Though there is no golf course in downtown Las Vegas and only two on the Strip (one of them reserved for hotel guests only), the concierge desk at almost any Las Vegas hotel can book tee times at just about any of the well-known Las Vegas area golf courses. Some courses are owned by the resorts and others have special referral relationships, so the visitor may be encouraged to sign up at a specific course, depending on the place he or she is staying. Still, in principle, a golfer should be able to try out all but one of the thirty-four courses mentioned below. (The Wynn is restricted to guests.) A few are private clubs, but do offer daily fee playing on certain days of the week. The remaining locations are daily fee clubs or municipal courses.

Advice applicable to all courses.

Call to make a tee time. Call early. If the plan is to have a weekend outing or a round during high season, call ahead, even before traveling to Las Vegas. (Some clubs allow bookings far in advance, and others do not.) This is also a good time to ask about club rentals. Knowing the cost and other terms of the rental may persuade a traveler to change his or her mind about taking clubs along or leaving them at home. When making a reservation, ask if any greens, fairways or tee boxes are being re-conditioned or re-surfaced. The rigors of the Las Vegas climate create this maintenance need with some frequency, and all courses do need to set up provisional greens on certain holes from time to time.

A day or two before the tee time, call to confirm the real, effective travel time to the course. This will vary not only with location, but also time of day and week. Add an extra half hour to be sure to be on time. Add even more time, up to an hour and a half if necessary, to permit time for club rental, use of the driving range or putting practice.

Clubs usually can be rented at the courses, as they are aware that most of their players come from out of town. This will surely entail both extra time and money.

Most upper level courses require players to use the short, soft, plastic spikes (or none at all) to protect the greens. Players are usually required to use golf carts, to maintain the pace of play. Some require (and, of course, supply) caddies. Most private and daily fee courses require players to wear a shirt with a collar. No short shorts, cutoffs or jeans are allowed.

Transportation is often arranged by the resort concierge. If a player does not have a car and decides to arrange the transportation for himself (or herself), it is essential to pay attention to the distances and costs involved.

Finally, in the hot, dry climate of Las Vegas (which is, after all in the Mojave Desert!), it is really important to keep oneself hydrated when spending long hours outdoors, in the sun. The courses all can supply water, but having an emergency supply in the bag is always a good idea.

The Course Ratings provided here are according to the USGA Course Rating criteria. The course rating is the number of strokes the average scratch golfer would take to complete the round, as determined by a certification team other than the course management itself. The slope rating compares the difficulty of the course for a bogey golfer and a scratch golfer, and is self-reported. The number is between 55 and 155. The lower the slope rating, the less is the differential between the bogey golfer and the scratch golfer. This will signify that it is either very easy or very hard for everyone! Each set of tee boxes has its own rating. Those given here are for the farthest set. Also, the yardage given is the maximum yardage, from the back tees. There may be anywhere from three to six sets of tee boxes on any given course. The dollar figure is the highest fee charged for an 18-hole round on a Saturday morning in the summer of 2007.

List of Las Vegas Golf Courses

Aliante Golf Club (100 West Elkhorn, North Las Vegas) (Rating 72.8; Slope 133; Yards 7,022; Fee $70). This is an 18-hole, championship grade public course. Said to be playable for most golfers, but challenging from the blues (over 7000 yards). (I-15 to Exit 52. I-215 west 8 miles, right on Aliante Parkway. Right on Elkhorn.)

Angel Park (100 South Rampart Boulevard, Las Vegas). (Mountain: Rating 72.4; Slope 128; Yards 6,722; Fee $90) (Palm: Rating 72.6; Slope 130; Yards 6,525; Fee $90) There are two daily fee courses, both designed by Arnold Palmer (with the collaboration of others): (1) The Mountain Course: Many scenic panoramas of the Las Vegas Valley and Red Rock Canyon. Elevation is nearly 3,000 feet. (2) The Palm Course: A challenge from the blues, and fun from the whites and reds. Greens are fast. Driving range, practice tee, practice green. (I-15 to US95, US95 north to Summerlin Parkway, to Rampart Boulevard Exit A. Left to Angel Park.)

