The Oasis

Arnold Palmer stills considers his par-71 masterpiece at The Oasis Golf Course to be a serious contender against the course of his own privately owned Bay Hill Club in Florida (host of the annual PGA Arnold Palmer Invitational.) Ringed by the majesty of soaring mountains and canyon punctured landscapes, The Oasis Golf Club also benefits from a spellbinding backdrop, luring many a golfer just for the views.

First launched in 1995, the Oasis Golf Club at Mesquite, Nevada, was originally home to a single 18-hole course, designed by the “King of Modern Golf” Arnold Palmer. It came to be known as the Palmer Course, famed for it's demanding layout across ravines and canyons and the par-4 third hole – described by many as a blind shot. The natural delineations and reliefs of the land allowed Palmer to integrate a wealth of strategic bunkers and elevated tees. Hole 3 is considered the toughest on the course - a dogleg veering Westward, made all the more difficult with the placement of a water hazard just before the green. It's earned a reputation as the “no. 1 handicap hole” of Nevada – you'll soon discover why when the desert winds carry over.

The Oasis Golf Club is a little unique to it's neighbors, in that it offers disarming views from not one, but two elevated courses. Canyon Course is the aptly named seconder to the Palmer, carrying over the meticulous beauty of the first, yet with a ruggedly modern character that makes it completely unique. Designed by David Druzisky in 2005, Canyons offers a slightly shorter course at 6,408 yards combining the former Vistas nine with the brand new Arroyo. With a par-rating of 71, The Canyons are a perfect twin to Arnold Palmer's ambitious links layout and offer a number of elevations with comparable scenery. The highest slope rating is a respectable 129 – more than enough when combined with a 60 foot drop from the 8th hole.

Located just 40 minutes from the auspicious Las Vegas Strip, Mesquite's premier golf resort packs in a plentiful range of amenities, influencing it as far more than just a convenient day out. Two putting greens; a fully grassed driving range and four sets of tees are enough to keep even the most seasoned of golfers entertained for the weekend. A spacious clubhouse presenting both formal and informal dining options at the Grill and Redd Rooms extends the appeal to couples seeking a romantic break, while the nearby Virgin River Hotel and Casino polishes things off with family-friendly swimming pools, ten pin bowling and an open-all-hours casino. As the great Arnold Palmer observed - “People don't just come to Mesquite for the golf !”