Beauty And Challenge
Six golf holes in and around Vegas test golfers’ shot-making skills and offer stunning views
Story by Bill Bowman
Everyone has their opinions of what makes a golf hole memorable. From the challenge the hole may offer to the beauty it may convey, there are a variety of golf holes in and around Las Vegas that are, to put it simply, breathtaking.
Over the next year, we’re going to take readers in and around the Vegas golf scene to showcase some of the many drop dead gorgeous (and playable) holes where golfers can tee it up. From stunning views of the golf holes themselves to the dramatic scenery around the area, we’ll highlight a wide array of must-see and must-play holes.
Without further ado, grab your clubs and your camera/phone and prepare to see six golf holes that will test your shot making skills and give you a better understanding of the phrase, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
There’s always the chance we’ll be back to one or more of these courses to showcase yet another one of their holes as the list goes on, for many courses have more than one impressive hole. But for now, behold these six golf hole beauties.
Highland Falls Golf Club
Par-3 14th hole, 206 yards
We’re going to start with one of the best views anywhere, on or off a golf course: the tee box on the par-3 14th at Highland Falls Golf Club in Summerlin. Golf Summerlin features three courses, including Highland Falls, designed by Billy Casper and Greg Nash. From the elevated tee box on the 206-yard 14th at Highland Falls, there’s a drop-off of some 40 feet to the green that features a lone bunker deep on the right side.
But it’s the view in the background that puts this one high on the list. This backdrop features the entire Las Vegas Strip. Play this one as the sun starts to go down and the Strip lights up,, providing a magical light show.
A challenging golf hole with a stunning view. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Sand Hollow Resort—Championship Course
Par-4 13th hole, 320 yards
The Sand Hollow Golf Resort is located near St. George, Utah, about two hours from Vegas. This John Fought designed course has more than its share of holes that will not only make the journey worthwhile, but will bring golfers back for more.
It’s the par-4, 13th that really stands out for views and playability. At 320 yards, it’s drivable for the big hitters—if they dare. The problem is, the hole has desert outcroppings on the right to add to the difficulty, as well as a 100-foot drop-off cliff on the left. Needless to say, drives that go left won’t be findable or playable.
It’s one of those holes that is impressive to look at but diabolical to play. And this is just one of three holes on the back nine (the 12th, 13th and 15th) that will have players reaching for their camera on the tee box, as well as the club they choose to hit off the tee.
Wolf Creek Golf Club
Par 5, 17th hole, 562 yards
This one’s in Mesquite, an hour North of Las Vegas. This is another course that’s well worth the drive for the beauty and the challenges. That’s right, its challenges, plural. There are enough difficult and gorgeous holes on this course to challenge golfers to pick out their best.
But we will showcase the par-5 17th hole. Standing on the tee box of the 562-yard hole, golfers can look around and see the surrounding Mesquite area.
But it’s the view some 100 feet below that will have players gasping in disbelief. This hole is impressive in its contrast, as there is a strip of brilliant green fairway that cuts through the light brown hillsides, imposing on both the left and right sides. It’s a gorgeous view and a challenging tee shot (watch out for the bunkers down below as well) that only gets tougher if players decide to go for it in two.
If golfers want to take on the chance of getting home in two, the water that comes into play in front of the green, to the right of the green, and behind the green may make more than a few golfers decide to make the smarter play and lay up.
SouthShore Country Club
Par 4, 17th hole, 382 yards
Standing on the back tee on the 17th hole of this private Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, the view is both impressive and intimidating. The Lake Las Vegas Resort is nestled on the left, far below the tee box and is a stunning view on its own.
But it’s the golf hole itself that brings the intimidation factor into play. The green isn’t visible from the tee on this dogleg right par-4 hole. What is visible is a deep canyon that must be carried with the tee shot, some 212 yards from the tips, to find the fairway and set up a wedge for a short second shot into the green that’s well-guarded on the left by a huge bunker.
It’s a scenic hole and very playable—if golfers find the fairway.
Revere Golf Club—Lexington Course
Par 5, 7th hole, 489 yards
If you’re looking for a signature hole that is gorgeous as well as a great challenge, look no further than the par-5, 7th hole, King’s Chapel, on the Lexington Course. Playing just 489 yards from the tips, it’s definitely reachable in two but the double-tiered green as well as bunkers and a pond will test golfers’ shot-making skills and nerves.
But it’s the view from the fairway to the green that will have golfers taking a minute to embrace everything that makes this a one-of-a-kind experience. That experience is a magnificent waterfall that cascades down from behind the green, adding a calming influence to the beauty of the hole.
Putting the waterfall out of your mind and with a long-iron or hybrid into the green, there’s a chance players may just be putting for eagle.
But whatever number you put on your scorecard, this hole will be No. 1 in your memory bank after this round ends.
Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort—Wolf Course
Par-3, 15th hole, 182 yards.
If there are must-play Pete Dye courses on your radar, this one should be near the top. It’s an island green makes it that much more of a gorgeous and tough golf hole.
Add in an amazing view from the tee box and it’s a snapshot memory golfers won’t soon forget.
At 182 yards from the tips, it should be a relatively easy tee shot. Except for the bunker guarding the front of the green and water, water, and more water everywhere.
A par here and you’re wiping the sweat off your brow as you head to the 16th tee. But put a birdie on the scorecard and you’ve conquered one tough golf hole.
