Edgewood sparkles in South Lake Tahoe

STATELINE, Nevada - An unforgettable finishing stretch can make an above average golf course great and lift a great golf course into the upper echelon of layouts in the world. At Edgewood Tahoe, the closing trio of 16, 17 and 18 combines spectacular scenery and variety to provide a memorable end to a round and give one of Nevada's top-rated courses yet another reason to be celebrated.

Bordered by the shimmering blue waters of Lake Tahoe and set against a backdrop of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is as beautiful as it is bold and closes on the shores of the nation's second deepest lake with three formidable holes, a par 3 sandwiched between two par 5's. 

While the course should be lauded for its signature stretch, Edgewood Tahoe also has a rich and storied history.

Designed by renowned architect George Fazio and maintained by his nephew Tom, Edgewood opened its doors in 1968 and has hosted a number of prestigious events.

In 1980, Edgewood was the sight of the United States Golf Association's first ever event in the state of Nevada when the 55^th annual U.S. Public Links Championship came to Lake Tahoe. Georgia Southern's Jodie Mudd, who was a junior at the time of the tournament, captured the top prize.

The USGA would return to Edgewood Tahoe in 1985 for U.S. Senior Open Championship. Miller Barber came away with the title that year and was the only player in the field to manage to break par that week on the demanding layout.

Today Edgewood's claim to fame is as host of the annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship held each July and aired on NBC Sports. More than 70 of the top names in sports and entertainment are expected for the 18^th annual playing of the event which is set for July 8 - July 13. Past participants include Michael Jordan, Donald Trump, Mario Lemieux and John Elway. The yearly celebrity tournament is the town's premier event.

Ranked by Golf Digest as the No. 5 Course in the state of Nevada, Edgewood has the capability of playing to a demanding and daunting 7445 yards but is a challenging yet fair test of golf for all ability levels. Players can choose from four sets of tees, which are marked by sizeable colored pine cones, giving all golfers a course suitable to their game, playing from 5567 yards at its shortest length.

Edgewood can be a brute from its back tee boxes but most will never play from the tips and will instead travel to South Lake Tahoe to experience the spectacular scenery and ambiance offered by one of the northern hemisphere's most beautiful golf courses.

Located just off the strip in Stateline, Nv., Edgewood offers the best of both worlds, treating golfers to stunning vistas of the mountains in the distance ushering them to the shorelines of the spectacular lake. The course is also framed throughout by majestic pine trees and natural water hazards, creating a unique alpine atmosphere. Edgewood also sits at an elevation of over 6,200 feet which allows your golf ball to slice through the thin mountain air and travel a bit farther than usual.

Edgewood has garnered its share of accolades from the country's leading golf publications. Golf Magazine placed it among the Top 100 Public-Access Courses in the World. Golfweek magazine named it Nevada's top-rated course and placed it among America's Best Public-Access Courses. Golf Digest magazine also called it one of the 100 Greatest Public-Access Golf Courses.

Edgewood green fees range from $235 at peak season to $140 in early May and the majority of October.

Open from May until late October, Edgewood also offers a fully-stocked pro shop, caddies, golf carts, a premier practice facility with a driving range and putting greens and a number of dining and drinking options.

For more refined dining, Edgewood Restaurant overlooks the lake and offers a sophisticated selection of entrees, appetizers and wines. The restaurant is open during both the summer and winter seasons.

Brooks' Bar & Deck is open during the golf season and offers a more casual atmosphere. In essence a sports bar, the Brooks' Bar & Deck is the perfect spot to fuel up before a round or relax with friends following the day's play. The bar was listed as "one of the best 19^th holes" by Golf Digest in 2008.

Edgewood also has two main banquet rooms, North and South, making it the perfect locale for a big event.

While the golf season may be abbreviated, the area surrounding Edgewood on the south shore offers a variety of outdoor and indoor activities year round. Tahoe is a top winter destination with superior skiing facilities such as Heavenly Mountain Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort.

Gamblers will find a wide array of options in the South Lake Tahoe as well. Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Harvey's Lake Tahoe Resort Casino and the MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa all offer world-class gaming and luxury accommodations.

Golf isn't the only warm weather activity in Edgewood's vicinity. South Lake Tahoe provides travelers with a variety of outdoor pursuits including backcountry hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, cycling, horseback riding and fly fishing.

Notable nearby attractions include Emerald Bay (20 minutes), Sand Harbor (30 minutes), Heavenly Gondola (10 minutes), Mount Tallac (30 minutes) and Rubicon Peak (45 minutes).

For more information on Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course and Restaurant call (775) 588-2787 or visit www.edgewoodtahoe.com. If you'd like more information about the Lake Tahoe area, please contact the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority at 1-800-AT-TAHOE (1-800-288-2463) or log onto www.BlueLakeTahoe.com.

Lake Tahoe is accessible from Northern California via Hwy 50 with Reno-Tahoe International Airport, located just an hour drive from Edgewood, as the air gateway with more than 180 daily flights and non-stop service from major cities.

A top vacation spot for the affluent and sophisticated, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course & Restaurant is at the center of the upscale and vibrant Tahoe area, located on the south shore of the lake's legendary blue waters. Just a short drive from Reno International Airport and two blocks off the Stateline casino strip, Edgewood combines the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains with the fun of top-flight golfing and the dining of a luxury restaurant.