REFUGE AT LAKE HAVASU
Las Vegas Golf Course Review 6/11/05
The Refuge at Lake Havasu is a spectacular Arnold Palmer Signature design that is nestled against the
dramatic desert mountains and expansive views of Lake Havasu, bordering the Lake Havasu National Wildlife
Refuge. Located just 45 minutes south of Laughlin, this semi private facility is offering memberships but is also
open for public play (*call first - on our visit the date for opening to public play was not yet set, as the property
was awaiting approval of a liquor license), and provides a great atmosphere for outings and special golf events.
On property is a beautiful clubhouse with pro shop, restaurant/lounge serving lunch seven days and week and
dinners seasonally. The outdoor terrace is also available for dining, and features gorgeous views of the course
and Lake Havasu. There is a large practice green plus spacious grass range with target areas. Like the course,
this facility is exquisitely maintained. From tee to green, The Refuge is one of the finest conditioned and
landscaped layouts anywhere - including Palm Springs and Las Vegas. Desert wildflowers adorn the property,
and are in full bloom for most of the winter. On our visit, we spotted hawks, rabbits, quail and the occasional road runner.
The opening hole is an eye-catcher - a long par four with views of Lake Havasu from an elevated tee. The entire
front nine winds its way along the Lake and Colorado River, with some gorgeous vistas from behind the greens
and from the tee areas. The par threes on Number 3 and 6 are particularly stunning and challenging, as ponds
are situated immediately front left of the green complexes, with mounding and desert bordering the right side.
Spectacular views of the lake are also available from behind the green on holes four, five and eight. Mounds of
high grasses commonly serve as buffers between the meticulously groomed fairways and desert areas throughout the front side.
On the back side, golfers will encounter some interesting doglegs defined by desert waste areas, which invite
players to cut off as much as they can handle, thus shortening the route. Some of these excellent risk/reward
holes begin from elevated tee areas, while others play uphill to well bunkered green complexes. The putting
surfaces throughout are medium in size and mild in slope and undulation - extremely true rolling and a joy to putt
on! Bunkers, ponds and greenside slopes and high grass make some of required approaches quite challenging, especially if the wind becomes a factor.
With 4 sets of tees distributing the total course yardage quite evenly, golfers of all abilities will be able to choose
a set that will help enable them to enjoy their round. The tees play to distances and slopes measuring 7066/129,
6525/121, 6062/117 and 5145/115. This is a player friendly layout - that is also a significant challenge from the
two back tees. The 150 yard markers on all par fours and fives also double as directional devices, and sprinkler
heads on the fairways and rough are measured to the center of the green. Pin placement positions are rotated
daily, with a sign designating the day's pin number posted on the way to the initial hole. Each cart is supplied with ice chests and bottled water, plus ball and club washers.
The Refuge is an excellent golf experience! Located just an hour from Laughlin and a couple hours from Palm
Springs - this is a course that is worth the drive. It is difficult to imagine better conditioning - and the layout is set
in an absolutely stunning location. Wonderful Arnold Palmer design, friendly service, great food...you can't go
wrong here! Highly recommended! Looking to relocate - memberships and home ownership is available. For
more info and for a direct link to the Refuge website, visit our page for the course on our web catalog of courses to play in the area by clicking here.
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