LAS VEGAS PAIUTE RESORT
SUN MOUNTAIN COURSE (Tav-ai Kaiv)
Las Vegas Golf Course Review - 7/18/2003 - photos updated April, 2006
Located just 30 minutes from the Vegas Strip, The Paiute Resort offers a golfing experience unmatched in the
Las Vegas area. Currently on property are three top quality championship courses, all designed by Pete Dye.
Snow Mountain is the original course, and is considered the gentler and kinder of the three layouts. Sun
Mountain, highlighted in this review, takes advantage of beautiful scenery and natural rolling terrain of the
Southern Nevada desert to create a world-class golf experience. The Wolf, which recently played host to the
Annika Sorenstam-Karrie Webb match play on Shell's World of Golf, is the latest course to open at the resort.
Also on property are two complete practice areas, with large grass ranges and putting/chipping greens. Use of the practice facilities, including range balls, is complimentary to all Paiute guests.
A gorgeous clubhouse, with awe-inspiring views of the courses, features a huge and well-stocked pro shop,
spacious restaurant and lounge, and complete banquet and wedding facilities. Men's & women's restrooms
include locker facilities, a shower, and upscale toiletry amenities. Tournaments and group functions will have all
their needs met at Paiute, and those seeking golf instruction can choose from a variety of packages including
individual lessons, corporate bookings and 1 to 3 day schools. For those visiting Vegas on a business trip, Callaway rental clubs are available for those who can "sneak away" for a day.
Of special interest are Paiute's plans for an $500 million world-class Golf and Conference Resort. When
completed, Phase Two will include another golf course, luxurious accommodations, restaurants, casino, conference/banquet space, golf academy, spa, and additional recreational centers. 300 luxurious
accommodations will include 30 hotel rooms and 270 individual casitas ranging in size from 650 to 1,200
square feet. The Resort Spa complex will include a wellness center, treatment rooms, pools restaurants and
retail outlets. The concept of a "Retail Village" will be the focal point of the resort community, whereby stores,
restaurants, the clubhouse, conference center, casino, spa and other amenities will connected by one common
plaza. And what's more, as a commitment to the environment and to the total golf experience - no development
is proposed along the perimeters of the golf holes on any of the existing or proposed courses. Check out the architectural drawing in the clubhouse lobby. You will be impressed!
Regarding service, Paiute provides top quality experiences. Louis Hawkins, the head starter for the Paiute
courses, works diligently to get everyone to the tee on time for their scheduled start, and provides courteous and
friendly rapport. The same can be said of all the employees we met at this facility. Many workers are employed
to improve and upkeep the golf courses and facilities. We were impressed at the professionalism of the
maintenance personal who turned off their machines and waited quietly and politely until everyone in each group
completed their putts or tee shots. Our hats off to the course and maintenance superintendent - and to the golf
directors/managers who encourage efficient and enjoyable rounds by providing golfers with all the course
information they need. All three courses have different colored flags to indicate the day's pin placement (white -
front, checkered - middle, green - back). Sprinkler heads are marked to the center of the green, and cart paths
are also marked. Rocks on both sides of the fairway indicate yardage measured at 150 yards. A unique and
much appreciated feature are the yardage blocks provided on each tee box, indicating yardage measured to the
front, middle and back of the green. Additionally, yardage books with hole diagrams are included in the green fees. Finally, ball and club washers are provided for an each cart. Now to the golf course...
Sun Mountain is nestled between the Spring and Sheep Mountains. Some outstanding features include pot
bunkers, shimmering lakes (really shimmering!), rye grass fairways and bentgrass greens, and the world-famous
Pete Dye railroad tie bunkers. With four sets of tee boxes measuring from 7112 to 5465 yards and slope ratings
from 73.3 to 68.8, Sun Mountain is playable for all skill levels. We found the front nine to be especially beautiful
and challenging. Each tee shot and approach features incredible views of Mount Charleston to the west, and the
Sheep Mountains to the east. Although the fairways provide generous landing areas, trouble is always lurking in the form of desert, sand bunkers and water on this front side.
The opening par 4 plays long for everyone, at 453 from the tips to 382 from the forward tees. Warm up on the
range and be prepared to grip it and rip it. A shorter par 4 follows, playing downhill with bunkers all along the left.
You may be able to see the ski runs on Mt. Charleston from the fairway of the long par 5 third. There are bunkers
on both sides of the fairway here. You should be able to score well on the next two holes - a mid range par three
over water, followed by another carry over water off the fifth tee. Clear the hazards in good shape and birdies
may be possible. The number one handicap follows. Railroad tie bunkers are scattered throughout the fairway on
this long par four. The seventh is a reasonable par five, with open fairway off the tee and uphill approach.
Number 8 is one of the easiest holes on the course - a mid range par three playing downhill with a beautiful
mountain backdrop. Avoid the deep bunker front left here. The closing hole on the front is a challenging dogleg
left that plays uphill. You should try to cut it over the desert to the left off the tee, if you hope to reach in regulation.
The backside opens with a downhill tee shot to a fairly open fairway. You should be able to start well here. Eleven
is also open off the tee, but challenges with an uphill approach. Fairway traps right and left and also greenside
create the need for accuracy on the long par four twelfth. This is a tough hole, particularly if the wind is up.
Thirteen makes it two challenging holes in a row. There is plenty of room off the tee, but the approach narrows
and a deep bunker 60 yards out warrants your attention. Fourteen is a long par three, but is relatively easy. This
begins the easiest 4 hole stretch on the course. Number 15 is short and plays to an elevated green. Lots of
trouble is evident off the tee - but it can efficiently be avoided. Sixteen is a rather short par five, with railroad tie
bunkers throughout - and n intimidating trap in the middle of the fairway 150 yards out. A simple par three, and
the number 18 handicap follows. The eighteenth is a difficult finishing hole. Water all along the left will challenge
your shot making ability from tee to green. There is not much room for error on the approach. If you have a good round going, cautious play may be the ticket here.
We were fortunate to play Sun Mountain on a beautiful, sunny day in late February, when the wind was only a
slight factor. Paiute is known for its strong winds - so be prepared. Use less loft and keep it running low into the
wind, with a wide stance, short back swing and pointed follow through. With a little practice, this form of shot can
come in handy in a number of situations. It will be put to good use at Paiute - which is one of the best golfing experiences available in the Las Vegas area.
View the Two Guys Who Golf Detailed Listing Page for this course with a link to its website (if available): click here
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