The Whole Package - Boulder Creek

The Whole Package

27 holes, pristine conditions, friendly staff, and great food

Story by Bill Bowman

Photography provided by Boulder Creek Golf Club

In the golf world, it’s the little things that get courses noticed. A great design is certainly at the top of the list; add in top-flight amenities and a cordial staff, and you’re on the right track. At Boulder Creek Golf Club, they are definitely running full-speed ahead.

The golf course, located 25 minutes southeast of the Las Vegas Strip in Boulder City, offers a variety of golf options with it’s 27-hole masterpiece. Players get to choose from Coyote Run (3,785 yards from the tips), Desert Hawk (3,843 yards), and Eldorado Valley (3,759 yards). When you mix and match the nines, that’s three distinct rounds players can take on. From risk/reward par 5s to some of the most challenging par-3 and par-4 golf holes to breathtaking scenery, Boulder Creek is a hidden gems.

“The biggest thing I’m proud of with our golf course is the friendliness of the staff and that the course is always in great shape,” says Andy Schaper, head golf professional. “That and it’s maturing more and more every year.”

The Mark Rathert design is golf: plain and simple. It’s you against the golf course, and one that is as gorgeous as it is challenging.

Did we say challenging? Well, that’s an understatement. Two of the three finishing holes feature water (and plenty of it), testing golfers’ shotmaking skills from tee to green.

The 9^th hole on the Desert Hawk is a 480-yard par 4. It’s PGA TOUR tough and a dogleg right hole, but players need to keep the tee shot as far right as possible to have a shorter shot in. That second shot will be made into an undulating, elevated green. In other words: Don’t be short. There’s a lake off the tee and a creek that flows in front of the green so accuracy is also a must.

Then there’s the 9^th at Coyote Run. Another long par 4 (469 yards), this one features water on the left off the tee. A big drive can carry the pond and stream, but don’t come up short. A white-sand bunker and another pond guard the green on the left with a second bunker on the right. Once again, pin-point accuracy is required to finish up this nine strong.

For those of you allergic to water, the Eldorado Run nine should be your cup of tea. But just because there are no streams or ponds or lakes doesn’t mean it’s less challenging. Take the 7^th hole for example. It’s a par 4 that plays just 410 yards from the tips. Desert on the right and left off the tee put a premium on a center-cut drive. The green is on the smallish side with bunkers short and long. Again, the premium is on distance control.

“We hear it all the time when people get done with their round…they can’t believe what a great day they had,” Schaper says. “It gives them the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the desert and the chance to get away. There are no homes. It’s just a true golfing experience whether you’re visiting or live here.”

Off the course, the Boulder Creek Grill has as many dining options as the course has golf holes. Add in great prices and you’ve got the perfect spot for that pre- or post-round meal. With a huge banquet facility, many people plan their weddings, conventions, or other family gatherings here—with or without golf on the menu.

“When people come out, they are going to find a very fair, but also challenging golf course,” Schaper says. “They are going to come out and experience a great layout. It’s the type of course people want to play again and again.”

Boulder Creek Golf Club

1501 Veterans Memorial Dr., Boulder City

702-294-6534

www.bouldercreekgc.com