Badlands Golf Club (9119 Alta Drive, Las Vegas) (Rating 73.0; Slope 133; Yards 6,926; Fee $100) One of Nevada’s premier courses, the Badlands is 27 holes of challenging golf in which precision matters the most. Drives need to be long and straight. Johnny Miller and Chi Chi Rodriguez designed the Badlands. The course is set in the Red Rock Canyon area, with very dramatic scenery all around and lots of uphill and downhill shots. Though greens are large, they are very fast, a feature found throughout the Las Vegas area due to the dry climate. The three nines are the Outlaw, Diablo and Desperado. You might be able to get your preference of the nines if things are not too busy on the day you arrive. ((I-15 to US95, US95 north to Summerlin Parkway, to Rampart Boulevard, then Left on Rampart, Right on Alta Drive.)

Bali Hai Golf Club (Las Vegas Boulevard and Russell Road, Las Vegas). (Rating 73.0; Slope 130; Yards 7,015; Fee $195) Located on the Strip. Paradise theme with lots of water features. Caddies are available. Five par fives and five par threes. A challenging and beautiful course. (Going south on the Strip, turn right into the entrance, just past the Russell Road intersection. Near Mandalay Bay).

Bear’s Best Golf Club (11111 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas). (Rating 74.0; Slope 147; Yards 7,229; Fee $160) As the name implies, designed by Jack Nicklaus. His idea was to recreate his favorite 18 holes anywhere. A daily fee course. Views of Red Rock Mountains and of the Las Vegas skyline. Challenging. Caddies are mandatory, and very useful for tips on clubs and greens. (Strip south to 215. West 11.5 miles to left on Town Center Drive, Right on Flamingo, right on Granite Ridge at the roundabout).

Black Mountain Golf and Country Club (500 Greenway Road, Henderson). (Rating 71.2; Slope 123; Yards 6,550; Fee $69) Set in the Black Mountains, as the name implies. 27-hole championship format. Member owned, daily fee available. (I-15 south to I-215 east to I-515 south. Horizon exit east to Greenway Road, turn left to clubhouse ¼ mile on right).

Boulder City Golf Course (1 Clubhouse Drive, Boulder City). (Rating 74.7; Slope 130; Yards 6,606; Fee $65) Economical 18-hole course. Par 72, 6,600 yeards. Carts not required. (I-15 south to I-215, south to I-515, and keep on US 93 south and east to Boulder City. Right at Buchanon Street (second light). Right to course.)

Boulder Creek (1501 Veteran's Memorial Drive, Boulder City) (All three courses: Rating 74.7; Slope 140; Yards 7,603; Fee $79). There are three courses here, featuring six teeing grounds, making the courses range from 4900 to 7600 yards. Coyote, Desert and El Dorado. Opened 2003 to national recognition. Natural settings: arroyos, palms, water features. (I-15 south to I-215, to I-515, follow US 93 into Boulder City, right at first light. Right at next light (Adams Boulevard). Entrance on the left).

Cascata (1 Cascata Drive, Boulder City). (Rating 74.6; Slope 143; Yards 7,1377; Fee $550 including caddie); Lush course, elegant surroundings and the best of scenery. Par 72. Caddies required. Large and elegant clubhouse with fine dining and cigar bar. (I-15 south to I-215, to I-515, follow US 93 towards Boulder City, but turn onto the USp5 exit towards Searchlight and Laughlin. Left at the stop sign. Go ½ miles. Push call button to go through gate).

Desert Pines (3415 East Bonanza Road, Las Vegas). (Rating 70.4; Slope 122; Yards 6,810; Fee $165). Known by the many pines along the fairways. Large bunkers of white sand. Recognized by golf publications as a great “upscale” course. I-15 North to I-95. Go I-95 south and left at the Eastern Exit. Right after two lights onto Bonanza. ½ on right.)

Desert Rose (5483 Club House Drive, Las Vegas). (Rating 69.7; Slope 118; Yards 6,511; Fee $59). Locals like this municipal course because it is both forgiving and economical, relative to the other Las Vegas Valley courses. Cart or walk. (Take Sahara east 6 miles or so, past Nellis, count three blocks, turn right on Winterwood).

Eagle Crest (2203 Thomas Ryan Boulevard, Las Vegas). (Rating 60.2; Slope 96; Yards 4,067; Fee $45)One of the five courses designed by Greg Nash and Billy Casper in the Las Vegas area. A short course with twelve par 3’s and six par 4’s. Located in Sun City, a community of Summerlin. (US 95 north to Lake Mead exit, going west to a left on Ryan Boulevard. ½ mile on the right.)

