Boulder Creek

Low basins and gentle slopes characterize the sprawling beauty of Boulder Creek – a course showcasing how the sculptural finesse of both man and nature, can blend seamlessly as one. With a rugged backdrop of pink-tinged mountains and endless horizon, the contrast between course and setting couldn't be greater and admiration of both, continues to steer the success of the nouveau public course.

Developed in conjunction with it's sister course Boulder City in 2003, Boulder Creek benefits from the futuristic ideal of Mark Rathert – a master planner who believes every course should inspire it's guests to return, time and time again. It's certainly the case with Boulder Creek, whose client-base largely consists of returning locals. Blending desert-links with a wealth of modern traps and blind spots, Rathert pulls off his refreshing ideology, within a space that sprawls for 420 acres.

Nestled within the verdant South West of Boulder City, the appointed $18 million public golf club is situated a short 20-minute drive from the throb of Sin City and continues the pizazz in all, but natural beauty. Choice is abound with three nine-hole courses – Desert Hawk, Eldorado and Coyote Run. Any pairing makes for a suitably lengthy 7,500 yards, which most take between 4-6 hours to complete. With six boxes per tee, the par-72 rated course satisfies the appetite of even the championship level golfer – although Boulder Creek maintains it is an “executive” course.

Ninth holes at Boulder Creek's oasis courses all seem to have one thing in common – they're designed to catch you off-guard. The 446 and 430 yard dog-leg bends at Coyote Run and Desert Hawk both feature water carries, enhanced by fast greens and broad fairways. With a par-5, 550-yard approach, Eldorado might seem the more affable of the three, yet here too you'll find a long, up-hill approach with a smattering of bunkers in the layup areas. Of the three courses, Coyote Run offers the greatest challenge with demanding arroyos and dramatic 635 -500 yard, par-5 elevated points.

Dramatic scenery and a distinctly laid-back atmosphere have rocketed Boulder Creek's reputation over the past five years. While it cannot be denied the club offers exceptional layouts for long-winded games, there are a plethora of on-site amenities, that open up Boulder Creek to vacationing families too. Beset within the purpose planned oasis between the firsts at Eldorado and Coyote Run, the clubhouse commands awesome views across both courses, from within a tasteful, modern, brick-clad lounge. The adjacent Boulder Creek Grill serves up hearty American gastronomy around the clock and is a great place to unwind after absorbing all the club has to offer. Take advantage of premier class putting and chipping greens; an on-site computer suite and the merchandise rich Pro-Shop during your stay – you may never get another chance to experience premium desert golf, quite like this!

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).