LAS VEGAS PAIUTE RESORT
WOLF COURSE (Tournament Course)
Las Vegas Golf Course Review July, 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, the second course to be built, takes advantage of beautiful scenery and natural rolling terrain of the
Southern Nevada desert to create a world-class golf experience. The Wolf (the Tournament Course), which
recently played host to the Anika Sorenstam-Karrie Webb match play on Shell's World of Golf, is the latest
course to open at the resort. It is featured in this review. 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...
The Wolf is the resort's newest and most spectacular course. At over 7600 yards, it is the longest course in the
state of Nevada, designed to be able to facilitate professional tournament play. After watching the Anika
Sorenstam/Karrie Webb match that took place on the Wolf last November, we were a bit intimidated by the
desert layout and carries that were demanded off the tee. To our surprise, we found the Wolf to be very playable
- especially from the Whites (5910 yards) and Yellow tees (6483 and 130 slope rating). There is a huge
difference on the Blacks (7009 yards) and the Tournament tees (7604 with a 149 slope rating). Obviously, there
are ample opportunities to grip it and rip it on this layout - which features wide fairways with ample landing areas.
The extremely rugged desert terrain will be absolutely beautiful when it fills in. The mounding and desert flora that
borders the fairways and cart paths is eerily reminiscent of Scottish sea-side courses. It is definitely a unique
setting in the Vegas Valley. Another unique and appreciated characteristic are the different colored "wolf heads"
that serve as tee markers. Each color stands out, making it extremely easy to recognize your groups selected tee box.
The opening hole is quite reasonable, with a wide open fairway and a downhill approach. Avoid the fairway
bunkers in the middle of the fairway and you should be in good shape. Number two is a short par four that is
reachable for long hitters who can catch the downhill slope about 70 yards from the green. The par 5 third
features a wide, rolling fairway and a narrow approach. Avoid the group of fairway bunkers on the left. Four is an
easy par three that plays slightly uphill, and is followed by another par 4 that is open off the tee. A waste area all
along the left side will come into play on the short par 5 sixth. This area should not intimidate, as it is entirely
playable. Seven is also quite open off the tee, with a narrow approach to a green featuring a gorgeous mountain
backdrop. The uphill nature of this hole makes it the # 1 handicap. The eighth is a pretty par three, with ample
room long and left. The closing hole of the front is an uphill dogleg right par four that is quite challenging.
The tenth opens with a tight tee shot, as desert borders both sides and a bunker sits mischievously in the center
of the fairway. Eleven is almost drive-able, though the putting surface is tucked neatly in-between bunkers and
mounding. An accurate shot over a formidable water hazard awaits on the par three 12th. Sand in front may save
you if you are a bit short, and a waste area will bail out any shots hit too far right. The short par five 13th
completes the easiest 4-hole stretch on the course. It is open off the tee, and its downhill nature allows an
extended roll on the second shot. You should have a short wedge for the uphill approach with only 1 green-side
bunker. Fourteen will demand your best. This dogleg right par four measures 438 yards from the yellows, with
desert and an extended waste area influencing you to aim left off the tee. This makes for a long fairway wood
approach, or a lay-up and play for a bogie. Fifteen is the signature hole of the Wolf. This short par three plays to
an island green, over a shimmering blue lake. Fortunately, if you can steady your nerves, you will find the largest
green of the layout as your target. The last three holes demand length off the tee. 16 features a rolling fairway that
slopes to the right, and an uphill approach. Stay away from the transition area mid left on the seventeenth. There
is plenty of room right. The closing hole is a beauty. Water along the right side and bunkers left will challenge you off the tee. The approach narrows to a green with bunkers on both sides.
We were fortunate to be able to play our round on the Wolf with a couple of Las Vegas locals, who helped us with
course knowledge, and provided excellent company. The rangers were also extremely helpful in directing us
through this considerably long layout. There is something in common that out of town visitors, local players,
Paiute employees, and management share - an appreciation for the golf courses and total experience at this wonderful facility. We were happy to be a part of it!
We played the Wolf 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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