I wasn’t much of a golfer prior to relocating to Las Vegas, but I now work with a group who arranges outings on a regular basis, and I have been excited with my progression in a pretty short time. I would get out to play more often, but I’m convinced there is no such thing as cheap golf in Vegas, but luckily, there is affordable golf in Vegas. So I jump on every opportunity to hit a new course when I find deals, a lot of times through Vegas Groupon. However, more often than not, Vegas golf deals on Groupon are for outlying areas.
For tourists and those new to the city, as I am, I am going to give the rundown of the courses I have become most familiar with. Since I live here, I’m not including any solid information about Las Vegas golf vacation packages, but there are sweet deals to be had if you do research. Obviously, mid-week is going to be your best bet if you are flying in and seeking Vegas golf discounts.
TCP Las Vegas
Tournament Players Club, more commonly known as TCP Las Vegas, was the setting for my first official outing in Nevada. Upon learning that TCP has hosted the PGA Tour, I was intimidated, but also excited. To golf where top golfers have graced the fairways was quite impressive. My game that day, however, was not, but the experience was a blast.
TPC offers an elite level of play and challenge for every skill set. As a below-average golfer at that time, I felt comfortable but challenged, and so did others in my group with a far more admirable handicap than I. You have to play the right tees for your game as there are some rather tough holes. Tee to green, the course is in awesome condition. Bunkers are hard and more dirt than sand. It has a typical desert layout so you stand to lose some balls. Vegas skyline, canyons and mountains create spectacular views, so it is certainly not a bad place to kill an afternoon.
Coyote Springs Golf Club
At almost an hour from Las Vegas, Coyote Springs Golf Club is worth the drive, and even has sizable practice facilities. I’ve been here a few times, since a friend likes it quite a bit, and frequent Vegas golf specials make it possible to play a round for under $100. There are also replay specials for those seeking to spend the day after finding the course as much fun as we did.
The area right around the course is rather isolated, so I would recommend having the car fueled up before leaving the city. Location is not a deterrent, though, as the natural beauty makes the drive worth it. The course plays to a par 72 and ranges from 5,349 yards, from the forward tees, to 7,471 yards from the championship tees. There are ten or so lakes on the course, and as a Nicklaus designed facility, you’d expect it to be a pristine course, which it is. Coyote Springs is designed for players of all abilities with five different tee choices.
Bali Hai Golf Club
I have had the pleasure of golfing Bali Hai a few times due to business-related outings, but I definitely would not be opposed to returning with buddies. Definitely not the cheapest golf in Vegas, but I can see the draw for tourists, as it is a golf course close to the Strip, and awesome photo ops are to be had for shutterbug golfers who are excited by hotels in the backdrop and a cool South Pacific theme throughout the grounds.
The layout is solid, and management seems to recruit customer service all-stars, because the attentive nature of staff is always on point. Bali Hai combines a gorgeous course with outstanding employees, which makes for an enjoyable afternoon out, despite the fact I have played here at peak playing times, and the game gets long. The course’s signature 16th hole is a sub-150 yard one-shotter that plays to an island green accentuated with a pair of brilliant white sand bunkers. The 18th hole has been regarded as one of the greatest par fours in Las Vegas and serves as a challenging way to end a memorable round.
Overall, I give Bali Hai a thumbs up, however, there is a factor to consider for the serious golfer. While it offers golfing near the Strip, one side of the course lies adjacent to McCarran, which means the plane traffic might be disturbing to some. I’ve found it only mildly distracting, but some I’ve played with found it an annoyance.
Las Vegas National
Another Vegas golf course near the Strip, Las Vegas National is a championship course which has had the honor of hosting many celebs and pro golfers. When Tiger woods won the Las Vegas Invitational back in ’96, he shot 70 here. I won’t share my score, but will add that it was a thoroughly enjoyable 18 holes. Knowing The Rat Pack played here made an impression on me, since I’m fascinated by all Vegas history, and who wouldn’t crack a smile playing on the same course once frequented by such iconic gents? The course is old-school, classic in design, but it’s still one of the most fun places to golf near the Strip.
Location, combined with attentive staff, makes me recommend LV National. They offer golf discounts Vegas residents can appreciate. Fees are clearly defined on the website, and they have military and senior discounts. Early bird and late 9-hole specials are a great way to secure cheap golf in Vegas, since such a thing is hard to find so close to Las Vegas Blvd. Some of the tee boxes could use some work, but overall, the place offers above-average, affordable golf in Las Vegas at a place that is steeped in history.
If you are from out of town and are seeking golf specials in Las Vegas, check with the hotels to see if you can set yourself up with a sweet package. If you’re local, I encourage you to play courses that offer a break in price for residents whenever you can. As time goes on, I plan to get myself to more area courses since the top golf courses in Las Vegas are all pretty fantastic from what I’ve heard, and I am glad to have a couple under my belt already.