New golf-themed social club, Stingers, set to open in Lake Tahoe
ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. – A long-vacant restaurant space near Nevada Beach is getting a new life – part golf lounge, part craft cocktail bar and elevated eatery, and part social hub – and the owners say it’s unlike anything currently offered in the Tahoe Basin.
Stingers Golf Lounge, located in the former Capisce location, will open to the public on Wednesday, November 19, offering lunch, dinner, elevated drinks, and high-end golf simulators.
A New Concept for Tahoe
Indoor golf simulators aren’t new to the region, but Stingers’ approach aims to set itself apart. The business blends a boutique private-club feel with public access, allowing customers to dine, socialize, watch major sporting events, and play on one of the most advanced golf simulator systems available – Trackman technology with access to more than 300 courses, including Pebble Beach, Pinehurst and St. Andrews.
“This concept doesn’t really exist in this area,” said co-owner Randy Townsend, who has lived and worked in Tahoe for years. “There are simulators in Carson City and Reno, but nothing that’s this elevated and nothing with this level of food and atmosphere.”
The team began planning the project in 2021 when the space became available. Because they already owned the building, the biggest challenge wasn’t securing a lease, it was transforming a former restaurant into a modern entertainment venue.
“We had a lot of pressure from our friends to do something fun, festive and social with the space,” added Townsend. “Bringing community together is an absolute must.”
Starting in April of this year, walls were demolished, systems upgraded, finishes replaced, and simulators were installed with much of the work being done by the owners, local tradespeople and friends.
Food, Cocktails and Community
The business partners originally planned to serve only bar food. But early feedback pushed them toward a more complete menu.
“People kept asking, ‘Are you doing real food? Are you doing dinner?’ So, we elevated the concept,” said Stingers’ other co-owner, Scott Wheelon. “We wanted it to feel special – not just a place to practice golf.”
The kitchen menu will range from wings and flatbreads to macadamia-crusted sea bass with house-made sauces along with the self-described best smash burger in town. On the bar side, all syrups and infusions for cocktails are made in-house, including bourbon-infused cherries and ginger-mint syrups.
Membership Model with Public Access
Led by Golf Director Mitch Wheelon, the golf side of Stingers will operate as a hybrid: open to the public but offering memberships with benefits, including discounted simulator time, 24-hour access, food and beverage discounts, and loyalty rewards. To start, memberships will be capped at 20 to ensure availability.
“It’s easier to add more members than take them away,” Wheelon said. “We want people to feel like they have access and value.”
Public operating hours will be Wednesday through Sunday, with late-night hours on weekends.
Aiming to Become a Local Fixture
The owners say the business is primarily designed for locals, but they also know that there will be interest from surrounding high schools.
“Instructors can come here with their students and have sessions and actually learn the game during the winter then get outside in the summer,” said Townsend.
While the focus will be on the locals, the team also understands the importance of the visitors and tourists. And even though the business has not yet opened, they are already gaining interest for bachelor and holiday parties as well as corporate groups.
With Nevada Beach campground expanding and limited dining options on that end of South Shore, they expect steady demand.
“We want this to be a place for the community to gather,” Townsend said. “Somewhere to watch the Masters, have dinner, or just hang out with friends.”
“If the response is as strong as we think it will be, we already have plans to build more simulator bays,” Wheelon added.
Until then, the team is focused on opening day and greeting the steady stream of curious locals already knocking on the door.
“They walk by and yell, ‘When are you opening?'” laughed General Manager Meghan Gunn. “So now we finally get to answer.”
Stingers Golf Lounge is located at 178 Hwy 50 in Zephyr Cove, NV. Membership, private party inquiries, bay bookings, and menu information can be found online at stingersgolflounge.com.
