What are the best public golf courses in Las Vegas?

An introduction to Las Vegas

In this blog post, we’re going to explore the best public golf courses near to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas is such a popular holiday destination. Yet unsurprisingly, 99.9% of these holiday makers aren’t going to be a member of a golf club in the city. Yes there are some great golf courses in Las Vegas, but many are private.

Therefore the demand for a decent public golf course is huge. Many of these holiday-makers want to squeeze a quick 18 holes in before hitting the Strip and gambling the night away. 

Therefore find below a collection of the best public golf courses in Las Vegas.

See also: What are the best golf courses in Mesquite, Nevada?

The best public golf courses in Las Vegas

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1. Las Vegas Paiute Resort (Sun Mountain, Snow Mountain & The Wolf)

Las Vegas Paiute Resort is an awesome venue northwest of Las Vegas. It is without doubt one of the finest public golf facilities in Las Vegas.

Taking the Oran K Gragson Freeway north west out of downtown Vegas for about 25 minutes, and shortly after leaving the suburbs, you’ll arrive outside the Las Vegas Paiute Resort. You’re in the heart of the Las Vegas Indian Colony and surrounded by nothing but barren desert. 

The club has an impressive three 18-hole championship golf courses, each designed by Pete Dye and various members of his family. Snow Mountain and Sun Mountain were both led by Pete Dye, with the most recent layout The Wolf, having been led by Pete’s son Perry Dye. 

All three courses stretch over 7,000 yards, with The Wolf well over 7,600 yards being the most challenging of the three. In fact it is The Wolf which is the signature course, and officially (at the time of writing) the longest golf course in Nevada. Fear not though, this length is tempered by the five sets of tees on each hole. 

The desert landscape is a constant background as are the imposing mountain ranges which essentially flank the resort on two sides. Regardless of which course you are playing, loose shots will hit sandy waste run-offs as well as thick desert vegetation. 

Water comes into play on each of the three courses, with the iconic island green the photo frame opportunity on the Wolf course. As with many of Dye’s courses, risk/reward is a constant challenge and something that will keep you on your toes throughout. Do you take the risk and attempt the birdie, or play safe and look for a par. 

Regardless of what you choose, this is great fun golf, uninterrupted by housing and on the doorstep of Vegas. 

2. Coyote Springs Golf Club

Arguably one of the finest public golf courses in the country, let alone Nevada and let alone again Las Vegas.

Although Coyote Springs Golf Club is not located in Las Vegas. It is a forty-five minute drive north towards Mesquite. But I’m adding it to this list because it is that good.

This is a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course which opened for play in 2008. Immediately after opening, it received immense praise and acclaim from all the major golf publications. This included the likes of Golf Digest, Golf Magazine & Golf Week. 

Despite only opening for play after the turn of the century, Coyote Springs is widely considered one of the Golden Bear’s best desert courses. It is also one of the toughest, with the course measuring over 7,500 yards from the back tee markers.

Despite being surrounded by barren desert, there are eleven lakes which come into play. Vast swathes of sandy run-offs line most holes with many other hazards on offer. 

Yes it’s a long drive from downtown Vegas, but I couldn’t recommend it enough.

See also: What are the best golf courses in Henderson, Nevada?

3. Cascata Golf Club

Located slightly beyond Vegas, on the route towards Boulder City and the Hoover Dam, lies the extraordinary Cascata Golf Club, designed by the renowned Rees Jones.

Recognized globally for his work on prestigious courses, including those hosting U.S. Opens, Jones has fashioned a challenging course at Cascata. Nearly every hole ascends or descends the hillside, demanding precision in shot-making.

Considered one of Las Vegas’s premier golfing destinations, Cascata epitomizes luxury, sparing no expense in its construction, upkeep, and exquisite features. The meticulously maintained fairways resemble carpets, while the lightning-fast greens demand skill and finesse.

