Amongst all the other summertime recreation available in and around Lake Tahoe, a number of golf courses offer surprisingly good games, plus a few unique lake and mountain views.

The championship George Fazio course at Edgewood Tahoe (180 Lake Pkwy., Stateline, NV, 775/588-3566, http://edgewoodtahoe.com, daily May.–Oct., $150–250) has been compared to the Pebble Beach Golf Links—and called better. Not everyone agrees with that bold statement, but the consensus is definitely that Edgewood is one of the top courses in the West, if not the nation.

As you walk the course, you’ll see views of the lake and mountains that are so wonderful that you may forget all about that pesky putting for a moment or two. Several holes sit right along the shores of Lake Tahoe—one of the bigger water hazards you’ll find in California.

After your game, enjoy lunch and a stiff drink at the Brook’s Golf Bar & Deck. You can call or go online to reserve a tee time ahead of time. Your rather hefty fee includes a golf cart, and you can rent clubs and hire a caddie as well.

On the other side of the lake, Coyote Moon (10685 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, 530/587-0886, www.tahoemountainclub.com, $160) also imposes a hefty green fee, but according to expert golfers and writers, it’s more than worth the money you’ll lay down. Coyote Moon boasts fairways dotted with granite boulders and lined by dense natural forest. No, the builders didn’t make it that way—instead, the designer created a layout that takes advantage of the natural features of this unique locale. While Coyote Moon tends to beckon more to advanced golfers, even beginners can play an enjoyable round here.

For golfers looking to play a few holes on the cheap, Tahoe Paradise Golf Course (530/577-2121, www.tahoeparadisegc.com, daily 6 a.m.–7 p.m., $20–60) offers a pleasant course as well as pleasantly small green fees. On the South Shore, in fact right off Highway 50, this convenient course has pretty mountain views and plenty of lovely pine trees—and 18 holes of moderate golf that provides a fun game for beginners and intermediate golfers. There’s also a pro shop, practice area, and a modest snack bar that runs to hot dogs and beer.