Golf

    There are numerous courses throughout the Las Vegas area. However, some of the most challenging holes are on exclusive, private and semi-private courses. Here is a partial list of  the best local courses, where it is not too difficult to arrange a tee time.

Angel Park Golf Club
100  S. Rampart Blvd.  (bet. Charleston Blvd. and Westcliff St.)
(888) 446-5358, (702) 254-4653
    Arnold Palmer designed this 36-hole, par-71 course. It has either the Palm or Mountain course, but many people like to try the Cloud 9 course, where each hole replicates a famous par-3.  
Facilities
Pro shop, putting green, driving range, restaurant, snack bar, cocktail lounge, beverage cart

Badlands Golf Club
9119 Alta Dr.
(702) 242-4653
    Set in Red Rock Canyon, this beautiful club has 27-holes of great golf. The greens are always well-maintained and the views are spectacular. Greens fees range from $45-$115.
Facilities
Pro shop, driving range, snack bar, cocktail lounge,

Callaway Golf Center
Las Vegas Blvd. South & Sunset Road
(702) 896-4100
    This complete golf center has everything you'll need for a great golf experience. You can even leave your clubs at home because Callaway will loan you a set of clubs free of charge when you play the 1230-yard Divine Nine Pitch and Putt or use the fabulous driving range. The range has views of the Strip, ponds, waterfalls and target greens. The Divine Nine and driving range are lit for nighttime use.     
Facilities
Pro shop, putting green, driving range, restaurant, snack bar, cocktail lounge

Craig Ranch Golf Club
628 W. Craig Rd.    (Losee Rd. and Martin Luther King Blvd.)
(702) 642-9700
Nice 18-hole, par-70 course.  The greens are really fast, but the fairway is usually well-maintained. PGA teaching pro available.
Facilities
Pro shop, putting green, driving range, restaurant, snack bar

Desert Inn Golf Club
3145 Las Vegas Blvd.
(702) 733-4290
Championship course holds three PGA events a year. Recognized as outstanding course by Golf Digest. You can reserve tee times 90 days in advance for Sunday through Thursday, 2 days in advance for Fri. & Sat. Non-hotel guests pay a higher rate and only Desert Inn and Caesars guests may use the driving range. Par-72 course.
Facilities
Pro shop, putting green, driving range, restaurant

Desert Pines Golf Club
315 East Bonanza
(702) 366-1616
This upscale club is located close to the heart of  Las Vegas. It's located 5 minutes from downtown and 15 from the Strip. It has a fantastic driving range and putting green, international services and a huge (21,000 sq. foot) clubhouse. Greens fees Monday through Thursday are $115; $130 Friday through Sunday.
Facilities
Pro shop, putting green, driving range, restaurant, snack bar, cocktail lounge, beverage cart

Desert Rose Golf Club
5483 Clubhouse Drive    (Off Sahara Ave., 3 blocks west of Nellis Blvd.)
(702) 431-4653
    Nice18-hole, par-71 public course with some challenging holes. PGA teaching pro available.
Facilities
Pro shop, putting green, chipping green, driving range, restaurant, cocktail lounge

Las Vegas Hilton Country Club
1911 Desert Inn Road.  (Bet. Maryland Pkwy and Eastern Ave.)
(702) 796-0016
    18-hole, par-72 public course popular with executives. Grounds are always well kept. Hilton guests get preferential treatment.
Facilities
Pro shop, golf school, driving range, restaurant, cocktail lounge

Las Vegas International Golf Center
4813 Paradise Road.
(702) 798-8700
This modern facility has a two-tiered driving range with 120 stalls, 24 of which are on natural grass. This is a great place to come if you feel like getting a couple of swings in before hitting the tables. It can get crowded on weekends, but otherwise you shouldn't have a problem.
Facilities
Pro shop, putting green, driving range, restaurant, snack bar, cocktail lounge,

Las Vegas Municipal Golf  Range
Decatur & Washington
(702) 646-3003
Not bad for a public course. The course is relatively well-maintained and you get plenty of golf for your $37 greens fee. You can also rent clubs for $25. Lessons are also available.
Facilities
Pro shop, putting green

Las Vegas National Golf Club
1911 E. Desert Inn Road
(702) 734-1796
Located just two miles from The Strip, the Las Vegas National Golf Club is a local favorite. The fairways are wide for big drivers, but you'll need a decent irons game too. Greens fees range from $80- $175.  
Facilities
Pro shop, putting green, driving range, cocktail lounge

The Legacy
130 Par Excellence Drive
(702) 798-2187
This pretty course has plenty of challenging holes. There are a variety of interesting traps and hazards including knee-high grass. After the final hole, look back at the outline of the Tenth hole's tees. Greens fees range from $55 - $75.
Facilities
Pro shop, putting green, driving range, snack bar, cocktail lounge

Wildhorse
1 Showboat Club Drive
(702) 434-9009
This course was ranked number one by the Southern Nevada Golf Association. The 18-hole championship course is 7,053-yards and features some very challenging holes. Greens fees range from $70 - $110.  
Facilities
Pro shop, putting green, driving range, restaurant, snack bar, cocktail lounge, beverage cart