The centerpiece of this remarkable club is a majestic 418-foot waterfall, flowing down the mountainside—an Italian word, cascata, aptly meaning waterfall. This stunning sight continues beneath the striking Tuscan-style clubhouse, an architectural marvel.

Situated in Bootleg Canyon, this desert gem offers an unparalleled golfing experience. Jones’ design on the barren hillside necessitates strategic shot-making, making every hole a challenge.

For those seeking an unforgettable golfing venture, the 30-mile drive from downtown Las Vegas to Cascata is undoubtedly worthwhile.

However, the privilege of playing here comes with a notable green fee. Yet, the attention to detail and the exceptional design by Rees Jones make Cascata a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of desert golfing experiences.

4. Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn Golf Club is an awesome course and one which literally rubs shoulders with the Strip. And although officially a private course, it is open to anyone staying at the Wynn Las Vegas which is onsite.

There has been a golf course in this spot since the 1950s. But the layout we have today wasn’t built until the early 2000s.

Hotel owner and casino magnate Steve Wynn called upon the world-renowned Tom Fazio and gave him a simple brief, ‘completely demolish the existing Desert Inn course, and build a world-class alternative’.

What was created was Wynn Golf Club. The Fazio creation was a 7,000 yard par 72, which eventually opened in 2005.

But yet again in 2017, the course was closed to be completely remodeled. This time by Fazio and his son Logan. Their creation opened years later nearly 300 yards shorter and now a par 70.

This really is a sanctuary of peace despite its proximity to the hustle and bustle of the Strip.

Expect to pay a green fee close to $500-600, but the experience is worth it.  Not only will you be playing one of the best golf courses in Las Vegas, it is also without doubt one of the best manicured courses in the city.

See also: What are the best golf resorts in Nevada?

5. Bali Hai Golf Club

One of a handful of golf courses positioned very close to the famous Vegas strip, Bali Hai is also one of the newest. 

It was opened in 2000 and designed by two of the most highly respected golf course architects, Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley. 

Bali Hai has a sensational location and is perfect for those visiting Vegas to catch a quick round. The prime location is arguably one of the reasons it is one of the most popular public golf courses in Vegas. 

Literally next to the Harry Reid International Airport and at the southern end of the Vegas strip, it is minutes from most of the hotels. Anyone taking a selfie at the ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign, will see the course if they look left!

Despite the plot of land being relatively tight, Schmidt and Curley managed to create a 7,002 yard masterpiece. Although three other sets of tees offer slightly more sociable distances.

The layout is classic desert style but with a lush verdant theme oozing a tropical paradise feel.

For example, when constructing the course, they planted some four thousand trees and a couple of thousand palms. Fairways are a luscious green and carpet like to hit off. Lakes were added and all-in-all, this is one of the most phenomenal Vegas golf experiences.

Not only is this a great design, but they also have a popular card wrecker, the 16th hole’s island green. These holes are hard enough at the best of times, let alone having an audience of people on the clubhouse terrace ‘cheering’ you on.

Well worth the visit and look out for twilight discounted rates.

6. TPC Las Vegas

Part of the TPC chain, TPC Las Vegas is one of the few open to the public. 

TPC Las Vegas is located in the Summerlin neighborhood west of the city. This is just a fifteen minute drive away from the Strip, so easily accessible for most people.

The 18-holes here were designed by the acclaimed Bobby Weed with support from Raymond Floyd. For many years it has been a mainstay in public courses around Vegas.

The track itself is fantastic, with plenty of carries over arroyos and lush green fairways flanked by the desert landscape. Granted housing is visible from most fairways, but the layout itself is top class. 

From the back tees it measures just over 7,100 yards. There are some fantastic signature holes including the 14th hole known as the ‘steeple hole’. Aim for the church steeple in the distance to avoid a longer approach shot over a large ridge. Without doubt one of the best par 4s in Vegas.

