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Given the abundance of golf courses in the Las Vegas area, making a choice on where to spend your precious time (and money) can certainly be difficult. With that said, I was highly pleased with my selection of Desert Pines. The course layout is playable and picturesque with views of the surrounding mountains and even a few glimpses of the vegas strip. The course was exactly what I picture when I think of a "desert" course. Lush fairways and greens give way to dry desert floor. Don't get me wrong, the course designer added a few well placed lakes to keep things interesting (and claim a few arrant tee shots). As with most (all) Las Vegas courses, wind IS a factor, but that is all part of the experience in my opinion. Practice facility is more than adequate although you'll find yourself hitting off of mats (this a bigger deal to some than others). The course was in perfect condition when I played, but that is, of course, not guaranteed. Although it's certainly not what I would consider cheap, Desert Pines is one of the more affordable courses near the strip, and is worth every penny.

I recently planned a small golf outing for a group of my coworkers. After some research I ultimately selected Bull Run for a few reasons...
1) Excellent practice facility: Unlimited range balls included in Golfnow fee, nice pitch/chip area with a couple of bunkers, and a huge, very well maintained putting surface.
2) Course rating: I was playing with a group of intermediate to advanced golfers (10-15 handicaps) so I was looking for a place that would be challenging, but wouldn't cause anyone to do anything that they would regret in front of their coworkers (throw a club, loose all their balls on the front 9...).
3) Cost: Unfortunately, this was not a company sponsored event, and as a result, I wanted to try and avoid a big price tag that would discourage people from participating in the event.

I can say wholeheartedly that I made a great choice. The course was in great condition. I would have said excellent if not for some pretty rough fairway and green side bunkers. However, one of the greens keepers told us that they were going to be redoing all of the bunkers in the Fall of 2014. The course offers 5 sets of tees which impact not only the total distance, but the playing angles as well. We played 36 holes, 18 from the tips (black) and 18 from the one forward (blue). The second 18 felt like I was playing a completely different course. As a result of the magnitude of strategically placed fairway bunkers, both sets of tees presented unique challenges while still remaining relatively playable. This course is located a little further out (from DC) than several of their most comparable competitors. However, it is definitely worth the drive. I will certainly play Bull Run again, and have recommended it to others without hesitation.