Rio Secco Golf Club

A mountain encrusted gem within the up-and-coming West of Henderson, Rio Secco plays a spectacular 7,332 yards from the back tees, making it one of the longest par-72 courses in the vicinity of Las Vegas. Tucked beneath the mysterious Black Mountains upon a desert plateau, Rio Secco presents a PGA class challenge to even the lowest handicap.

Built in 1997, Rio Secco quickly found its footing among the premier golf clubs of Las Vegas, owing to a contrasting set of three sixes making up the 18-holes. Celebrated architect Rees Jones is responsible for the themed layout, which segues through canyons, desert wash and a vast plateau, some 800 feet above the Las Vegas Valley. To say Rio Secco offers world-class panoramic views would be an understatement, since few courses across the entire sprawl of Las Vegas command such views of the Strip, from this kind of elevation.

Less than 13.5 miles from the thrill of the Strip, Rio Secco is easily approached via the Vegas ring-road if driving. Six individual bus operators lay on daily transport to the Sin City outpost, keeping it well connected with the booming metropolis. Henderson presents an affordable alternative to Las Vegas for accommodation, with Hampton Inn, Travelodge and La Quinta all offering lodgings in the Western area.

Bolstered by the prestige of the recently opened Butch Harmon Golf Academy, the Rio Secco 18-hole public layout is now receiving greater acclaim than ever before. Its tough canyon six have a reputation for being the hardest series of mountain links in Nevada – the 417-yard, par 4 seventh hole being a notable example. With a tee set 50 feet above the rolling fairway, the shot is flanked by canyon walls to the right and a battery of bunkers at the green. The level terrain offers some light relief with a couple of strategic par-3 shots, however the going once again gets tough as water comes into play.

Rio Secco Golf Club may be famous for its difficult layout, yet the landscapes certainly make six hours extremely easy on the eye. If the lush fairways and dramatic mountain-scapes are not enough to convince, enlist the services of a T-Mate – Secco's answer to golfing “Playmates.” Whether you strike out some shots on the practice range, or fancy a leisurely afternoon chipping on the greens, your T-Mate will be on-hand to assist with the carrying of clubs and fetch beverages from the bar. She'll even accompany you to the clubhouse for a complete tour of the facilities, however services fall short of candlelit dinner at the celebrated Junela's Restaurant. Here, your spouse or own best company will have to suffice!

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.)