Bali Hali Golf Club
The 7,002-yard tropically themed course is the only public course on the Vegas Strip. It sits south of Mandalay Bay, which offers exclusive discounted rates. Bali Hali plays like a secluded 18 holes in the South Pacific islands, even though you're surrounded by the bright, blinding lights of Vegas. The lush, green landscape features more than 100,000 tropical plants and 2,500 palm trees. And if you need some company on the course, feel free to use Par Mates, a female caddy service tending to your needs, including fixing divots and taking drink orders.
5160 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
(702) 450-8000
http://www.balihaigolfclub.com
Desert Pines
If you want to completely break away from the crowds, consider this Pete Dye course located 15 minutes away from the Strip. You'll see thousands of pine trees and a taste of Carolina golf rather than palm trees and desert landscape. This 6,810-yard course has tighter fairways than what you'll see at either Bali Hali or the Wynn Golf Club, and water comes into play on nine holes. Even if you hit the cramped landing areas on the fairway, be prepared to take some bruises around the greens. White sand bunkers protect rippling putting surfaces. The Par Mates service is also offered at this course.
3415 E. Bonanza Road
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(888) 427-6678
http://www.desertpinesgolfclub.com
Betting on Sports
Of course, you can come to Vegas and leave your clubs up in your hotel room. After all, Vegas is America's gambling playground, and table games aren't the only way to make money in the casinos. Some of the most popular events to wager for weekend trips include: NFL and NBA playoffs, the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament, NFL Sundays, NCAA Football Saturdays and golf's four major championships.
Nearly every resort casino on the Strip has its own sportsbook, but they vary in terms of size and service. Bellagio's book is more than 6,000 square feet and has the best seats of any sportsbook, with leather La-Z-Boys and frequent service from the waitresses. MGM and Bally's have the most individual TVs separated into cubes. The Mirage is incredibly spacious as well, and often offers higher limits than the other casinos.
Bellagio
600 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(888) 987-6667
http://www.bellagio.com
About The Author
Sean Quinn is a writer and editor based in New York City. He has spent the last decade covering major sporting events from the NFL playoffs to the U.S. Open. He has written for the Kansas City Star and ESPN, among others. He is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
