Right on the cusp of the border between Nevada and California is one of the most memorable golf courses west of the Mississippi River. The Primm Valley Golf Course would be spectacular to look at no matter where it was located, but because it's basically an oasis smack in the middle of the desert, it becomes one of the most memorable and beautiful courses anywhere in the West.
Function
Play the Lakes Course if you want a serious challenge to your golfing ability. The Lakes Course is notable for its strikingly green fairways and well-manicured greens in the desert environment. It's also a difficult course that demands accuracy and consistency. A golfer who makes a mistake will have a hard time getting out of trouble with a spectacular shot.
Theories/Speculation
Use your creativity on the Lakes Course. Designed by Tom Fazio, the Lakes Course gives a golfer great scoring opportunities as long as he can keep the ball in the fairway. Playing a standard tee-to-green kind of game will suffice, but some of the shots will force a golfer to hit low runners or high, soft shots when neither one would be expected.
Considerations
Test yourself on the 530-yard, par-5 second hole. This hole has the largest man-made lake on the course, and you have to go around the lake if you want to make it to the green in regulation. The tee and the green actually face each other, but the large body of water makes it impossible to try to get there directly. By going around the lake, most golfers try to skirt the edges. Many find their shots trickling into the water because they try to cut the corner too abruptly.
Geography
Drive less than an hour from Las Vegas to get to Primm Valley. In addition to golf, there is a resort that includes all the amenities and even has a casino. However, don't look for the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. Regulars say the atmosphere is more like that of a Southern city than Vegas.
Expert Insight
This is one of the most challenging and difficult courses in the desert. It is not for beginners, and if you are an average golfer make sure you are on your game before attempting to play. Primm Valley is not a course you will want to play unless you are starting to show significant progress. Playing a course that is way over your head can retard your progress and turn you off to the game.
Resources
- — Primm Valley Golf Course
