Updated on April 19th, 2023 at 12:42 pm
Sin City offers much more than great shows, food, exciting nightlife, and gambling. Golfers from all over the US and the globe visit Las Vegas annually to play golf as a weekend getaway, on their business trip, or as part of their bachelor party with friends.
Despite being in a desert, Las Vegas has some public golf courses with lush fairways and picturesque views of the Desert Mountains.
After a lot of research and visits to most of these courses, we’ve prepared a list of the top 10 public golf courses you should visit in Las Vegas.
Top 10 best public courses in Las Vegas
Cascata
Cascata is Italian for ‘waterfall,’ a fitting name for a golf course that’s 3,200 ft above the Las Vegas desert valley. Being at the foot of River Mountain Range and sporting a 418ft waterfall from the mountainside, Cascata has a breathtaking backdrop for golfers to enjoy.
The par-72 golf course was built in 2000 and is the brainchild of Keith Evans and Rees Jones. Initially, the course was only open to MGM high rollers, but it’s now completely public since management changed. Over the years, it has earned nationwide recognition and won numerous accolades to prove it.
It has six tees as follows:
- Black – 7137 yards, 150 slope
- Blue – 6638 yards, 140 slope
- White – 6168 yards, 133 slope
- White (W) – 6168 yards, 146 slope
- Gold – 5543 yards, 103 slope
- Gold (W) – 5543 yards, 133 slope
The course is open all year round and has carts, clubs, and caddies available.
Chimera Golf Club
Chimera Golf Course in Henderson offers a unique golfing experience unlike any other in Las Vegas. The course features a desert-style layout, with wide fairways and challenging bunkers that require accuracy off the tee. The course also has a links-style feel, with several holes that play alongside a water feature.
The golf club was designed by Ted Robinson Jr. and was originally called Tuscany golf club in 2003 when it opened. In line with its name, there are several metal chimera sculptures adorning the golf course.
The 18-golf course stretches over 6,906 yards and has some beautiful views of the nearby mountains and the Las Vegas skyline in the distance. The course is also known for its excellent service, with friendly staff always willing to help players.
Chimera offers a variety of tee boxes, making it playable for golfers of all levels. The course is well-maintained, with pristine fairways and greens that roll true. The par-72 tees include:
- Pegasus – 6757 yards, 124 slope
- Serpent (W) – 6359 yards, 135 slope
- Serpent – 6359 yards, 122 slope
- Goat – 5897 yards, 118 slope
- Goat (W) – 5897 yards, 126 slope
- Lion – 5230 yards, 101 slope
- Lion (W) -5230 yards, 117 slope
Overall, Chimera Golf Course is a hidden gem in Las Vegas, offering a challenging and unique golfing experience worth visiting. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Chimera is a must-play for any golfer looking for a memorable round of golf.
Bali Hai Golf Club
Bali Hai Golf Club in Las Vegas is a 4.5-star course that offers a unique golfing experience inspired by the island of Bali. The course features a tropical paradise theme, with palm trees, white sand bunkers, and water features that give the course a distinct character.
To create this par 71 paradise, Brian Curley and Lee Schmidt planted 4,000 trees and 100,000 tropical plants on the 7,200-yard stretch of land in 2000.
One of the highlights of playing at Bali Hai is the stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip, which you can see from several holes on the course. Bali Hai offers a challenging but fair test of golf, with several risk-reward opportunities that make for an exciting round.
There are four par 71 tees designed as follows:
- Black – 7002 yards, 130 slope
- Gold – 6601 yards, 125 slope
- Silver – 6156 yards, 113 slope
- Bronze (Women) – 5535 yards, 121 slope
Last but not least, the course is also known for its excellent service, with friendly staff that are always willing to assist players
Las Vegas National Golf Course
Las Vegas National Golf Club is a classic golf course built in 1961 by Bert Stamps that is rich in history and offers a challenging round of golf for players of all levels. Over the years, it has gone with different names, including the Stardust, the Hilton, and the Sahara. The course has a traditional layout, with tree-lined fairways and small, undulating greens that require precision on approach shots.
One of the highlights of playing at Las Vegas National is the historical significance of the course. Its hosted several PGA Tour events, including the Tournament of Champions and the Las Vegas Invitational. Several famous golfers, including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer, have also played on this course.
It’s also worth noting that ‘Casino,’ the movie starring Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, and Robert DeNiro, was shot on the course. The house used is between fairway 1 and 18. Speaking of fairways, the course has four tees:
- Championship – 6815 yards, 130 slope
- Middle – 6418 yards, 121 slope
- Other – 5741 yards, 127 slope
- Forward – 5741 yards, 103 slope
Despite its traditional layout, the course has been updated with modern amenities, including GPS-enabled golf carts and a state-of-the-art practice facility with teaching pros on site to help in training.
Reflection Bay Golf Club
Reflection Bay Golf Club is a stunning course located in the heart of Lake Las Vegas. It was designed and built by golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Chet Williams in 1998. The course features a visually challenging layout that winds its way around the manmade lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.
One of the highlights of playing at Reflection Bay is the beautiful scenery, with several holes playing alongside the water’s edge. The course stretches over 7,200 yards and features several elevation changes and strategically placed bunkers, making it an even more challenging but rewarding round of golf.
The course has 8 72-par tees, including:
- Gold – 7261 yards, 150 slope
- Black – 6862 yards, 141 slope
- White – 6391 yards, 136 slope
- White (W) – 6391 yards, 145 slope
- Silver – 5891 yards, 130 slope
- Silver (W) – 5891 yards, 136 slope
- Bronze – 5166 yards, 122 slope
- Bronze (W) – 5166 yards, 129 slope
Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort
Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort is a premier golf destination located just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. The resort features three championship courses (Snow Mountain, Sun Mountain, and Wolf) designed by legendary golf course architect Pete Dye, Cynthia Dye McGarey, and Joe T. Jemsek.
