Palm Valley Golf Course opened in 1989 in the Summerlin area, which is becoming a golf Mecca in the greater Las Vegas area. Located on Del Webb Boulevard northwest of the city, it is one of three golf courses between Summerlin Parkway and West Cheyenne Avenue designed by Billy Casper and Greg Nash.
"This golf course is designed with the player in mind," Palm Valley tournament director Paul Brown once explained. "You won't be brutalized while you're playing. There are some golf courses where that may happen, but they really did build this golf course with the player's ability in mind." There are plenty of downhill holes and not much in the way of water hazards.
The course is also within 30 minutes of the Las Vegas Strip. Of the three Casper/Nash golf courses, Palm Valley is the longest and toughest judged by the rate/slope ratio.
Facts:
The 6,580-yard semi-private course features ponds and other water features along with native landscaping. The first and last holes are the longest, over 500 yards each. The shortest is No. 3 at 177 yards off the blue tee. The course, with rolling hills and fast greens of Bentgrass and Bermuda, is a good test for intermediate golfers. Listed green fees are $100 weekdays and weekends and include golf cart costs. Resident of the Las Vegas community of Sun City Summerlin get preferred tee times and rates.
Features:
The golf course has a clubhouse, including Vista Grille, a walk-up style dining area and bar. The clubhouse offers slot machines. Also part of the facility are practice areas, a driving range and putting greens. A pro golfer is on site. Golf Summerlin, which oversees the Sun City Summerlin courses of Palm Valley, Eagle Crest and Highland Falls, offers a golf school. The group also offers banquet and catering opportunities at a nearby facility.
Benefits:
Nearby hotels include JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa, Hampton Inn-Las Vegas-Summerlin, La Quinta-Summerlin Suncoast Hotel and Casino and Palms Place Hotel and Spa. There are other casinos in the 40 square miles that makes up the Summerlin community. Nearby attractions include the Carrara Gallery, Yucca Mountain Science Center and the Nevada State Museum and Historical Society.
Time Factors:
The course is closed during part of September for overseeding and maintenance. Restrictions for cart paths follow. Aeration work is performed in the spring. Expect windy conditions at times. The course is open year round. Call for tee times or contact the management (see Resources below).
Geography:
The Summerlin area is a mixed planned community of residential and commercial properties. Part of the northern portion is within the Las Vegas city limits, and part of the southern portion is in Clark County. Palm Valley Golf is located in a section of the community restricted to those 55 and over. Shops, restaurants, hospitals and resorts are nearby. Bus transportation is available.
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.
