Las Vegas might be known for its casinos, nightlife, and neon glow, but for golfers, it’s a desert paradise filled with high-caliber courses. Whether you’re a local or just visiting with your clubs in tow, the challenge isn’t finding a course to play—it’s choosing the right one. That’s where this firsthand ranking of the best golf courses in Las Vegas and its surrounding areas comes in.
This isn’t a generic list pulled from brochures or corporate ratings. It’s a personal, boots-on-the-ground (or spikes-on-the-turf) review built from actual rounds played. It factors in more than layout or designer names. It includes everything from the moment you arrive, course conditions, practice facilities, value, and how enjoyable the round actually is.
Before diving into the list, a few quick notes: This ranking only includes courses I’ve personally played. If you don’t see a particular course (like The Summit, Wynn, or Red Rock Country Club), it’s not ranked simply because I haven’t played there yet. Also, the focus is solely on Las Vegas and nearby areas—not Northern Nevada or Mesquite unless specifically mentioned in future updates.
How These Rankings Were Created
Unlike traditional rankings that use point systems or spreadsheets, this list is based on instinct and overall experience. A course could be visually stunning but fall short if the greens were inconsistent or staff was inattentive. Conversely, a course with average aesthetics might score high if it delivered exceptional playability, service, and value.
For instance, one of the most frequently questioned placements is Rio Secco Golf Club ranking ahead of Cascata. While Cascata offers an undeniably over-the-top luxury experience, I found Rio Secco more playable, enjoyable, and memorable overall—especially considering the difference in green fees.
The Top 21 Golf Courses in Las Vegas (As of 08/31/2024)
#1 – Shadow Creek Golf Club
Widely considered the crown jewel of Las Vegas golf, Shadow Creek is pure golf theater from start to finish.
#2 – Southern Highlands Golf Club (Private)
Exclusive and immaculately maintained. Every hole feels like it was designed with intent.
#3 – Paiute Golf Resort – Snow Mountain
A consistent standout among locals and visitors. Scenic, fair, and always in excellent condition.
#4 – Paiute Golf Resort – Sun Mountain
Similar to Snow but slightly more forgiving. Outstanding desert layout and value.
#5 – Coyote Springs Golf Club
Remote, but the drive is worth it. One of the best pure golf experiences near Vegas.
#6 – Golf Club at South Shore (Private)
Lake Las Vegas’ crown jewel. Tight layout with beautiful elevation changes and water views.
#7 – Paiute Golf Resort – Wolf
The most challenging of the Paiute trio. A must-play for golfers who want a test.
#8 – Cascata Golf Club
Spectacular setting and elite service, but the wind and layout made it feel more punishing than enjoyable.
#9 – Rio Secco Golf Club
Elite views, world-class greens, and strong value. More playable than Cascata and just as rewarding.
#10 – Las Vegas Country Club (Private)
Rich history and located right near the Strip. A solid classic.
#11 – Laughlin Ranch Golf Club
A bit outside Vegas but earns its spot with great conditions and scenic holes.
#12 – Boulder Creek Golf Club
Surprisingly solid municipal option with diverse holes and friendly staff.
#13 – TPC Las Vegas
Tour-quality layout with a strong reputation. High-end experience without being private.
#14 – TPC Summerlin (Private)
Host of the PGA Tour’s Shriners event. A prestigious, well-conditioned track.
#15 – DragonRidge Country Club (Private)
One of the best views in the valley. Good challenge with a luxury feel.
#16 – Anthem Country Club (Private)
Solid routing and well-maintained but overshadowed by nearby competitors.
#17 – Revere Golf Club – Lexington
A high-value public course with elevation and Strip views.
#18 – Las Vegas National Golf Club
Historic and accessible, though it could use some updating.
#19 – Conestoga Golf Club
A Mesquite gem. Excellent desert golf experience.
#20 – Reflection Bay Golf Club
Strong back nine with water views, but occasionally inconsistent conditioning.
#21 – Highland Falls Golf Course
Affordable, playable, and with some of the best Strip views in the valley.
Courses Still to Play (Unranked but on the Radar)
- The Summit (Private)
- Red Rock Country Club (Private)
- Wynn Golf Club
- Eagle Crest (Executive)
- Los Prados (Executive)
- Durango Hills (Executive)
Worthy Mentions in the Next Tier
From Siena to Painted Desert, many solid options just missed the Top 21. Courses like Wolf Creek and Bear’s Best have passionate followings, but in my experience, they didn’t quite rise to the top tier—whether due to playability issues, cost-to-value ratio, or maintenance inconsistencies.
Courses No Longer in the Rotation
Some once-popular courses like Royal Links, Badlands, and Black Mountain are now closed or removed from the list due to permanent shutdowns. Though they played a role in shaping Vegas golf over the years, they’ve now passed into local golf lore.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas is a uniquely diverse golf city. From high-end resort courses to municipal gems, there’s something for every skill level and budget. This list represents one golfer’s journey through Southern Nevada’s golf scene—shaped by firsthand experience, evolving opinions, and personal enjoyment.
Whether you’re teeing it up at Shadow Creek or finding hidden value at Highland Falls, the Vegas golf landscape offers something exceptional at every level. As always, if you disagree with the rankings or think a course deserves a higher spot, feel free to make your case. That’s part of what makes golf in Las Vegas so fun—it’s as much about the experience as it is about the score.
