Lake Tahoe | Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course

Gazing at the landscape while relaxing on a terrace is an activity I engage in whenever possible, so I was thrilled to have the chance to do so at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. Our views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains rising out of the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, edged by the green turf of the golf course would have made even Ansel Adams sprint to purchase colored film to gather its spectacular beauty.

After pulling into a gated entrance with a long driveway heading towards a beautiful Alpine-looking clubhouse, you’d think you were at an exclusive golf club. But Edgewood is open to the public as are the two restaurants. Edgewood Restaurant is for fine dining, open for dinner only and Brooks Bar & Deck is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We enjoyed lunch here, with half-pound burgers, salmon fish and chips and ahi tuna tacos. It’s easy to see why Brooks was voted one of the best 19th holes by Golf Digest.

I’m perfectly content to just enjoy the 19th hole, skipping the whole previous 18 altogether, my son and husband headed out for their afternoon tee time, while my daughter and I explored nearby Heavenly Village. After meeting up a few hours later, my son Christopher said it was the most beautiful course he’d ever played on, while my husband Chris declared it the nicest public course this side of St. Andrews.

As he described it, “The course has lush fairways, beautiful greens nestled amidst tall pines, meticulously manicured grass and sand traps. Golf carts have the latest in GPS technology, alerting you to how far you are from the greens and disabling your engine if you happen to forget which holes are cart path only. And then, to finish your round on a windy day, with waves whipping up Lake Tahoe so they break near the green of 17 and the fairway of 18, you'd think you were on an ocean course at Pebble Beach or Sea Island. There were just enough creeks and ponds along the way to absorb that new sleeve of golf balls we bought in the pro shop, but water doesn't dominate the play. However, distant, beautiful views of mountains and snowcaps and lakefront inspire excellent play.”

Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is open mid-May to mid-October every year. Greens fees range from $100 to $235. 775 588-2787, www.edgewoodtahoe.com.