RIO SECCO GOLF CLUB
Las Vegas Golf Course Review 7/17/03 - Photos updated May, 2006
Rio Secco was named as the best overall golf experience in Las Vegas in 2002, by the staff of Vegas Golfer -
one of the most respected golf publications in the valley. Tiger Woods holds the course record (64) and a claim
to fame is that this facility hosts the Butch Harmon School of Golf. One will notice quickly that this will not be just
another day on the links. Spectacular vistas of the mountainous desert and valley below, including views of the
Strip in the distance, combine with a gorgeous clubhouse and outstanding amenities designed to cater to the
seasoned golfer. Everything is first class, from the exceptional layout and conditioning to the plush golf carts,
equipped with the most comfortably padded seats we have ever experienced. Having a bad day - just sit there
and enjoy the views, it may get better. Stay & Play packages are available through Harrah's hotel properties
including the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino. For more information on the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino click here.
Designed by Rees Jones, the course sits in the rolling foothills of the Black Mountains, along 240 acres of
majestic scenery in Henderson, just 15 minutes outside of Las Vegas. Though designed primarily for guests of
the Rio and Harrah's Casino Resorts, this course is open for public play. Guests will find a full complimentary
practice facility with spacious range, short game area and a challenging putting green that allows you an
opportunity to experience some of the undulations and slopes you will encounter on the course. The clubhouse
features a dining area and lounge (great food drinks) that serves breakfast and lunch items, with wonderful
views of the surrounding area available on a comfortable outdoor patio. The pro shop has a great selection of
apparel and accessories, and also includes locker areas for men and women, and outstanding banquet facilities.
Each golf cart at Rio Secco is equipped with an ice chest and a water cooler. On course golfers will find
sprinkler heads measured to the center of the green, 100/150/200 yardage stakes, and pin placements
indicated by red (front), white (middle) and black (back of green) flags. Four sets of tees measure 7332 (142
slope), 6946 (138 slope), 6375 (125 slope) and 5778 (127 slope). There is not much water in play on this layout
, but elevation changes and wind make club selection a bit tricky. The key to scoring well here is in reading the
greens, which provide tricky slopes and not so subtle undulations. Keep in mind that most putts will break
towards the strip. The putting surfaces on our visit were amongst the best we have played - extremely well
conditioned, quick and fun to play. Many are situated between rock outcroppings, or laid in front of grass or desert mountain walls. This is one beautiful golf course!
The opening hole is an easy one and offers rolling fairway that bends slightly left. Great views of the Las
Vegas Strip are available from the tees and fairway on 2, which plays long and straight. At 489 (blacks), 460
(blues) and 436 (whites) yards long, this hole demands length and is difficult to reach in regulation. The third
hole, presents a tee shot over a ravine, with ample bail out room. Beginning and high handicapped golfers will
appreciate this feature at Rio Secco - bail out areas on many of the holes with forced carries. Beautiful
mountains behind the upscale homes provide a postcard backdrop on the par four 4th - which is a very score
-able hole. A tight fairway with mounding right and a desert ravine all along the left make the tee shot on 5 one
of the most demanding of the layout. The prevailing wind will make this 595 (tips) par five play long. The 6th is
also a tough driving hole, though those with prior experience here have an advantage. The best placed tee shot
will clear the 150 stake, that is barely visible behind the middle right fairway traps. Land on the fairway, and a
low score is possible here. The pretty par 3 seventh demands a carry over a pond with room for error short right
. This group of holes (3-7) is a score-able stretch, and prepares golfers for a resounding finish. The 8th is
extremely tight off the tee, with an approach over a desert area about 40 yards from the green. This long par
five will be a 3 shot hole for most golfers, with par being a very good score. The elevated putting complex, with
a desert wall background is quite stunning. The 9th hole is a challenging par four, measuring 472 yards from the
championship tees. A short desert carry leads to a wide open fairway, with water left of the green creating a demanding approach to a well bunkered green.
The opening hole on the back 9 is an easy one - a short par four with the putting surface sloped back to front.
Golfers learn that in most instances at Rio Secco, approaches are best left below the flag. The long par four
11th doglegs right from an elevated tee area. A shot placed right of the last fairway bunker will cut some
distance on this # 1 handicap. The beautiful par 3 twelfth plays over a desert ravine with plenty of room short
and is followed by a risk/reward par four. Long hitters will be tempted to go for the green, though treacherous
bunkers and a severe slope that fronts the putting surface make a great case for laying up. A tee shot past the
150 will leave an even lie for the extremely uphill approach. Fourteen doglegs left with a 215 yard carry over the
left fairway traps, from the white tees. Those with this distance can cut the hole significantly; others should play
towards the 150. The par 3 15th is another beautiful hole, featuring a carry over another ravine, with room short
for those who wish to approach cautiously. The sixteenth is also gorgeous to look at, but tough to score on. An
extremely accurate tee shot is necessary here, to a narrow fairway from an elevated tee. The green is
surrounded by 20 foot rock cliffs, with a beautiful residential building sitting atop. A wide open fairway will greet
golfers on the seventeenth tee. A huge green-side bunker short left is the only obstacle to a good score here. The finishing hole is very long (601 from the tips) but is playable.
As you can see by the photo images in this review, Rio Secco is a magnificent golf course. The front nine will
get your attention, and the back side will demand your best golf. At 6375 from the white tees, it is a formidable
challenge for the average golfer. Keep in mind that the elevated tee areas considerably shorten many holes.
This is a layout that all golfers can enjoy for the sheer beauty - and serious golfers will certainly enjoy the
challenge. This is Vegas golf - upscale pricing but extremely high quality. Acreage is expensive here, and Rees
Jones the developers have done a wonderful job in designing one of the top golf courses in the Vegas area. 10
minute tee time intervals compliment the excellent service received from arrival to departure. Come early to
take advantage of the great practice facilities. Be sure to practice putting for 10-15 minutes or so - even the
short ones can be tricky. A stay for lunch or after round beverages is also highly recommended. Shuttle/taxi pick up and drop off are available for a reasonable fee.
Click on this link to the Harrahs website www.harrahsgolf.com for info on golf and accommodations at
properties that incude Harrahs, Caesars Palace, Ballys, Flamingo, Paris or the Rio All Suites Hotel & Casino.
View the Two Guys Who Golf Detailed Listing Page for this course with a link to its website: click here
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