REFUGE AT LAKE HAVASU (928) 764-1404
Las Vegas Golf Course Review
Whether you're playing golf, swimming or relaxing, The Refuge Golf and Country Club offers its members an enjoyable and active lifestyle. Being a member of The Refuge Golf
and Country Club means people know you by name and that you have a home away from home that the entire family can enjoy. The golf course and facilities are open to
members and guests of members only!
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 property is now a private club offering memberships. Situated on the banks
of Lake Havasu, the environment 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. The event pavilion can host large and small parties, banquets, outings, weddings and special events, with the
capacity to serve upwards of 300 guest. There is a wonderful clubhouse restaurant that is complimented by the Onyx Lounge. 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. Renovations are ongoing, and plans include the development of the adjacent Motorcoach Resort.
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 for those of you who know someone that is a member - or if you are considering becoming a member. For more info and for a direct link to the Refuge web site,
visit our page for the course on our web catalog of courses to play in the area by clicking here.
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