10 of The Best Golf Courses to Play in Las Vegas on Vacation

The golfing reputation of Las Vegas has risen dramatically since the turn of the century, as the entertainment capital of the world continues to invest in their golf stocks.

There are more than 50 golf courses within a 40-minute drive of the Las Vegas Strip, all of which offer something slightly different in a bid to draw in visitors.

The misconception that Las Vegas is only recommended for better players should not deter you; a fine selection of courses cater to a range of abilities.

We provide information on ten of Las Vegas’ very best and what to expect when you’re next in town.

Desert Pines Golf Club

Desert Pines Golf Club first opened its doors in 1997 but has since gone under a hefty renovation, which includes reshaping many of the greens. The moment you walk through the door you will understand what golf means to this esteemed venue, as photos of legends are stacked alongside the clubhouse walls. It’s also home to a riveting layout that can be deemed as fairly generous, with mounding separating the fairways which can often culminate in lucky breaks as poor shots bounce back into play. Water hazards, vast bunkering and the occasional narrow fairway provide a fair yet rewarding challenge.

Las Vegas National Golf Club

When it comes to golfing in Las Vegas, Las Vegas National Golf Club - commonly referred to as ‘The National’ - is arguably home to one of the most historic and traditional golf courses to reside in the area. Having opened in 1961, it is definitely one of the older courses in Las Vegas, and the parkland setting is perfect for anyone who is looking for a famous location. The club has played host to the LPGA and PGA Tour on several occasions; golfers will quickly learn of the challenge that awaits them. Course management is tested to the maximum as intelligent decisions are rewarded at Las Vegas National Golf Club. Its proximity to the famous Strip - approximately 10 minutes - is another big positive.

Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort

Located just 25 minutes from the Strip lies Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort. Golfers will find three championship routings that are maintained to the highest possible standard. The Snow Mountain, Sun Mountain and The Wolf Course were all designed by the legendary architect Pete Dye, who is responsible for multiple renowned venues across the world. No matter your decision, each course boasts tremendous views of the surrounding area and they all measure beyond 7,000 yards from the tips.

SouthShore Country Club

The remarkable Nevada desert provides a stunning and unique setting for SouthShore Country Club, which is home to a Jack Nickalus designed golf course. Nicklaus leant on all his experience as both a player and designer to create a unique challenge, where being able to shape the ball both ways is exceptionally useful. Furthermore, there are many dramatic elevation changes and outstanding views that will leave any golfer breathless. The layout is maintained expertly and the well-manicured greens are a real highlight of a round at SouthShore.

Rio Secco Golf Club

Rio Secco Golf Club is situated south of Las Vegas and the fantastic 18-hole course provides a rounded experience of golf. The course plays very well and will reward certain decisions or shots, but the stern difficulty remains - which means this should be a viable option for an array of handicaps. Having opened in 1997, Rees Jones was asked to refine the layout and the American duly accepted. Narrow fairways are encapsulated by a desert landscape, with the course measuring 6,992 yards from the furthest tees. Jones intelligently altered the course to make it more playable for higher handicaps yet tweaked the course in other areas to crank its difficult during crucial moments of the round.

Cascata Golf Club

Not every golf course can appeal to a wide range of handicap in Las Vegas, but Cascata Golf Club is one that can. The beautiful desert location adds an element of surrealness to the experience and the lush green fairways demonstrate the level of attention the course receives from the greenkeeping staff on a daily basis. Located south east of Las Vegas, Rees Jones has successfully created a golf course that all levels of ability should feel comfortable on.

Angel Park Golf Club

With 36 holes of golf located on the premises, it’s easy to see why Angel Park Golf Club is so popular throughout the year. Arnold Palmer left his mark at this club through the creation of two brilliant layouts that will test every element of a golfer’s game. The Mountain and Palm are notorious for the stunning views they provide as you slowly navigate your way around each route. Additionally, a smaller 9-hole course can be enjoyed under the floodlights in the evening; Angel Park is also home to the world’s first natural grass putting course which can also be experienced during nighttime.  

Chimera Golf Club

The site formally known as Tuscany Golf Club was renamed in 2003, to reflect the title that remains intact today. Chimera Golf Club will appeal to a wide range of golfers because of its playability; the layout can be deemed relatively generous with forgiving fairways. However, this is no walk in the park as contoured greens and water hazards will demand your full attention. Perhaps the largest element of defence is the bunkering - visitors are often surprised at the level of sand at Chimera!

Bali Hai Golf Club

Towards the southern end of the Strip you’ll find Bali Hai Golf Club, a tropical desert golf course that boasts a highly entertaining and fun design. For more serious golfers, you’ll be delighted to know that the practice facilities are extensive and both the driving range and putting green allow for desired practice before you tackle the course. Better players can expect a mighty challenge as the course measures beyond 7,000 yards from the back tees; vast bunkering dominates every fairway, so accuracy will be an important tool for an impressive score.

Reflection Bay Golf Club

Reflection Bay Golf Club’s luxurious setting in Lake Las Vegas epitomises the type of quality that is on offer at this lavish venue. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course opened for play in 1998 and extends to 7,261 yards from the tips - which won’t be for everyone! The course is maintained to the highest possible standard with the lush fairways and beautiful greens real highlights of a round at Reflection Bay. Five holes are lined across the shoreline and for the golfer who likes to prepare before they tee off, a large driving range and several putting greens are located across the road from the club.