Las Vegas, Nev. (Oct. 12, 2016)–Las Vegas has more than its share of replicas. You’ve got an Eiffel Tower, a pyramid, the New York skyline and a sphinx right on the Strip. But, just off the Strip is one of the best replicas a golfer can find–links-style golf replicating courses used in the Open Championship rotation at Royal Links Golf Club. –By Bill Bowman
Now, you may ask how realistic can this golf course be? Well, the answer is simple: You’ll be impressed and challenged. You will take on holes on this Dye International layout that are inspired by some of golf’s most famous designs. Hold on as you tee it up on the ‘Road Hole’ and ‘The Postage Stamp.’
“If you love golf and love the history of golf and what makes it so special, this is the place for you,” said Chuck Bombard, general manager. “There’s no water on the course and no forced carries, but it’s still a tough course. You have to be on your game the whole way around.”
Golfers will see the famous scoreboard, the Swilcan Bridge, a castle-like clubhouse with traditional fare and drinks and, on the course, monuments paying tribute to the history of golf. To top off the out-of-this-world experience, take a caddie along for the round. You’ll learn more about the course as well and their knowledge of how to play the course is invaluable.
“It’s all the little things around the property that make you go ‘hmmm, that’s interesting.’ ” Bombard said. “There’s the Claret Jug out front, the huge scoreboard on the road hole, the little museum right inside the front doors, the Swilcan Bridge.”
And it’s all right here, just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.
At this 7,029-yard, par-72 layout is impressive from start to finish. And add in its sister course, Bali Hai (a tropical-themed oasis on the south end of the Strip), and you’ve got a golf duo that will appeal to golfers of every ability.
The two courses are Walters Golf properties and offer golf packages that include a round of golf on each course. There are also stay-and-play packages that include golf along with stays at some of Las Vegas’ finest resorts.