Highland Falls (10201 Sun City Boulevard, Las Vegas). (Rating 71.2; Slope 126; Yards 6,512; Fee $60). Casper/Nash design. 6,512 yards from the back tees. Four par 5’s. A links course. (US 95 north to Lake Mead exit, going west to Sun City Boulevard. 1 mile on right.)

Las Vegas Golf Club (4300 West Washington, Las Vegas). (Rating 72.0; Slope 117; Yards 6,631; Fee $59). A locals favorite. Good value for daily fee. Home of Southern Nevada Gold Association’s Las Vegas City Amateur tournament. (US 95 north off of I-15, Right on South Valley View Boulevard, exit 78 to North Valley View Boulevard. Left on West Washington Avenue).

Las Vegas National (1911 East Desert Inn Road, Las Vegas). (Rating 72.1; Slope 130; Yards 6,815; Fee $105). Traditional design. Host for PGA and LPGA tour events. Five tough par 3’s. Near the Strip. (Tropicana Avenue East to Eastern Avenue, left, to Desert Inn Road, then left.)

Los Prados Golf Club (5150 Los Prados Circle, Las Vegas). (Rating 64.8; Slope 103; Yards 6,000; Fee $45). Owned by the Los Prados Community Association. Par 70, almost 6,000 yards. Fast, protected greens, tight fairways. Not for the faint of heart. (I-15 north to US 95 exit, then to Craig Road exit headed east. Second left onto Jones Boulevard, to Lone Mountain Road. Head east (right) on Lone Mountain Road ¼ mile to course on left.)

Painted Desert. (5555 Painted Mirage Way, Las Vegas). (Rating 73.7; Slope 136; Yards 6,840; Fee $85). As the name implies, Desert terrain, with cactus and mesquite, as well as lakes and other water features. (I-15 north to US 95 north. Left off the Ann Road exit, left at first light into the course.)

Paiute. (10325 Nu-Wav Kaiv Boulevard, Las Vegas). (Snow Mountain: Rating 73.9; Slope 125; Yards 7,158; Fee $59); (Sun Mountain: Rating 73.3; Slope 130; Yards 7,112; Fee $89); (Wolf: Rating 76.5; Slope 149; Yards 7,511; Fee $129). “Paiute” is really three courses in the desert, on the Paiute Reservation. Snow Mountain is considered the most forgiving option. Sun Mountain is another excellent course, offering more bunkers, native vegetation and water hazards. The Wolf course is distinct from the other two, with lots of elevation changes, slopes, lakes and canyons. Number 15 is a green on an island in the lake. (I-15 north to US 95 north, exit 95 onto Paiute Way (right), continue to Nu Wav Kaiv Blvd.).

Palm Valley Golf Course. (9201 Del Webb Boulevard, Las Vegas). (Rating 74.0; Slope 134; Yards 6,945; Fee $60). A Casper/Nash design in Sun City (Summerlin). Par 72, 6,850 yards, Four par 5’s. I-15 north to US 95 north to Lake Mead exist, west. North (right) on Del Webb ½ mile to course.)

Primm Valley (#1 Yates Well Road, Primm). (Desert: Rating 74.6; Slope 138; Yards 7,131; Fee $95); (Lakes: Rating 74.0; Slope 134; Yards 6,945; Fee $95). Tom Fazio design. Two courses, in Primm, at the border with California. The Desert Course accents the sensational terrain and scenery of the location. The Lake Course has wide fairways, but lots of hazards and bunkers, undulating greens and other features that make it a technical play. (I-15 South 40 miles to Primm. Pass the California State line 4.5 miles, Yates Road exit. Take three successive rights.).

Red Rock Arroyo. (2250 Red Springs Drive, Las Vegas). (Rating 71.9; Slope 124; Yards 6,883; Fee $119). Arnold Palmer design. At the Red Rock Country Club with play against the backdrop of the canyon. 8,857 yards. (I-15 south to I-215, go west 13 miles to Sahara and turn left (south) a short distance and then left to the club).

Revere Golf Club. (2600 Evergreen Oaks Drive, Henderson). (Lexington: Rating 73.6; Slope 149; Yards 7,143; Fee $95); (Concord: Rating 72.3; Slope 132; Yards 7,043; Fee $95). A Casper/Nash designed course. The objective of the Revere is to create a “Revolutionary Golf Experience” for players at all skill levels. The course meanders through canyons, creating spectacular scenery. There is a lake and many changes in elevation. The Lexington course (opened in 1999) is 7,143 yards from the back tees, par 72. The Concord course (opened in 2002) is a 7,034 yard, par 72. (I-15 south to I-215 east, to Eastern Avenue exit. Then south to Anthem Parkway and follow the signs).

