Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RECREATION
Set on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Mojave Desert, Vegas offers all
types of wonderfully relaxing, challenging recreation activities, with hiking, bik-
ing, and rafting opportunities galore (which you can read about in our “Get Out
of Town” chapter, p. 285). You don't need to go too far beyond the city limits,
however, to pep up those endorphins or work up a sweat.
Golf
Weather, water, and wishful thinking: Those are the three elements that make Las
Vegas the most expensive place in the United States to play golf. Let me explain.
Drought conditions—this is a desert after all—mean that the courses must be
seeded several times a year to keep everything green (and that costs money).
Brutal summer temperatures and chilly winter mornings drastically cut into the
number of days most visitors are willing to play (even more cash lost for the
courses). And because many people who vacation in Vegas treat their greenbacks
like Monopoly money, golf-course owners have steadily increased fees, getting
nary a whisper of protest, even when 18-holes of play prices out at an outrageous
$500 (as it does at the Mandalay Bay's private course).
Because this is a budget guide, I won't be profiling any of these costly courses.
It's hard for me to imagine that several hours of swatting a ball around could ever
be worth that kind of money. Instead, here are my picks for the top value golf
courses in Vegas (and a website for last minute deals, should you have the yen to
play one of the pricey ones):
There are all types of golfers out there, but most will find something they like
at
Black Mountain
(500 Greenway Rd., Henderson;
%
702/565
-
7933; www.golf
blackmountain.com;
$
85 Labor Day to Memorial Day,
$
48-
$
68 in the summer
months,
$
55 if you play after 12:30pm; AE, DISC, MC, V),
which is really three
courses in one, each with its own personality. The “Founders” course has the feel
of a Midwestern country club with large trees, bordering homes, and green grass.
A lack of neighboring fairways almost guarantees privacy as you play; it's very
unusual to run into other golfers on this one, even on crowded days. The
“Horizon” course is “go for it” golf, featuring a number of wide open shots where
you can hit long—it's great for beginners. And the “Desert 9” is the most contem-
porary of the courses, with undulating greens and desert patches, meaning you
must leap frog from 1 hole to the next, playing real “target golf.” The 9th hole on
this course was listed in the topic
1001 Golf Holes You Must Play Before You Die,
and each shot is a challenge on this one. A relaxed club (jeans are fine here), this
48-year-old course is a favorite of both locals and visitors. Book at least 5 days in
advance to get the tee-time you want.
Last minute bookings are no problem at the
Desert Rose Golf Course
(5483
Clubhouse Dr.;
%
702/431
-
4653; www.desert-rose-golf-course.com; high season
weekdays
$
59,
$
39 twilight play, weekends in high season
$
79 and
$
59; June-Aug
weekday rates are
$
39 regular,
$
29 for twilight, and weekend rates cost an addi-
tional
$
20; AE, DISC, MC, V).
So long as you have three or fewer players with you,
they'll likely be able to work your party in. And this is a fun course to play.
