LAUGHLIN RANCH
Las Vegas Golf Course Review 6/12/05
Laughlin Ranch Golf Club, opened in 2005 - is the most upscale golfing experience available in the Laughlin
area. This David Druzisky championship design features outstanding conditioning along a rolling desert terrain
that is enveloped in the foothills of the glorious Black Mountains, with stunning views of the Colorado River. 78
sand bunkers, 3 sparkling ponds fed by meandering streams and manicured fairways bordered by desert
arroyos provide an aesthetically pleasing golf environment that can be enjoyed by all levels of golfers
Frequent elevation changes from tee to green on this high desert topography will also test the skills of
experienced players. There are numerous forced carries over deep ravines from the back three sets of tees. The
tips measure a formidable 7297 yards with a slope rating of 132. With a 128 slope that plays from 6711 yards,
the Zinc tees also present a challenge. We found the Silver tees (6174 yards/122 slope) to be a very fair test for
the average player. Alternate sets measure 5750 yards/117 slope, and the forward tees at 5044 yards are women-friendly, also with a slope of 117.
On our June 2005 visit, the course was operating out of a temporary clubhouse facility, which provided a pro
shop plus outdoor café with hot and cold sandwiches and beverages/snacks available. In the fall of 2005,
construction should be complete on the permanent structure designed by award winning architect Douglas
Fredrickson. This clubhouse will feature a 1700 square foot pro shop, sports bar, grill, meeting rooms, banquet
facilities, mineral bath, pool, whirlpool, steam room and a gym that offers a spinning room, and even a full service
day spa (designed by the same person who built the spa at the Venetian in Vegas). And - these facilities will be
available for use by golfers, who with a paid green fee are basically members for the day.
On property is a targeted grass range, practice bunker, and a huge putting green. The golf carts are equipped
with Par View GPS, ball & club washers, coolers with bottled water, and are compartmentalized with club dividers in the rear. Sprinkler heads on the fairways are measured to the center of the green.
Construction on residential properties is ongoing, but was not a distraction from our play on this beautiful layout.
Rates with cart topped out at about $125 during the prime season in 2005, with great off-season pricing
structures. Golfers will find some awesome challenges (tip - do not go long on the uphill par three 7th, as a ridge
past the green drops straight down), but resort players will also be satisfied with the ample landing areas
available on many of the holes. The putting surfaces are large and mildly undulating, though several have ridges
or double tiers. Great views, interesting hole designs which allow afford skilled players some nice risk/reward
opportunities, wonderful service... a round here is highly recommended. For more info and fro as direct link to their website, visit our page for the Laughlin Ranch by clicking here.
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