Golf Courses in Las Vegas

As one of most visited cities in the United States with nearly year-round sunshine, it’s no wonder that golf is particularly popular in Las Vegas. Never mind that this Southwest city is located in the desert … there are still plenty of places to swing a club. With several dozen courses in the area, finding a place to play in Las Vegas isn’t too tough, although finding an affordable place with open tee times might be.

Las Vegas has a mix of traditional and championship courses that take quite a bit of watering in order to keep them in pristine condition, but there are also many desert courses that use much of the natural landscaping, especially in the out-of-bounds areas.

Prices

Las Vegas has golf courses in all price ranges, but obviously the finer and most popular courses are most expensive. The one at Wynn Las Vegas is the only one on the Strip itself, but it is reserved for guests only. Rates start at more than $300.00.

The city’s only par-3 course is just south of McCarran International Airport, and a round there runs from $25.00-$45.00.

Most courses fall somewhere in between, generally around $100.00 for 18 holes, including cart rental.

When to Play

Spring and fall are definitely the most popular golfing seasons in Las Vegas. Summers can get unbelievably hot, and spending several hours in the sun can be more miserable than fun. People do play during summer, though, and all the courses are open, but early morning tee times are hard to come by. Booking a late afternoon tee time may be a good compromise when you can’t snag your ideal time. Winters in Las Vegas are colder than most people expect, but the season is short, so golfers only have to avoid a couple chilly months on the course.

Getting a Tee Time

The concierge at most Las Vegas hotels should be able to arrange tee times with a bit of notice, but you can also book in advance at most courses as well. It is becoming increasingly easy to book tee times online, but if that is not an option, feel free to call your golf course of interest before leaving home.

Courses Closest to the Las Vegas Strip

Wynn Las Vegas – As noted above, this is the only golf course actually on the Strip. It’s also one of the finest kept and most expensive courses in the city. Reserved for guests only, it’s the kind of course most people will only ever dream of playing.

Las Vegas National Golf Club – This club has hosted many PGA and LPGA events, including one won by Tiger Woods. Reservations are taken up to two months in advance. Green fees range from $40.00 to $100.00, depending on the season and time of day.

Las Vegas Golf Club – The first course in the city dates back to 1945, but ongoing renovations have kept it on par with newer courses. Fees range from $60.00 to $80.00 with discounts for local residents. Reservations are taken up to 60 days in advance.

Callaway Golf Center – The city’s only par-3 course is just south of the airport on Las Vegas Boulevard. It’s more of a practice facility than anything else, and, because it’s lit at night, golfers can play once the sun goes down. Reservations are taken up to a month in advance and fees range from $25 to $45.

Photo credit: i-shooting