Friday, January 23, 2009

Must-play Golf Courses For Vacationers In Las Vegas

By Charles Davis

Close your eyes and imagine Las Vegas. You probably see the famous Strip or a blackjack table. True, Las Vegas is best known for its gambling and casino scene. But did you stop to imagine some great golf as well? Las Vegas has excellent golf courses to satisfy the beginner or advanced player alike.

If gambling or casinos are the words that come to mind most often when Vegas is mentioned I believe the word golf needs to be added to that list. Golf vacations to Las Vegas are worth consideration for the avid golfer. Let me guide you on a quick tour of some of the amazing golf spots in and around the City of Lights.

The Falls Golf Club at Lake Las Vegas: Designed by Tom Weiskopf, this course is absolutely gorgeous. The layout combines lush scenery with waterfalls and various elevations. Holes 12-14 include a view of the valley floor and 100 feet of elevation changes. Totally amazing!

Snow Mountain at Paiute Resort: This course is a gentler Pete Dye-designed course. It still retains very tough pot bunkers but it is also kind with wide fairways and large greens. The resort is perfect for golfers that love a secluded feeling. The course includes a par 5 that is 552-foot and includes a water-guarded green. Enjoy!

Reflection Bay at Lake Las Vegas: This course was designed by legendary Jack Nicklaus. The scenery and design give the course a Southwest and Southeast (Florida) look. Watch the lake holes. While you may avoid the water there is the danger of finding one of the many sand traps. This course is one you will certainly want to consider on your Vegas golf vacation.

Royal Links Golf Club: This course gives the golfer an opportunity to tackle some British Open-styled holes. The unique clubhouse is castle-shaped. Be sure to watch out for the deep bunkers around the greens. The old Hell Bunker from Saint Andrews is also represented here. Stay away from that bunker if you want to keep your score low!

TPC by the Canyons: TPC is a desert themed course. Designers Bobby Reed and Ray Floyd kept the course consistent with the local Nevada desert landscape. The result is a naturally beautiful course. But don't get caught off-guard by the the Death Valley arroyo, which is over 30 feet deep in places.

I have highlighted only five of these gorgeous and challenging courses. There are many more in the area that will give any golfer enough choices to create an unforgettable experience. So, next time you are planning a golf vacation getaway, think of Las Vegas! - 16928

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