Primm Valley doubles up on Tom Fazio

An Ideal Duo

Story by Bill Bowman

Primm Valley Golf Club has two words for golfers who have never teed it up at the two 18-hole layouts at the resort: Tom Fazio.

“If you put Tom Fazio’s name on it, you know it’s going to be quality,” says Jon Waddington, head golf professional.

The two layouts, the Lakes Course and the Desert Course, offer a variety of differences and shot-making challenges. But the bottom line is these courses appeal to any and every golfer. “There are generous fairways and big greens on both courses,” Waddington says. “They are easy courses to get around, whether you’re a low or high handicap player.”

The golf courses are located a quick 30-minute drive south of Las Vegas. But the golf adventure makes it well worth the trip.

On the Lakes Course, which measures 6,945 yards from the tips, the second hole is one of those designs that mesmerize players. The stunning-looking hole, a par 5 reaching just 530 yards, may not be long in distance but it’s got more than its share of challenges. The hole is a severe dogleg left that plays around a brilliant deep-blue lake. Big hitters have the chance to get home in two, but a couple of bunkers guard the front of the green making pinpoint accuracy a must.

“The Lakes Course is always a favorite because it’s a beautiful layout as well as a challenge,” Waddington says.

On the Desert Course, reaching 7,131 yards from the tips, the third hole is one of those dynamic risk/reward holes. It’s a par 4 that plays to 352 yards from the tips (but players can take a shot at driving the green from the other sets of tees). Bunkers guard the left and right sides of the green, so the nickname, Straight Shooter, is apropos.

“The Desert Course is a tough layout with a quality design,” Waddington says. “It doesn’t give you anything. It’s just a nice contrast. It’s a little more target golf and a little longer layout.”

When players tee it up for the first time, chances are they will play both courses. “We get quite a few of our groups from out of town and we will get quite a few who will then play the other course,” Waddington says.

And Waddington says the bottom line is simple. “They are two award-winning Tom Fazio courses that are always in great condition and we have a friendly staff.”

There’s more. There’s a huge practice facility that’s almost a 360-degree design. Add in a lush chipping area and putting green and your warm-up session will be Tour-like. Before or after the round, the restaurant and patio are a great place to eat, drink and watch the golf action.

The golf courses and the resort offer the ideal getaway for a day or for a weekend escape with three resort accommodations just minutes away in Primm. “Whether it’s for one player or up to about 180 players, Primm Valley has all sorts of stay-and-play packages to offer,” Waddington says.

Primm Valley Golf Club

#1 Yates Well Rd., Primm

702-679-5509

www.primmvalleyresorts.com