Las Vegas, Nev. (Sept. 28, 2015)–Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference on a golf course. Just take a look at Las Vegas National Golf Club and you’ll be convinced. All of the greens at this history-filled, tree-lined layout have been expanded from three-to-six feet and four holes have had the tee boxes expanded or backed up. It’s all in an effort to enhance the golf experience that combines deep Vegas golf history, quality conditions, a unique vibe and a location just minutes from the magical Las Vegas Strip. –By Bill Bowman
The Bert Stamps Las Vegas golf course is a par-71 that reaches just 6,721 yards from the tips, but it’s about to be a little longer with the some of the new and improved tees.
“We started expanding the tees before the overseeding,” said Coy Wood, general manager. “And we’ve enlarged tees on holes 5, 7, 8 and 13. Some of them are a little longer and some are a little wider. It’s just going to take a little time for the grass on them to grow in but they are coming in nicely.”
The new tees and greens will enhance an already gorgeous layout. And one of the highlight–both beauty-wise and length-wis–are the five par 3s. These are some of the best around–and toughest. Three of them stretch out to more than 200 yards with the 232-yard 14th being the biggest test. Players will definitely get the chance to work on their long iron and hybrid play.
But even with the par 3 challenges, there are still plenty of scoring chances on this course. Two of the best open and close the round, the par-5 opening and closing holes. Both are reachable in two…if you’re willing to gamble. The first is 521 yards and the 18th is 519 yards. But water on both holes will definitely challenge players’ aggressiveness. Is it worth the gamble? Well, you are in Vegas.
Some may think that old school courses like National—with a not overly daunting length—can be pushovers. That isn’t always the case. The PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour have played events at Las Vegas National. In fact, Tiger Woods played here during his first PGA Tour victory (the 1996 Las Vegas Invitational) and he could only manage a one-under-par 70, his highest score of the five rounds he played over three courses.
“We are just a fun course to play,” Wood said. “We’re convenient from all over the valley and we’re challenging.”
The golf at Las Vegas National is a tree-lined layout that is highlighted by perfectly placed bunkers and water features. It will satisfy golfers of every ability. Add in a spacious clubhouse (which is home to the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame display), the chance to use GolfBoards (golf’s version of surfing on land for you and your clubs), an ideal spot to grab a bite to eat at the Rat Pack Bar & Grill and you’ve got a golf destination rather than just a golf course.