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Have you taken a golf lesson?

Cassandra Walker
cwalker@sierrasun.com
@snow1cass
Old Brockway Golf Course has been rated among the Top 10 Nine-Hole Golf Courses among 4,000 others.
Cassandra Walker / Sierra Sun |

Nestled beneath Jeffery pines facing “big blue” is Old Brockway Golf Course in Kings Beach, a family owned business which celebrates its 93rd season this year.

Lane Lewis is Old Brockway’s owner and has been in the area with his wife since 1981.

Lewis says that having run the business over the past 35 years has certainly taught him much about the sport, but that the most rewarding parts of his job are building relationships with locals and visitors, and enjoying the game.



“The most joy I get out of the business is seeing people year after year for their one-week vacation,” Lewis said.

“I even saw four generations out on one tee the other day; it’s really special to get people out here who see this place as a destination on their vacation; it becomes a golf tradition for them.”



The pro shop was recently remodeled and has been open for two weeks now, welcoming visitors to the driving range, putting green and nine-hole course to soak up the sun and play in beautiful North Lake Tahoe.

“With such a heavy winter everything has really turned out fantastic, the conditions are phenomenal,” Lewis said.

He explained that Old Brockway typically opens the first week of April, but this year they pushed it to May 7 in order to ensure the course was in top shape.

Having so much experience in the golf industry, Lewis said his number one takeaway for anyone looking to advance his or her skill is to invest in a lesson.

“The right swing is more important than expensive equipment will ever be,” Lewis said.

Below are Old Brockway’s top five tips for learning to golf here in North Lake Tahoe.

1. Invest in a Lesson

There is always room for improvement when learning or developing better technique for any skill. Investing your time and money in taking a lesson allows room for feedback and opinions from other experts. Old Brockway’s owners and instructors have generated lasting relationships with visitors over the past 35 years as the last family run course in the area, and highly recommends even advanced golfers see what they can take away from the experts.

2. Half a Century of Expertise

Old Brockway’s two instructors have almost 50 years of experience, combined. They are able to recognize adjustments that should be made to improve students’ technique and can help better connect-the-dots of what proper form should feel like. And the classic course is a wonderful place for beginners and advanced golfers, alike.

3. Top-Rated Course

Old Brockway Golf Course has been rated among the Top 10 Nine-Hole Golf Courses, a list compiled by Golf Today magazine encompassing around 4,000 courses. Lewis suggests hitting the driving range to loosen up prior to playing and also says a helpful trick is to swing by the putting green to get an indication of the course surface conditions and green speed.

4. Friendly Staff & Clientele

Whether you’re having a drink in Spindleshanks or purchasing gear from the pro shop, Old Brockway treats all of its visitors like family and is happy to create a beautiful day outside for their guests. Ted Caldwell is a golfer who frequents Old Brockway Golf Course. He said it best when he explained, “The gorgeous views, tall trees and friendly people around here make for an all-around good time.”

5. Love for the Game

Old Brockway has the experts to help guests improve their golf game, though Lewis warns that the most important part of golfing is making time to enjoy. “Relax while you’re golfing, enjoy the camaraderie, and the scenery,” he said. “The nature of the sport is one that is social and can be competitive but just keep in mind, your practice swing is usually your best; get out there and start swinging, just have fun and don’t take it too seriously.”

Cassandra Walker is a features and entertainment reporter for the Sierra Sun. She can be reached at cwalker@sierrasun.com, 530-550-2654 or @snow1cass.


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