PAINTED DESERT Golf Club (702) 645-2570
Las Vegas Golf Course Review
Painted Desert is a time tested, traditional desert style layout in the Las Vegas Valley. Located just 15 minutes north of the Strip, Painted Desert features a beautiful clubhouse
with spacious lounge and restaurant, and complete pro shop. On property is a driving range and a large putting green. Practice off grass is allowed on the range on weekends,
while mats are used during the week. The player development program at Painted Desert offers weekly individual and group lessons, Junior and beginner programs, and
intermediate & advance lessons. Custom programs and corporate clinics are also available.
Due to the "fun nature" of this course and the fine facilities offered, Painted Desert is ideal for outings, special events, and corporate bookings. The three sets of tees allow players
to choose distances from 6711 to 5647 yards. With the mid-tees playing at 6269 yards, there is enough of a difference from each tee to facilitate the games of all levels of golfers.
The tee boxes are uniquely defined by bushes rising 5 to 6 feet above ground, effectively "shielding" players from the wind, and from golfers on other holes. All tee boxes are also
marked to the center of the green, which helps tremendously with club selection. Cart paths have yardage plates and 150-yard poles are quite visible on most of the par fours and
fives. Cart mounted GPS provides accurate measurements to the pin from anywhere along the hole. All these course amenities help to facilitate fast and efficient play, and help to
provide each golfer with all the information they need to make club accurate club selection.
We found the bentgrass greens, which are of varying dimensions, to be quick, but also soft and receptive. Undulations, with a few exceptions, are gentle in nature. Most of the
fairways provide ample landing areas, with mounded rough and desert area on either side. Bring an "old club" or one that you are not afraid to dent, as the desert areas are
generally "cleaned out" and entirely playable. Hit the ball on the fairway, and you will most often find an even lie. Stray to either side and your feet will be below or above the ball on
the mounds and slopes. Overall, Painted Desert is very playable, with slope ratings at 1129 from the tips (6781 yards) and 125 for men and 131 for women (6269 yards) from the
middle tees. The forward tees play 5647 yards with a slop of 126.
The opening hole is a formidable par four with a gorgeous mountain backdrop. There is desert left and the approach to the green narrows along the way. The second fairway is
quite rolling and tight. Your accuracy off the tee will be challenged here. A wider landing area with another picturesque mountain behind the green complex confronts you on the
par five third. This is a good birdie opportunity. A pretty par three with bunkers right and water left precedes another birdie-able hole, a mid-length par four with a wide open fairway
. Mounding in the center of the fairway about 200 yards out will challenge you on the next par five, which features a green well-guarded by sand traps. The seventh is very narrow,
and in our opinion, much tougher than the 17th handicap rating. Though only 327 yards from the tips, this par four demands an accurate lay-up and approach with water short and
left of the green. Water also comes into play on the left and short center of the downhill par three 8th. A long par four closing hole features numerous fairway bunkers all along the
right side. There is some room left on this number 1 handicap.
The back-side demands more accuracy off the tee, particularly on the first six holes. The tenth is a tight driving hole, with bunkers left off the tee and on both sides of the green.
The eleventh is also a bit tight, with mounding all around the green on this long par three. The number 2 handicapped 12th is a par four that plays at 465 yards from the tips. This
is followed by a long and narrow par five. You will have to keep it straight all the way to the green here. Lay-up towards the bunkers on the left side of the fairway on 14, which is a
short but challenging par four. Another narrow tee shot, this time over a desert waste area is featured on the par four 15th. The sixteenth is the easiest hole of the layout - a short
and gorgeous par three with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Seventeen is very open off the tee. This dogleg right narrows on the approach. A beautiful mountain backdrop with
stately pines behind the green makes the closing hole of signature quality. An uphill approach to a green protected by sand traps and mounding will make reaching in regulation a
nice accomplishment.
Painted Desert is a fun round of golf. With a beautiful clubhouse and lounge, it is a great place for outings or corporate events. We were happy with the conditioning of the greens,
fairways and the over 5 dozen sand traps. Views of Mt. Charleston , Sheep Mountain and the Las Vegas Strip, provide vistas that rival those of the best golf courses in the valley.
The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Its location, just off 95 at Ann Road, and affordability make it a local favorite.
View the Two Guys Who Golf Detailed Listing Page for this course with a link to its website (if available): click lasvegas.twoguyswhogolf.com/alpha/painteddesert.htmlhere
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