We may not all make it out to Scotland or England to play the golf courses in the British Open rotation. But you can get a taste of the major at Las Vegas' Royal Links Golf Club, a replica golf course featuring some of the Open Championship's finest holes.
All the favorites are here, including the eighth at Royal Troon, better known as the "Postage Stamp", and No. 17 at the Old Course at St. Andrews, the "Road Hole". There are even two holes from Prestwick Golf Club, the original home of the Open.
The scenery at Royal Links is obviously a little different. Ocean views are replaced with Sunrise Mountain and the Strip, which is about 10 miles away. You won't get much rain out, but the wind can pick up pretty good on certain days. Fairways aren't as hard as their rolling, sandy counterparts across the pond, but they're still firm enough to let you play bump-and-run if you like. And you'll get sweeping heather, large greens and steep sod bunkers, some hidden, that are definitely worth avoiding. Despite being softened several years ago, Royal Links remains one of the most difficult Vegas golf courses.
These photos were taken in February 2007, so keep in mind that the grass pictured here is dormant and still a month or so away from getting green again.
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
You can catch a few glimpses of the Strip from Royal Links.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Sunrise Mountain view at Royal Links Golf Club
Sunrise Mountain provides a very non-British backdrop for the Scottish and English replica holes at Royal Links.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Links in Vegas
The par-5 No. 5 at Turnberry turns up at Royal Links in Vegas.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
Experience 18 of the British Open's finest holes at Royal Links in Las Vegas.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
Experience 18 of the British Open's finest holes at Royal Links in Las Vegas.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
Experience 18 of the British Open's finest holes at Royal Links in Las Vegas.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
The "Hell Bunker" from St. Andrews' Old Course makes an appearance at Royal Links.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas - 18 British Open holes
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas - 18 British Open holes
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
3rd at Prestwick GC - Las Vegas style
Replica of the third from Prestwick Golf Club, original home of the British Open.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas - 18 British Open holes
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas - 18 British Open holes
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas - 18 British Open holes
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas - 18 British Open holes
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas - 18 British Open holes
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas - photo gallery
Royal Troon's "Postage Stamp" is represented here as well.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas - 18 British Open holes
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
This Royal Links bunker is actually smaller that the Royal Troon original, but deeper.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas - 18 British Open holes
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
The Old Course's notorious "Road Hole" bunker can snag golfers in Vegas too.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas
Royal Links Golf Club, Las Vegas - 18 British Open holes
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com