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2007 Recap Las Vegas Golf Courses You Should Have Played

Nov 16, 2007 by Shane Jensen

Every year, golf in Las Vegas gets stronger with new golf courses being built. With so many world-class golf courses in such a small area, it is no wonder that Las Vegas is such a popular golf destination. Not only can players enjoy some of the best golf course conditions, to include the high standards of the PGA owned TPC Canyons, let's not forget to add in the nightlife, the world-class entertainment, world-renown Restaurants and the plethora of excitement that only the city of Las Vegas can offer.

If you've golfed Las Vegas this year, you know about some of the fantastic golf courses this city has to offer. There are several tracks that particularly stand out, however. These golf courses should have been on your must-play list for 2007. Each of these golf courses possess distinctive characteristics that make them unique.

The Falls Golf Club

This is the newest Las Vegas golf course on this list. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, this golf course meanders its way through the rugged landscape that surrounds Lake Las Vegas. There are so many great holes on this golf course that golfers will not even have a chance to catch their collective breath. Of all the golf courses in Las Vegas, The Falls Golf Club has the best opportunities for scenic pictures.

The great thing about the Lake Las Vegas Resort is that there are several golf courses and hotels located right on property. This makes Lake Las Vegas the perfect place to plan a special weekend getaway. The Falls Golf Club is a great golf course for couples, and with multiple sets of tees any skill level of golfer will enjoy it.

Badlands Golf Club

Known as one of the toughest golf courses in Las Vegas, Badlands Golf Club is a great representative of true desert golf. Two of the three nine-hole courses here were designed by Johnny Miller. Miller is known for his accurate ball-striking and he has certainly incorporated this mindset into the design for Badlands Golf Club. This golf course has several forced carries and some holes that you will think came directly off a "World's Most Difficult Holes" calendar.

This golf course is certainly one that needs to be played at least once. The Badlands is always in great shape and the greens have been known to be lighting fast. The greens on this golf course are smaller in size than most golf courses, but the course itself is shorter than most, measuring only 6,800 yards from the back tee.

TPC Canyons

Every year the Frys.com Open is contested over this track located in Summerlin. The tournament is played at two golf courses, but the TPC Canyons is the more difficult of the two. Open to the public ,the TPC Canyons is always in great condition. This is one of the few opportunities for the average golfer to be treated like a touring professional. This facility has a forecaddie program and the golf course is always in tournament condition.

The greens at TPC Canyons are designed with numerous collection areas that will capture any balls hit toward the sides of the greens. Accuracy is at a premium on both the tee shot and the approach shots. If you have never played a PGA Tour caliber golf course, add TPC Canyons to your list and you won't be disappointed.

Rio Secco Golf Club

Although Rio Secco has never held a major professional tournament this is certainly a worthy golf course for any golfer. Designed by Rees Jones, this golf course starts out tame but bares it's teeth on the back nine. Rio Secco is a true target golf course. There are very few holes on this layout that are not surrounded by desert areas. Several times during the round golfers are forced to carry their ball over vast canyons where repelling equipment would be needed to retrieve an errant shot.

This is one of the few golf courses in Las Vegas that has two par-5's to finish the golf course. The 17th is a short par-5 that can be reached in two shots and makes for a great birdie opportunity. The 18th hole is an extremely long hole that measures 634 yards from the back tee. This golf course is in great condition year-round and players will have a great time at this track. Be sure to check out the T-Mate program to spice up your round of golf.

Cascata

Another Rees Jones design, Cascata Golf Club is one of the most exclusive and pristine golf courses in Las Vegas. Players will fork over a hefty $500 to play this track. The views are quite scenic and the holes are even more impressive. The treatment you receive here is second to none, golfers are treated like royalty once they enter the gates of this sanctuary.

Cascata has one of the most unique clubhouses in Las Vegas. The restaurant and golf shop are separated by an indoor waterfall that has its origins high in the hills. Be sure to bring your camera and capture this unique setting for the scrapbook. Cascata is located near Boulder City and is definitely worth the price of admission.

 

Visit the Following Las Vegas Golf Courses for more information:

• Falls Golf Club
• TPC Canyons
• Badlands Golf Club
• Rio Secco Golf Club
• Cascata