And that professional layout is one of the reasons TPC Las Vegas has been ranked as one of the best public golf courses in the U.S.

7. Bear’s Best Las Vegas

West of the Las Vegas Strip, some 30 minutes drive away, is the entertaining and unique Bear’s Best Las Vegas.

The club is close to the Summerlin neighborhood and occupies a stunning location with magnificent views. 

Routed in the foothills of the Spring Mountains, this is the outer extremity of the much larger Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Part of the Mojave Desert, it is known for its towering red sandstone peaks and is a popular tourist attraction.

And it is this spectacular backdrop that you’ll be able to enjoy when playing Bear’s Best Las Vegas. 

I said ‘unique’ in the intro, and this is because all 18 holes were individually selected by Jack Nicklaus himself. And this was from across the nearly three hundred designs worldwide his Nicklaus Design architectural firm has been responsible for.

And so what about the course? Surreal, quirky and entertaining are all words used to describe the playing experience. 

You have holes inspired from La Paloma in Tucson, Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, PGA West in Palm Springs and the sensational Castle Pines in Colorado.

No wonder this is one of the most in-demand daily fee courses in Vegas with a thriving membership. Not cheap but boy is it worth it.

8. Rio Secco Golf Club

Just a twenty minute drive south of Vegas towards the neighborhood of Anthem is the wonderful Rio Secco Golf Club.

This is a Rees Jones design, the man known as the ‘US Open Doctor’ for all of his work renovating US Open venues.

The course opened in 1997 and is positioned on a high plateau. Sumptuously routed, the layout circumnavigates the surrounding canyon and cuts through the desert washes. There are some magnificent views over the Vegas skyline from many of the holes.

The condition is more often than not exemplary, which is impressive considering its popularity and the inevitable footfall.

Widely lauded for its playability, the course is ideal both for leisure golfers and lower handicappers, something which Jones worked on improving in 2017.

Accuracy from the tee is essential to get the right approach to the green. So unless your hitting the ball well, scoring low at Rio Secco will be challenging. But nor will the course completely beat up. 

One of the most enjoyable places to play in the city.

See also: What are the best public golf courses in St George, Utah?

9. Angel Park Golf Club (Mountain Course)

There aren’t many golf clubs in the Vegas area with two 18-hole championship courses, but Angel Park is one of them.

Incredibly popular with the locals, having the two courses means there is always ample space to receive nomadic golfers looking for a quick 18-holes.

Both courses, The Palm and The Mountain, were designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. The Palm opened in 1989 and The Mountain in 1990. 

At just over 6,400 yards, The Palm is the slightly less physically demanding of the two. But with plenty of hazards and rapid greens, this is definitely no push over.

The Mountain course is more challenging, measuring over 6,700 yards and featuring slightly tighter fairways and similar hazards.

Both courses have a wonderful backdrop looking over the Red Rock Mountain range. And yet you’re just fifteen minutes drive from the Strip. Over the years, the club has received numerous accolades and is highly rated amongst visiting golfers and locals.

10. Primm Valley Golf Club – Lakes Course & Desert Course

The first golf club on our list is technically not in Nevada. It is just over the State border in California. But just a forty-five minute drive from the Strip, I’m going to count this awesome club as being a Vegas course!

Primm Valley has two championship 18-hole layouts, the Lakes and the Desert courses, both designed by the iconic Tom Fazio. This is a wonderful location overlooked by the omnipresent Mojave Mountains. And here Fazio has created a lush golfer’s paradise, surrounded by a verdant landscape.

The Lakes course was the first to open in 1997, and despite its desert location, it is almost tropical. As the name suggests, there is dense greenery and an abundance of water.

Shortly after opening, the Lakes course was considered one of the Top 10 Best New Golf Courses by Golf Digest. An unambiguous seal of approval of the work Fazio did.

Fairways are generous but with huge amounts of water as well as a plethora of other hazards, don’t get too complacent!