Rhodes Ranch Golf Club. (20 Rhodes Ranch Parkway, Las Vegas). (Rating 73.0; Slope 122; Yards 6,909; Fee $70). Well-maintained, with many shifts of elevation, water features, views of the city. Lots of palm trees give a tropical feel. (I-15 south, Exit 34 towards Decatur onto I-215 west. Six miles west to Durango Avenue, heading south 1.2 miles to the gate at Rhodes Ranch. Gate guard will direct the golfer to the course.)

Rio Secco Golf Club. (2851 Grand Hills Drive, Henderson). (Rating 75.7; Slope 142; Yards 7,332; Fee $120). The course is set in terrain 800 feet above the south end of the Las Vegas valley. Six holes are atop mesas or plateaus, six are in canyons, and the rest are on level ground. (I-15 south to I-215 east to Eastern Avenue exit, then south to Grand Hills Drive, turn right to course.)

Royal Links. (5995 East Vegas Valley, Las Vegas). (Rating 73.7; Slope 135; Yards 7,209; Fee $150). In the Las Vegas tradition of creating replicas of landmarks from other places, this links course patterns it holes after courses in Scotland and England, and has a castle for a clubhouse. Caddies are highly recommended. (I-15 north to US 95 south to Flamingo Exit. Left on Flamingo to Nellis Boulevard. Left on Nellis to Vegas Valley Road. Right on Vegas Valley 1 mile to gate for course on the right.)

Shadow Creek. A Tom Fazio-designed golf course exclusively for guests registered at MGM Mirage Corp. properties. 60 day advance tee times are a practical requirement. Fee is $500. Course is 12 miles north of the Strip. Check with the concierge desk for information.

Siena Golf Club (10575 Siena Monte Avenue, Las Vegas). (Rating 71.5; Slope 130; Yards 6,816; Fee $119). In the community of Siena in Summerlin. Can be challenging, but mostly very playable. Lots of bunkers and water. (I-15 south to I-215 west, 12 miles to left on Town Center Drive, then left on Siena Monte Avenue).

Silverstone Golf Club. (8600 Cupp Drive, Las Vegas). (Rating 71.5; Slope 129; Yards 6,816; Fee $92). 27-hole championship course. Views of the Sheep Mountain Range. Six par 5’s. Course plays to 7,000 yards, regardless of the 9-hole combination. Some greens are uneven and fast. Straight drives are required on many holes. (I-15 north to US 95 north to right at Durango Drive exit. Right on Grand Teton. Left on Buffalo and follow signs.)

TPC at the Canyons. (9851 Canyon Run Drive, Las Vegas). (Rating 73.0; Slope 131; Yards 7,063; Fee $150). Ray Floyd and Bobby Weed design. Frequent PGA venue. Well known for its service. Lots of canyons and arroyos. (I-15 to US 95 north to Summerlin Parkway, then 4 miles to left on Town Center Drive. Left on Canyon Run Drive.)

Tuscany Golf Club. (901 Olivia Parkway, Henderson). (Rating 72.4; Slope 132; Yards 6,906; Fee $75). Re-opened in 2004. Par 72. Beautiful setting, wine theme. Lots of sand and water, forgiving fairways. Clubhouse is a replica of a Tuscan Village. (I-15 to I-215 east past Boulder Highway to left on Mohawk to club.)

Wildhorse Golf Club. (2100 West Warm Springs Road, Henderson). (Rating 70.8; Slope 120; Yards 6,525; Fee $82). Known as the most rigorous course in the area, Wildhorse was redesigned in 2004 with lakes guarding several holes. A good value of a course. 6,525 yards from the back tees, Par 70. (From the Strip, south to Warm Springs Road, then left for 8 miles. Course is on the left, just past Green Valley Parkway.)

Wynn Las Vegas. Exclusively for registered guests of the Wynn. (Rating n/a; Slope n/a; Yards 7,042; Fee $500). 18 holes on 10 acres, par 70, 7,042 yards from the back tees. 5 Par 3’s, 10 Par 4’s & 3 Par 5’s. 11 holes encounter water. (On the strip, at 3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South.)