The courses at Paiute Golf Resort are known for their stunning desert scenery and challenging layouts. The Wolf Course, in particular, is regarded as one of the best courses in Nevada, with its rolling fairways and greens, deep bunkers, and water hazards providing a true test of golfing skill.
In addition to the world-class golf courses, Paiute Golf Resort also offers luxurious amenities, including a state-of-the-art practice facility, a full-service pro shop, and a clubhouse with dining options and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Overall, Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort is a must-visit for golfers looking for a challenging and memorable round of golf in the Las Vegas area. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the courses at Paiute Golf Resort offer a unique golfing experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Rio Secco Golf Club
Rio Secco Golf Club is a premier golf destination just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. The course was designed by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones, Keith Evans, and Steve Weisser in 1997. It offers a challenging layout that winds through the stunning desert landscape. Over the years, the golf course has consistently ranked top in Nevada according to authority golf publications.
One of the highlights of playing at Rio Secco is the breathtaking scenery, with several holes offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountain deserts and canyons. The course also features steep elevation changes and strategically placed bunkers, making for a challenging but rewarding round of golf.
The 240-acre course sits at the foothills of Black Mountain and is well-maintained, with pristine fairways and greens that roll true.
We should point out that the opening hole is simple, with the surface sloping back to the front. Aside from this, pars 3 – 12 are the most talked about as they have severe slopes.
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Desert Willow Golf Course is a public golf course located in Henderson, Nevada, just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. The course features two championship 18-hole courses; the Firecliff Course, built in 1997, and the Mountain View Course, built a year later. Both were designed by renowned golf course architects Dana Fry and Michael Hurdzan.
The Firecliff Course stretching over 7,000 yards, is known for its challenging layout and spectacular views of the surrounding desert landscape, with narrow fairways and over 100 strategically placed bunkers. The Mountain View Course, on the other hand, offers shorter, more forgiving fairways and larger greens, making it a great option for players of all skill levels.
In addition to the world-class golf courses, Desert Willow Golf Course also features a full-service practice facility, a pro shop, and a clubhouse with dining options and stunning views of the course.
Overall, Desert Willow Golf Course has 8 tees ranging between 7056 yards and 5079 yards and sloping between 141 and 112.
Wildhorse Golf Club
Wildhorse Golf Club is a public golf course located in Henderson, Nevada, just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. The course was designed by golf course architects Bob Cupp and Hubert Green in 1959 and features a challenging layout with water hazards, bunkers, and undulating greens.
The course was owned by Howard Hughes in the 1970s for a while, during which time they hosted the PGA Tour Sahara Invitational. Over the years, the course has undergone several name changes, but since 1994, it’s been Wildhorse Golf Club. In 2004, the course was remodeled by Brian Curley and Lee Schmidt.
The course is well-maintained, with lush fairways and well-manicured greens that offer a true roll. Wildhorse Golf Club also features a full-service practice facility, a pro shop, and a clubhouse with dining options.
One of the outstanding holes is par-3 4th, with water trailing on the right side, pinching in before the green. With two lakes hugging the fairway on both sides, par-4 9th is known to be one of the toughest. You stand a better chance of hitting it straight on the 9th.
Overall, Wildhorse Golf Club is a great option for golfers visiting the Las Vegas area looking for a challenging round of golf on a well-maintained course with great amenities.
Rhodes Ranch Golf Club
Rhodes Ranch Golf Club is a stunning public golf course in Las Vegas, Nevada. Designed by the renowned golf course architect Ted Robinson Sr. and Jr in 1997; the course offers a challenging and exciting round of golf for players of all skill levels.
The oasis-like course is beautifully maintained, with lush fairways, scenic views of the surrounding mountains, and strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. The greens are well-manicured and offer a true roll, making it a joy to play each hole.
Rhodes ranch had 4 sets of tees measuring 5238 yards (110 slope), 6009 yards (117 slope), 6403 yards (120 slope), and 6909 yards (122 slope).
Rhodes Ranch Golf Club sits on 162 acres in a residential environment and also offers a full-service practice facility, allowing golfers to hone their skills before taking on the course. The pro shop is well-stocked, and the clubhouse offers delicious dining options with a relaxing atmosphere.
Overall, Rhodes Ranch Golf Club is an excellent option for golfers visiting the Las Vegas area. The course’s stunning design, challenging layout, and excellent amenities make it a must-play destination for any golfer.
Bottom line
Las Vegas is known for its world-class golf courses, and we have reviewed ten of the best public golf courses in the area. Each course offers unique challenges and stunning views, making it a must-play destination for any golfer visiting Las Vegas.
For those seeking a luxurious experience, the Reflection Bay Golf Club offers a beautifully designed course with all the amenities one could ask for. And for those looking for a challenge, the Rio Secco Golf Club and Cascata Golf Course are both designed to test the skills of even the most seasoned golfers.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Wildhorse Golf Club and Las Vegas National Golf Club are great courses that offer a challenging round of golf without breaking the bank.
Overall, Las Vegas offers an incredible variety of public golf courses for golfers of all skill levels. No matter which course you choose, you’ll surely have an unforgettable golfing experience in the city that never sleeps.
Be sure to check out our other popular public golf course reviews including Orlando, Ocean City Maryland, Myrtle Beach, Charlotte, and Naples.
