Desert Rose is a county-owned facility on the eastern edge of Las Vegas, within 7 1/2 miles of the Strip. As one of the first courses built here, it has offered a convenient and relatively inexpensive golfing option for visitors since 1964. This mature 6,511-yard course features tight fairways, narrow greens and shady pine trees. Its signature hole is the 607-yard No. 4, which punishes hooks and slices.
Joe Lee and Dick Wilson designed the course, and American Golf operates it. It underwent a $4 million renovation in 1997. But as a county course, it does not offer the same ambiance as some of the more upscale properties in the region. Users of Golflink, a primary online resource for golf information and instruction, have offered varying opinions on this course.
Facts:
This par-71 course mimicked some of the design at Doral, Bay Hill and Callaway Gardens. Golfers often walk the course but carts are available. Golfing rates range from $59 to $85. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance. A waterway surrounds and winds through the grounds. While the front half waterway is often dry, the flowing path in the back half requires more strategy to maneuver. The rolling topography of the greens offers a challenge as well. The layout appeals to all ability levels. A dress code of collared shirts prevails. This course has been home to the Southern Nevada Golf Association's Clark County Amateur event.
Features:
The course features a traditional design. The tees and fairways feature Bermuda and rye. The grass is kept longer on the fairways and transition areas to provide a pleasant walking environment. The greens feature poa trivialis.
Benefits:
Known as a good value, the course is in close proximity to casinos and shows. Desert Rose offers cart rentals, two chipping greens, a cocktail bar, driving range, practice bunker, pro shop, putting green, restaurant for breakfast and lunch and shoe and club rentals. Tournaments can be arranged for any day of the week. The facility offers personalized merchandise and prizes. To find out more, see the link to the American Golf website in the Resources section below.
Time Factor:
The course is open year round. Check availability in late August and early September when the site is closed for over seeding and other maintenance work. Windy conditions can prevail. The Southern Nevada Clark County Amateur Tournament is held annually.
Geography:
The course is east of Interstate 515 and north of McCarran International Airport. Car rental is recommended for golfing excursions. Booking sites such as the Las Vegas Golf website (see Resources below) offer precise street directions. The course is located within the Las Vegas city limits.
Risk Factors:
Las Vegas is in the desert. The average high temperature from June through August exceeds 100 degrees. Golfers with health problems should not book a noon tee time in the dead of summer.
Resources:
