Las Vegas, Nev. (Nov. 14, 2016)–The famous Will Rogers saying is simple, and timeless: You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Well, that saying can apply very aptly to golf courses. When you step up to that first tee, you’re about to encounter a round of golf. Will it live up to your expectations? Let’s find out. — By Bill Bowman.
We’re going to give players a look at three Las Vegas area golf courses with opening holes that will impress and challenge golfers. While that may seem like a given for courses, that’s not always the case. But these three will set the table for rounds of golf that will be memorable. And that starts from the very first tee.
Bear’s Best Las Vegas: This Jack Nicklaus signature course has a roller-coaster ride of an opener. The first hole at Bear’s Best is a 413-yard, par-4 that sees players tee off from an elevated tee to the fairway. The second shot is back up a hill to an elevated green with a false front. Add in perfect bunkering and a pond that adds to the beauty and you’ve got an eye-opener of an opener.
Las Vegas National Golf Club: An impressive par-5 opens play at Las Vegas National. And the hole, that reaches 533 yards from the tips, awaits players with the risk/reward of going for the green in two. With it being a par-5, there is a little room for error off the tee so driver isn’t always needed. But, if players want to get home in two to set up a possible eagle, a daunting pond along with bunkering will add a little pressure to that second shot. A layup and a wedge in for a chance at a birdie is the way to go.
Wolf Creek Golf Club: The par-5 at Wolf Creek Golf Club in Mesquite (about an hour north of Las Vegas) has everything players want in an opening hole: stunning views, wide fairway and a large green. But at 579 yards from the tips, there’s still plenty of danger in bunkering, desert outcroppings and a stream up by the elevated green. Getting home in two requires a pair of John Daly type blasts, but it is possible. It’s a definite scoring hole to open the round.
Click here to check out tee times for these three stunning golf courses and many others in the Las Vegas golf community.
And stay tuned to this space for more impressive golf holes. Next up: Finishing holes that will leave you wanting more.