BillBowmanGA

Desert Willow is an executive course (par-60) located in Henderson....just 15-20 minutes from the Strip. The elevation changes, bunkering and undulating greens make this a nice place to work on your short game. You'll be in and out in no time and still have time to make that dinner or show revervation. The 9th and 18th holes, both par 4s, are great golf holes to finish each nine. They both have water and players will need pin-point accuracy to set up a birdie putt.

The Desert Course at Primm Valley Golf Club in Primm, about 30-40 minutes south of Las Vegas, doesn't get near the top-flight acclaim it deserves. The Lakes Course (both are Fazio designs) gets all the rave reviews, but the Desert Course, with its elevation changes, a driveable par-4, true-rolling greens, nicely-placed bunkers and scenic views, definitely deserves to be on your must-play list when you visit Vegas. With two courses on property, play them both and you decide which is better. It's not an easy choice.

If you're coming to Las Vegas to play golf, Bali Hai is the ideal spot to tee it up. On the south end of the Strip it's just minutes from any resort/hotel. Bali Hai is one of those courses that will challenge and impress golfers of every ability. The staff is very accommodating, the clubhouse is out of this world, the food is world-class in at Cili and the course itself is very demanding...but fair. The lush green fairways and deep-blue ponds add to the ambience. The final three hole stretch is one players won't soon forget--a short par-3 to an island green and two PGA Tour-length par 4s that are both beautiful and tough.

The risk/reward holes…as well as the always-present desert terrain…make for an unbelievable round of golf on this Rees Jones layout. Play smart and you'll enjoy the course. The staff is very accommodating, the clubhouse and restaurant are warm and friendly and if you’re on the practice range, take a look across the way--you might even seen world-renowned instructor Butch Harmon working with his students. Or better yet, sign up for one of his sessions. If you’re going to play demanding courses like Rio Secco, a few pointers will certainly help

Boulder Creek Golf Club is 30 minutes from the famed Las Vegas Strip, but it’s worlds apart and well worth the drive. While the Strip is all glitz and glitter, it’s all about the golf at Boulder Creek. There are no homes, no cars…it’s just you and the golf challenge. And with 27 holes on property and a smattering of water features along with well-placed arroyos and bunkers, there’s enough variety for everyone. You will be impressed.

Bear’s Best Golf Club gives players chances to play 18 of Jack Nicklaus’ best golf holes from the west…all while still staying in the heart of Las Vegas. Holes from Montana, California, Colorado, Mexico, New Mexico give players a glimpse of how Jack’s mind works as he took 18 different designs and weaved them into a masterpiece. And the opening and closing holes are two of the most scenic-and most challenging-players will see anywhere. Plenty of challenges (water, bunkers, desert) will keep players on their toes. It is definitely The Golden Bear at his best.

Highland Falls Golf Club doesn’t have the bells and whistles. What this Billy Casper/Greg Nash designed layout does feature is good golf…plain and simple. Highland Falls is one of three courses in the Golf Summerlin family, along with Palm Valley and Eagle Crest. Highland Falls is the main favorite of locals and visitors. It’s a hilly, but fair course and has an 18th hole that is a dramatic closer. At 6,512 yards from the tips, it’s very playable for everyone and the price is always right.

If you’ve got a golf course bucket list and Shadow Creek isn’t at the top, you need to re-think the list. This Tom Fazio layout, from start (including a limo ride to the course) to finish, will surpass any and all expectations of a round of golf. Five stars isn't a high enough rating for this course. It’s not just one or two holes that will take your breath away…it’s all 18. Stunning water features, brilliant bunkering and true-rolling greens make this one worth the price of admission. If there’s one course in Vegas that I’d play every day, this is it.