Aliante Golf Club
Aliante Golf Club is a public course that's more than 7,000 yards long from the back tees and was designed by noted golf course architect Gary Panks. Aliante is all that a low handicapper can handle, while it is a true pleasure for a less-talented golfer. Even though it is situated in the desert, there are a number of lakes as well as large locust and pear trees strategically placed throughout the course. Before you play, or if you want to work on your swing after your round, you'll find an expansive practice area, a practice bunker, and a large chipping and putting green.
Aliante Golf Club
3100 W. Elkhorn
North Las Vegas, Nevada 89084
The Badlands
The Badlands, designed by retired golf professionals Johny Miller and Chi Chi Rodriguez, is considered one of the top golf courses in Las Vegas. Because of the natural beauty throughout The Badlands, virtually every one of its 27 holes are considered signature holes. The well-manicured greens are extremely fast, but you must continually navigate the ragged desert before you pull out your putter. There are four sets of tees from which you can choose, making The Badlands go from 5,200 to 7,000 yards.
The Badlands
9119 Alta Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89128
TPC Las Vegas
Golf architect and former U.S. Open champion Billy Casper said TPC Las Vegas will hold its own against any other golf course in the country. Shortly after it opened, it hosted the Las Vegas Classic on the Senior PGA Tour, and it is a major part of this nation's largest master-planned community at Summerlin. While you will be challenged by every hole on the front nine, the back nine is unforgettable. For instance, the par-3 twelfth hole is only 145 yards long, but it has you hitting over a canyon to a green that is elevated. The following hole is a long par-4 that has you hitting a blind tee shot over an arroyo to a fairway that angles to the right. TPC Las Vegas is one course you have to play.
TPC Las Vegas
9851 Canyon Run Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89144
Las Vegas National
For years known as the Desert Inn Golf Club, Las Vegas National is now a public course, but don't believe for a moment that it is a pushover. The numerous doglegs are prominently accentuated by large trees, and you'll find your out-of-bounds balls in the yards of homes that line the fairways. Depending on your choice of four tee selections, Las Vegas National ranges from about 5,400 yards to almost 7,000 yards from the championship tees. Located in downtown Las Vegas, this beautifully maintained golf course will let you experience vintage Las Vegas. Play it soon.
Las Vegas National
1911 E. Desert Inn Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89169
Royal Links Golf Club
If you'd rather be in Scotland, the birthplace of golf, rather than in Las Vegas, there is a golf course in the desert that will thrill you. The Royal Links was built to pay homage to the history of the game. It was inspired by the most famous heritages of golf, from the Postage Stamp of Troon to the Road Hole at St. Andrews. Since many of the holes feature hidden hazards and deep bunkers, forecaddies prove to be very useful. It includes a fully equipped golf shop, complete with timely merchandise as well as historical collectibles.
Royal Links Golf Club
5995 E. Vegas Valley
Las Vegas, Nevada 89122
About The Author
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.
