Highland Falls

Golf Summerlin enjoys a prestige for some of the highest golf courses in Nevada – one Highland Falls topping their list of rugged mountain golf-scapes at 3,000 feet. Peppered with rocky sand bunkers and steep ravines, Highland Falls poses a challenge to even the most seasoned of golf enthusiasts.

Situated amid the lofty Spring Mountains in the North-West Las Vegas municipality of Summerlin, Highland Falls commands spectacular views across the Red Rock Canyons. Just under 20 minutes from central Las Vegas, Summerlin is abundantly connected by both private and commercial travel operators. A plenitude of local amenities such as the Las Vegas Athletics Club and Walmart Outlet provide ample entertainment for accompanying spouses and children.

Developed by the formative duo Billy Casper and Greg Nash, Highland Falls is classed as a traditional links layout, with the addition of a few modern tweaks, such as charming placid lakes and sharp dog-leg turns. Stretching 6,512 yards from the back tees, Highland Falls offers a welcome par-72 rated course, designed to be as charismatic as it's environment. You'll find Highland Falls indeed takes inspiration from the rocky outcrops and desolate scenery in places, with tee settings upon elevations that feel like the top of the world.

With a slope rating of 126, the championship tees are often the most played. Few consider just how testing a par-5 can be when confronted with the sharp undulations and the apparent wildness of the course. A mere three of the eighteen holes are nestled beside or within water bound areas. The other fifteen are characterized by deep sand traps and low-lying bunkers – many dropped at the fore of the greens, adding to an already dramatic setup.

Highland Falls reveals spectacular panoramas from every tee, however many concur there is no more welcome a sight than the “Virtual 19th” after a six-hour slog on the mountainside. An elegant lounge bar and restaurant, beset within a brick-built, stuccoed clubhouse, it's the perfect place to unwind, as the sun sets across the Spring Valley.

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.)