PALMS GOLF CLUB
Las Vegas Golf Course Review -2/26/03
Mesquite, Nevada is one of our nation's premier golf destinations, with 107 incredible holes of championship
golf (81 in Mesquite, 36 less than 1 hour away in St George) in close proximity to casino/hotels with restaurants,
spas and a full scale of resort experiences. The PALMS Golf Club is the granddaddy of the group, being the first
course built in Mesquite - igniting the way to the golf explosion that has been created here. Unique to the area,
the Palms features a front nine that is reminiscent of a Florida type golf experience - spacious fairways lined with
gorgeous palms and ample water and sand hazards. The only difference - are the incredible surrounding
mountains that provide a panorama of scenic views. Golfers will appreciate the opportunity to "warm up" on the
front - as the backside provides a roller coaster ride through canyons and desert arroyos - mixed in with unique
natural areas. While distance is important on the initial nine (3544 yards from the tips), the emphasis is on
accuracy on the mountainous back-side. Bring your camera for a shot from the tee area on the 507 yard par five 15th - which presents a drop of 114 feet to the fairway below.
The Palms features a spacious grass range - which has been used for several years as a venue for the National
Long Drive Championship. An ample putting green is also on property - conveniently located near the first tee.
The clubhouse features a dining area for snacks and sandwiches, with an outdoor patio featuring gorgeous
vistas of the course and surrounding mountains. We were impressed with the courteous and friendly service from all employees at the club.
There are 3 sets of tees at the Palms - ranging in total distance from 4797 to 6814 yards. Women and
seniors/beginners catch a good break on the tee areas on some of the more challenging holes. The 6124 yards
from the mid tees provides a fair challenge for the average golfer. Play from the tips and you will find 5 par fours
of 400 + yards on the front -some compounded with a challenge from the wind. The 18th is the only long par four
on the back - but it plays 426 yards and uphill all the way. Overall - the Palms is a great resort golf experience - reasonably priced and one that should be part of any Mesquite golf itinerary.
The opening hole is a reachable par five that lets you grip it and rip it right off the bat. Placement long and just to
the left of the huge palm/sand complex in the center of the fairway will leave the best approach. Those venturing
to the right onto the 2nd fairway will also find a decent approach. Wind is often a factor on this hole. Be careful on
two. The water hazard on the left is closer than it appears to be - anything hit through the fairway left will reach it.
After a long but playable par three, you are confronted with perhaps the most interesting hole on the front - a
dogleg right par five, with a water hazard on the right that is hidden off the tee. Some distance can be cut by
staying right, but a blind second over the canal is a difficult proposition. The left side of the fairway is the safest
play here. This number one handicap proceeds the easiest hole on the front - a mid range par four with little to
keep you from a good score. Six provides a stern test, as it plays into the prevailing wind. The water on the right
can be reached off the tee. A beautiful, Florida-style green complex with palms and bunkers is featured here. Be
cautioned that the water hazard along the left side of the green extends behind the putting complex as well. The
par three 7th is also challenging, with water hazards fronting and also immediately behind the green. There is
ample bail-out room both right and left. Though quite long, the par four 8th is a score-able hole, especially if you
can cut off some distance by playing the left side of the fairway. Be mindful of the water hazard to the left of the
green on your approach. Nine heads back towards the clubhouse, and is challenging off the tee due to a water
hazard along the left side and a huge bunker right. Land it on the fairway over the forward tees and a good score is possible.
The tee shot on number ten demands a carry over a ravine. There is ample room on the fairway, and a correction
is possible on the second shot if you are a little right or left off the tee. The approach plays downhill and bends to
the left, with palms and traps guarding a beautifully tropical green complex. Number 11 is a pretty par three,
which also plays downhill. There is plenty of room short here. We found 12 to be one of the most challenging
holes on the course. At 322 from the tips, it is quite short, but plays 100 yards longer due to its uphill nature and
to the prevailing wind. Thirteen is also difficult, with a narrow fairway off the tee along a route that bends left
towards the desert area. Land it on the fairway towards the middle right, and the approach is an easy one.
Fourteen begins a set of closing holes that are collectively visually stunning. This par three plays over a ravine,
with some bail our room along the grass slope that runs short of the green. Long is trouble here. 15 is one of
Mesquite's top golf holes. Do not venture too close to the edge of the tee areas, as the drop off is straight down -
114 feet. You will need some distance here off the tee - even though playing considerably downhill, a good poke
is needed to reach the fairway. A creek left and natural areas right make this a demanding shot. Land in the
sistern that stands in the center of the fairway - as I did - and you get a free drop - no penalty. If you reach the
fairway here, you may have a reasonable shot at par or better here. The water hazard to the right on 16 is
possible to clear. A creek along the left is more of a hazard. Anything running through the fairway on that side will
be wet. A lay up off the tee is a prudent move here as this hole plays just 363 from the tips and 314 from the
whites. Seventeen requires some accurate manipulation off the elevated tee. The best case scenario is to stop
your ball just short of the water hazard in the center of the fairway. A high, arcing approach is needed to carry the
water hazard, while stopping short of the natural area just past the green on this number two handicap. Give it all
you've got off the tee on 18 - as this finishing hole plays uphill all the way. Pay attention to the pin placement (red
is up, white is middle and blue is back) and take enough club on the approach - which plays 1 to 2 clubs more.
With the slope rating ranging from 122 - 137, the Palms is an experience that will challenge and yet be enjoyed
by all levels of golfers. Take a few extra balls - especially for the backside, and enjoy the great views and
diversified layout of the Mesquite's initial course. You will find that the Palms is adequately marked, with a 150 in
the center of the fairways, sprinkler heads measured to the center of the greens, and color-coded pin
placements. Rates barely top $100 in season, and great off-season rates are available. Visitors may be initially
a bit taken aback by the bermuda greens (all other Mesquite courses are bent grass), but after a few holes you
will get used to their roll. Packages at the Oasis and Casablanca Resorts - which are sister properties located
across the street from one another - are incredible deals that feature accommodations and golf on a variety of
courses including the Palms, Casablanca, Oasis, Vistas and the Wolf Creek Golf Course - rated by the Two
Guys Who Golf as the most spectacular layout in the Vegas area! Packages at the Eureka and Virgin River, and golf at Coral Canyon and Entrada in nearby St.George can also be arranged. Visit www.oasisresort.com and call 1-888-711-4653 (Golf Mesquite) for more info and to make reservations. Tell em the Two Guys Who Golf sent you!
View the Two Guys Who Golf Detailed Listing Page for this course with a link to its website (if available): click here
Click here for Golf Mesquite - providing information on Stay & Play packages in Mesquite, Nevada.
You can also visit our incredibly informational pages for the Oasis and Casablanca Resorts and for all six area golf courses on the Mesquite/St. George section of our golf vacation destination site. Click here!
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