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Featured Golf Course
December 2007
By: Shane Jensen

Rhodes Ranch Golf Club is a traditional style golf course that provides a number of great risk/reward holes. Designed by Ted Robinson, this is a very player-friendly golf course but has some of the most difficult par-3's in Las Vegas. Recently Rhodes Ranch replaced all the putting surfaces and this has made a dramatic difference for the golf course.

Rhodes Ranch opened for play in 1997 and quickly became a favorite of local golfers. The style of the golf course is great to play every day or on the yearly visit to Las Vegas. Unlike like many golf courses in Las Vegas this is not target golf. There are desert areas but most of the golf course will resemble a typical country club anywhere in the country.

The tee ball is the most important shot in the early part of the golf course. The first and second holes both have very narrow landing areas and players can make a big number if they are not careful. The third hole is really where the golf course starts to get interesting. This is the signature hole and the longest par-3 on the golf course.

Not only is the 3rd hole very scenic, with groves of mature palm trees lining the entire back and left sides of the hole, but it is also very tough. Water plays an important factor in the design of this hole. There is a huge pond that sits to the front and right of the green, but there is a small collection bunker in place to catch a shot hit right.

This is a large green that has a lot of undulations and tiers. The best place off the tee is toward the bunkers on the left-hand side of the green. Be sure to check the pin placement as the green is very long. Par is a great score on this hole and the 4th hole is a great birdie opportunity.

The nice thing about Rhodes Ranch is that golfers of any skill level will have a great time. The golf course is not overly long, playing only 6,900 yards from the back tee, but chipping can be tough around the greens. Many of the greens are surrounded by either bunkers, water, or mounds. The fairways throughout the golf course are wide and in great condition.

A great example of a risk/reward hole is the 11th hole. This is a short par-4, only 321 yards, and the longest hitters will have a chance to go after this green from the tee. The daunting task is to hit the ball over a pond that runs down the right side of the hole. The green sits on the other side of this pond a mere 280-yard carry. Most players will need a cannon to carry the ball 280.
If you are not going to try for the green you will need to hit a fairway wood toward the mounds on the left side of the fairway. It is better to miss the ball left than right on this hole. The green on this hole has several tiers, but birdie is a great opportunity.
The greens at Rhodes Ranch Golf Club have come back stronger than ever - they are fast, undulating and fun to putt. If you are looking for a great time on a wonderful golf course, then Rhodes Ranch is the place for you. The golf course is an easy 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. 

Visit the Following Las Vegas Golf Courses for more information:

• Rhodes Ranch Golf Club