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Monday, March 9, 2015
Course Spotlight
Rhodes Ranch Golf Club
Tee it up at this Las Vegas favorite
Story by Bill Bowman
Photography provided by Rhodes Ranch Golf Club
There’s a signature hole—or two—at every golf course. At Rhodes Ranch Golf Club, a Ted Robinson, Sr. par-72 layout that reaches 6,909 yards, those signatures are obvious from the tee box—the par 3s.
Two in particular, the 3rd and the 16th holes, are beautiful as well as great challenges. “We have water on three of the four par 3s,” says Roy Smith, assistant general manager and head golf professional. “They are all very good holes, all very long holes and all require a lot of accuracy.”
But standing on the tee of the 3rd hole (227 yards from the tips) and the 16th (212 yards from the tips), players will see amazing views before they think about club selection. Sparkling ponds, streams, bunkers and trees not only provide a beautiful backdrop, they add to the test as players ponder their plan of attack.
“Both of those are great holes and players need to remember to be conservative on the par 3s and aggressive on the par 5s,” Smith says.
Ah yes, the par 5s. Players will find all four reachable in two (if you’re playing the proper set of tees). Even on the longest of the four (the 571-yard 9th), players can lay up and have a wedge into the elevated green.
And then there’s the players’ favorite…a drivable par 4. This one, the 11th, plays just 321 from the tips. It’s your classic risk/reward hole. If you go for it, be prepared to face a plethora of obstacles. “It’s definitely well guarded,” Smith says. “You have to fly the water and then there are bunkers left and trees to the right.”
Feeling lucky? Well, we are in Vegas so you might want to give it your best shot on this hole.
Overall, Rhodes Ranch is one of those courses that players will find enjoyable and playable…two traits necessary to be a success.
Another great trait is conditioning and Smith adds that the conditions on the course are superb. “Over the past couple of years people have been very happy with the conditions…and so are we,” he says. “I think we have some of the best conditions in town.”
Add in a restaurant with a wide variety of dining options and the fact that the course is just five minutes from The Strip and you’ve got one of those courses that appeals to those teeing it up and even to those just looking for a wide assortment of dining options.
Players will find stunning mountain views from the clubhouse and the deck. And then there’s the menu. Picking a favorite is tough, but Smith has a few suggestions. “A couple of our signature items that people talk about a lot are our Monte Cristo sandwich and our VIP burger,” Smith says.
So whether you’re a visitor or a resident, Rhodes Ranch Golf Club has tremendous layout appeal, convenience and variety…many of the things most golfers search for when they are looking for a place to tee it up, especially in Las Vegas.
Rhodes Ranch Golf Club
20 Rhodes Ranch Pkwy., Las Vegas
702-740-4114
www.rhodesranchgolf.com