PALMS GOLF CLUB (702) 346-4067
Las Vegas Golf Course Review
Mesquite, Nevada is one of our nation's premier golf destinations, with 7 top notch championship courses 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 (3566 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 545 yard par five 15th - which
presents a drop of 114 feet to the fairway below.
The Palms features a spacious grass range - which was 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 4806 to 6860 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
pond 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 115-125, 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 Casablanca
Resort are incredible deals that feature accommodations and golf on a variety of courses including the Palms, Casablanca, Oasis and Falcon Ridge - rated by the Two Guys Who
Golf as the most spectacular layout in the Vegas area! Packages at the Virgin River, and golf in nearby St.George can also be arranged. Visit www.virginriver.com and call 1-888
-711-4653 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
You can also visit our incredibly informational pages for the Casablanca & Virgin River Resorts and for all seven area golf courses on the Mesquite/St. George section of our golf
vacation destination site. Click here!
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