As winter begins to loosen its grip on Lake Tahoe, one of Incline Village’s most anticipated seasonal transitions quietly returns: golf season. Set against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks and emerging spring greens, the opening of the two Incline Village golf courses marks a shift in pace - longer days, time outdoors, and the return of a favorite local rhythm.
Incline Village Championship Course Projected to Open May 15th [LINK]
The Robert Trent Jones Sr. - designed Championship Course is projected to open Friday, May 15th, welcoming players back to one of the most recognized public courses in the region.
This par-72 layout blends classic design with Lake Tahoe’s natural terrain, offering wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and filtered lake views throughout the round. Following its 2003 renovation, the course has consistently earned national recognition, including rankings among the top public courses in the United States and high marks for both conditions and layout.
The adjacent Championship Golf Shop remains open year-round, offering logoed apparel, gifts, and essentials. As spring holidays approach, it’s a natural stop for both residents and visitors preparing for the season ahead. The Golf Shop also has an indoor golf simulator experience - allowing players to stay sharp before the fairways fully open. Sessions are booked hourly for up to four players, with a typical pace of about 30 minutes for 9 holes and one hour for 18 holes per player. The final virtual tee time is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, though reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 775-832-1146 or stopping by the Golf Shop.
Spring Hours
Tuesday – Saturday | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Driving Range (weather permitting) | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Incline Village Mountain Course Projected to Open May 22nd [LINK]
Just one week later, the Mountain Course is projected to open Friday, May 22nd, offering a distinctly different, but equally compelling, experience.
Set among towering pines and notable elevation changes, this par-58 course is both approachable and engaging. As the highest elevation golf course in Nevada and the Tahoe Basin, it delivers a uniquely alpine round that can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace - often completed in just a few hours.
Its accessibility, combined with scenic surroundings, makes it a favorite for both locals and visitors looking to fit golf into a full Tahoe day.
Getting Ready for the Season
Tee times and play passes for both courses are scheduled to open for booking beginning April 13th. For those eager to get an early start, the practice range is already open - offering a chance to fine-tune your swing ahead of opening day.
Range Rates
Small Bucket (22 balls): $8 ($6 with IVGID pass)
Medium Bucket (44 balls): $13 ($11 with IVGID pass)
Large Bucket (66 balls): $18 ($16 with IVGID pass)
Range cards are available in $100, $200, and $300 increments.
Preseason lessons and club fitting services are also available through the Golf Academy, providing an opportunity to refine technique or upgrade equipment before the season begins.
From early morning tee times to afternoons spent outdoors, these courses offer another way to experience the landscape that draws so many people here in the first place. For homeowners and prospective buyers alike, access to amenities like these continues to shape both daily life and long-term value in Incline Village.
As the snow recedes and the fairways reemerge, the return of golf season signals something simple and familiar: summer is just around the corner. I hope to see you on the course this season.
______
Kristie Wells is a real estate agent specializing in Incline Village and Crystal Bay on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. She offers buyers and sellers expert guidance, market insight, and a thoughtful approach to Tahoe real estate, along with a curated perspective on local homes, hidden gems, and life in the mountains.