Airport
The Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) is the primary airport for Las Vegas, Henderson and all Clark County destinations. McCarran is home to 30 airlines, and is a five-and-a-half hour flight from New York City. During the fall and winter peak season McCarran is one of the busiest airports in the world so be sure to pack light, and be prepared to wait up to an hour for your clubs to make it to baggage claim.
Best Flights
Because sleep is scarce in Vegas, many travelers opt for the red-eye leaving the city, and there is something to be said for taking off at midnight and arriving back East in time for work Monday morning. Most flights out are either early morning or late night, but whichever you choose light sleepers should bring a book because there are usually few people awake interested in conversation.
Flights aren't limited to off hours, and if you're willing to negotiate your arrival and departure time many airlines offer deep discounts for less popular flights.
Spring and summer is the off-season, and if you can stand to play 18 holes in 100-degree heat, airlines and hotels offer great discounts.
Golf in Vegas
Golflink's index has over 45 courses in the Las Vegas area, and among those are some of the most challenging, interesting, and creative layouts in the country. The Walter Golf Bali Hai is visible as you fly in and is located on the strip. With an island green, augusta white sand, and thousands of tropical plants, Bali Hai models itself as a South Pacific destination.
If you're looking for a challenge, Wolf Creek at Paradise Canyon is an hour outside the strip in Mesquite, Nevada. The third most difficult course in America with a 154 slope rating, Wolf Creek is known for its difficulty. Carved into canyons with nonstop elevation changes, including a tee shot off the second tee box 11 stories above the green.
While you're in Vegas you can check a few holes off your bucket list, at Royal Links Golf Club on the strip. You can play an 18 sampling from the British Open rotation. Number eight at Royal Links is a replica of the "Postage Stamp" par three from Troon, and number 10 is a replica of the "Road Hole" from the Old Course at St. Andrews.
About The Author
Matt Manco is a freelance writer based in New England. A member of the award-winning Maroon student newspaper at Loyola University, his work has appeared across the Beacon Communications newspaper and magazine group as a local government reporter and photojournalist.
