the field competitive regardless of participants' handicaps. The tournament has included everyone from former NFL quarterbacks to Hollywood actors to current PGA Tour players competing in the pro-am division.
The tournament's television coverage, which has aired on NBC and Golf Channel, has made Edgewood Tahoe one of the most recognizable courses in America to casual sports fans who might not follow golf regularly.
The Edgewood Tahoe Resort
In 2017, Edgewood Tahoe opened a resort hotel on the property — the first new hotel on the south shore of Lake Tahoe in decades. The lodge-style property offers direct access to the golf course and the lakefront, making it a legitimate destination resort rather than purely a golf course with lodging nearby.
Getting There
Edgewood Tahoe is located in Stateline, Nevada, on the California-Nevada border at the south end of Lake Tahoe. The nearest commercial airport is Reno-Tahoe International, approximately 60 miles away. Sacramento and San Francisco airports offer more flight options at the cost of a longer drive (3-4 hours). The Lake Tahoe area is also accessible from Reno by car in about an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edgewood Tahoe public or private?
Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is open to the public. Tee times can be booked through the Edgewood Tahoe Resort website. Resort guests receive priority booking.
What tournament is played at Edgewood Tahoe?
The American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament, has been held at Edgewood Tahoe every July since 1990. It is broadcast on NBC and Golf Channel.
How does elevation affect golf at Lake Tahoe?
At approximately 6,200 feet above sea level, golf balls travel 10-15% further at Edgewood Tahoe than at sea level. Plan to hit at least one or two clubs less than you would normally select for a given distance.