The Chase at Coyote Springs is one of the Las Vegas golf courses that approximates the secluded feel of "The Big Three."
You probably know that some people pay upwards of $500 to play “The Big Three” Las Vegas golf courses at Shadow Creek, Cascata, and Wynn Golf Club.
What you might not know is that you can get a similar experience at other Las Vegas golf courses for a heck of a lot less.
According to the editors of Golf Odyssey, there are at least three facilities (a total of six Las Vegas golf courses) that offer an escapist vibe like the one enjoyed at the trio comprising “The Five Franklin Club.” In the February 2009 issue of Golf Odyssey they wrote, “you’ll not find a single house anywhere near these Las Vegas golf courses.”
This includes, at least for now, the newly opened PGA Golf Club at Coyote Springs, located in a remote area about 30 miles from The Strip. Its 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus design, called The Chase, is the first of as many as 15 Las Vegas golf courses (yes, 15) planned for what is to be the Western headquarters of the PGA and a 150,000-home community.
The course itself is excellent, but traffic has been slower than anticipated and, were it not the PGA’s baby, it’s hard to see how it could survive. Green fees have been adjusted downward since the course officially opened in April 2008, making a round with a forecaddie (plus complimentary snacks and sodas) both great fun and a bargain at $105-$175.
Another of Golf Odyssey’s recommendations is Primm Valley Golf Club, located 40 miles from downtown. Primm Valley’s Lakes Course cost $30 million to build, and, like Shadow Creek, the costly oasis Tom Fazio built for Steve Wynn, it makes you feel as if you’re on a Midwestern parkland layout.
Although $200 is the maximum green fee on a weekend in high season (late February to mid-May), walk-up rates for Primm Valley’s two Las Vegas golf courses (Lakes and Desert) at that time are $120 (they drop to $65 in summer). Were these Las Vegas golf courses situated closer to The Strip, golfers would likely pay in excess of $250 per round.
Rounding out the options is Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, about 25 miles north of downtown, sporting three Pete Dye-designed tracks. The Paiute Nation’s original plans called for golf, a casino resort, and homes, but thankfully, only the golf courses have been built. During much of the year, distant snow-covered mountain slopes frame the pristine natural surroundings. The all-day rate ($129-$199), which includes unlimited golf and lunch, is a steal at this very friendly facility.
Here’s another tip about these alternatives to “The Big Three” Las Vegas golf courses: when the weather heats up (and rates are at their lowest), their higher elevation makes them noticeably cooler compared to the courses located closer to town.
Golf Odyssey’s full report reveals which Las Vegas golf courses at these multi-course facilities are the true “must plays” and provides the scoop on new and noteworthy places to stay on The Strip. Get your copy instantly by taking a no-risk, free trial, which will also give you access to Golf Odyssey’s password-protected archive of reviews and recommendations on courses and resorts worldwide.
Did you know? Golf Vacation Insider and Golf Odyssey are the world’s only golf publications that do not accept any advertising from golf courses, resorts, or restaurants and regularly travel anonymously in order to provide you with expert, unbiased, and trusted advice.
Not already a subscriber to Golf Vacation Insider? Use this link to stay in the loop with our free tips and expert advice on which golf courses, golf resorts, discount golf vacations, and golf vacation packages are truly worth your time and money. As a bonus, we will send you a free copy of Planning the Ultimate Golf Vacation, a 40-page book filled with some of the best golf travel secrets from the editors of Golf Odyssey.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Having just returned from my annual three week trip to Pebble Beach, and the ATT Pro-Am. I want to thank you for the tip in your Dec. article on getting a N. Calif. Golf Associate membership. That $25.00 saved me several hundred dollars on play at Poppy Hills, in the pro shop and at other courses in Monterey. I find Golf Insider travel tips very informative & helpful. Cordy Worth
The silver lining to the down economy certainly benefits golf travelers. Especially golf travelers headed to Vegas. VEGAS IS NOW A VALUE…AGAIN. While your article touched on three fine examples of the values that are out there (at three very nice facilities I might add), it is also worth noting that three courses my company operates in Vegas (Aliante, Legacy and Angel Park) offer a nice Double and Triple Play package that brings weekday golf rates to $95 and $90 respectively, when regular rates are $120-$135. Plus, now through 5/3 they are doing 1/2 of rentals with a double play and free rentals with a triple play. Combine that with lower room costs (we are seeing very nice properties lead with $59 room rates. Check out the new Aliante Station which has room prices starting at $59 and off strip alternatives like Suncoast), more dining offers, show deals etc and Vegas is back to being a great value for the golf traveler again. Ohh and we are getting to the best vegas weather months…March, April, etc. Not to mention, I can’t can’t think of a place more fun then Vegas to catch March Maddness B-Ball action!
Thanks for your comment Kris, and thanks for disclosing your relationship with the courses you mentioned (others have been booted out of here for posting comment spam). The subject of this tip was more about approximating the experience of “The Big Three” than on Las Vegas deals in general, but yes, we are aware of the specials you mentioned and have already passed the info on to a few readers — who wrote back saying they booked them and saved money! Cheers to OB Sports!