Las Vegas golf can be an easy and fun stroll through the desertBy Ian Lenton, Las Vegas is supposed to be all about fun, right? Try telling that the golf architects serving up all those indimidating desert golf courses. Just as not everyone comes to Sin City for the gambling and the glitz, not every golfer is here to go mano-a-mano for 18 holes a day. Fortunately, some places know that. "Fear not," TravelGolf.com's Chris Baldwin recently reassured Vegas visitors, "there are more places to turn than you think. Vegas actually has a nice selection of courses for those not looking to prove anything except that golf is supposed to be fun."
Take Siena Golf Club. This course in the Summerlin neighborhood claims to be Tuscan-themed. There isn't much desert in Tuscany, as far as I know, but the course is beautiful nonetheless, and the Italian-themed clubhouse restaurant has a patio with vistas over Lake Siena to Vegas proper. With 97 bunkers sprinkled around the layout, short hitters have a distinct advantage at Siena, and the sloped, tiered greens will put your putter to the test. This isn't the place for those aiming to get in touch with their inner Bubba Watson, but most golfers will enjoy it. Another Summerlin favorite, Angel Park Golf Club, caters to all tastes and skill levels. Two Arnold Palmer championship courses offer multiple risk-reward options but no forced carries. At an elevation of 3,000 feet, Angel Park is cooler than most Vegas courses, an important consideration for older golfers. You can also beat the heat at the club's Cloud Nine Night Course, with 12 replica par-3 holes to test your iron play under the lights.
Circa-1963 Desert Rose Golf Course may be one Las Vegas' oldest tracks, but it has kept up with the times admirably in terms of conditions and facilities. The prices are definitely old-school, though. This is a walkers' course (although carts are available) with wide Bermuda fairways flanked by pine trees. Don't be lulled by the soft feel; those trees lay in wait for wayward shooters , as to the strategically placed bunkers. Prototypical of the course is the 607-yard, par-5 fourth - long but playable, moderately challenging and definitely enjoyable. If you goDesert Rose Golf Course Siena Golf Club Craig Ranch Golf Course Angel Park Golf Club June 19, 2006 Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans. |
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Dan Van Horn wrote on: Jun 29, 2006
I was in vegas in the fall of 05 and went golfing at Bolder City Golf Course a short drive (30 mins +/-)from the strip. More »
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