The Desert course opened a year later in 1998 and provides a stark contrast. Waste bunkers border most holes with barren desert terrain a constant reminder of exactly where you are. Desert wildflowers and mesquite trees line many holes.

All in all, this is well worth the trip from Vegas. With the two courses on offer it might even be worth spending the day here.

See also: What are the best golf courses in Reno, Nevada?

11. Las Vegas National Golf Club

This 18-hole championship layout is a par 71 and was designed by the golf course architect Bert Stamps. It is one of the closest layouts to the Strip as well as one of the oldest in Vegas. 

In fact the history of Las Vegas National Golf Club, known as ‘The National’, stretches way back to the early 60s, when the course first opened for play. 

Over the years it has hosted many prestigious PGA and LPGA tournaments including the Las Vegas Invitational, the Sahara Invitational and the Tournament of Champions.

It was actually here at The National where Tiger Woods won his first PGA Tour victory back in 1996.

As for the course itself, it is a carpet of green, oasis-like with thousands of trees dotted throughout the site. There is water which comes into play on a handful of holes and the well positioned bunkers are used sparingly, but mostly to protect greens.

12. Desert Pines Golf Club

Right in the heart of Vegas, just minutes away from the Strip off the Great Basin Highway, is the superb Desert Pines Golf Club.

The course was designed by Pete Dye, a man whose architectural career has taken him all over the world. Yet here at Desert Pines, he’s clearly been inspired by the North Carolina sandhills. 

There are over 3,500 mature pine trees lining the fairways. As do large white sand bunkers lined with timber sleepers, a design feature of Dye’s. The greens are larger than average, featuring bent grass just like those at Augusta National.

From the back tees the course measures over 6,200 yards. In an era of new courses constantly measuring over 7,000 yards, this makes a nice change. There are four large lakes which come into play on more than half the holes on the course.

This really is a fun course to play. And with an average round taking around four hours, this is a great diversion without taking the whole day.

See also: What are the best private golf courses in Las Vegas, Nevada?

13. Reflection Bay

One of the last courses on this list is the immaculate Reflection Bay, located on the shore of Las Vegas Lake. This is a good half hour’s drive from the Strip and is an immensely idyllic spot.

Reflection Bay is another Jack Nicklaus signature creation, with the layout running from the banks of the lake up into the higher ground where luxury properties also enjoy the magnificent views.

Despite being a resort course, there is plenty of space provided off the tee and each of the holes has enough character not to be undermined by surrounding housing.

The most appealing section of the course comes in the holes running alongside Lake Las Vegas, the 320-acre man-made creation. Lush green grass, brilliant white bunkers and palm trees embellish what are some of the finest holes on the course.

Recognition has not been shy, with a whole host of awards coming its way and rightly so. It is really refreshing to see public courses hold their own amongst some of the finest private ones and Reflection Bay is the perfect example of this.

14. Painted Desert Golf Club

Painted Desert is located a twenty minute drive from the Strip up in the northern suburbs towards the Centennial Hills neighborhood. This is another course which continues to punch above its weight.

The Jay Morrish design is desert golf at its best, with a wonderful backdrop to add.

Yes you’ll notice housing lining fairways. But due to the verdant greenery framing each hole and the clever mounding lining many fairways, this doesn’t infringe as much as you fear it could.

As a previous host venue to the Nevada Open, one consistent piece of feedback is how well conditioned the course is. Along this theme, Painted Desert is consistently rated as one of the best maintained courses in Nevada. 

Last on this list, but that just goes to show the fantastic quality this city has to offer.

What is the best public golf course in Las Vegas?

The best public golf course in Las Vegas is the desert-style Sun Mountain Course at Paiute Golf Resort. This phenomenal golf course is one of three onsite at the resort and was designed by Pete Dye in 1996. Ever since opening, it has received countless awards and is regularly recognised as being one of the finest golf courses in Nevada, let alone Las Vegas.