Tuscany Golf Club

Engulfed by the imposing Southern Nevada mountains and Calico Ridge, the verdant golf course of Tuscany Golf Club draws many a curious visitor solely for the views. The quiet solemnity of those mountain foothills, coupled with the heart-stopping views across the canyon gorges is enough to make anyone pack up their clubs for a day in the peaks, but Tuscany seeks to impart far more than a movie caliber backdrop for your game.

Designed by the celebrated golf architect Ted Robinson in 2003, Tuscany Golf Club quickly gained the attention of Las Vegas enthusiasts for its pristine layout and tantalizing traps. Robinson is renowned for his strategic bunker placement and playful tee positioning – both evident throughout the challenging par-72 public course.

Located in the North East quarter of Las Vegas' twin-town Henderson, the Tuscany is less than 20 minutes from the heart of the action and conveniently served by all major travel operators, whom connect the town with the Strip. Central Henderson features a plentiful array of hotel choices, while Calico Ridge also plays host to a number of bed and breakfast guest houses. Unwind after a long day at the Mountainside Grill and Tavern, where the welcome is arguably warmer than any prime eatery on the Strip.

At 6,205 yards, you don't need to dig to deep to find a challenge at Tuscany Golf Course. The slope rating of 132 promises a never-ending battle with undulations and sheer mountain conditions, coupled with the extreme likelihood of incoming breezes from the East. The 1st hole seems like a well-rounded start to the game with a wide fairway and plenty of room for maneuver. You'll run into problems on the second shot (as most do) since the green is uphill and features a distinct false front. Hole 5 is peppered with green-side bunkers; a narrow fairway deceiving many, despite the shot being less than 340-yards. The first of the water hazards rears its head at hole 9, a par-4 at 404 yards. The club management recently enhanced the test with the addition of a bunker to the fore of the pond, creating the need for both height and precision judgment before you take the closure stroke.

Tuscany Golf Club offers an inspiring course for players of all levels – many amateurs finding the layout in fact hones their newfound skills. Further fine-tuning may be had under the tuition of a PGA teacher or upon the expansive practice range just South of the clubhouse. Tuscany Cafe presents a casual ambiance for post-game dining and the hospitable warmth remains, right up until you pull yourself away from what past guests describe as “Eden in the mountains.”

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.)