Posted on June 1, 2018May 30, 2018 by Vic Flores

Recap: GK Guru Visit Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada

Rio Secco Golf Club

Henderson, NV

Reviewed by: JohnnyGK, Thousand Oaks

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Teed it up Thursday 5/24 with fellow GK Gurus to once again experience the newly renovated Rio Secco Golf Club in Las Vegas. It was 6 month ago I first checked out the improvements and I have to say the course is only getting better. Most notably are the improved turf conditions (which were excellent in December). The new greens have become a little faster and remain very smooth, the fairways more lush, the rough more lush (green and out of dormancy), tee boxes more lush and new bunker sand still excellent. I’ve played Rio Secco many times and this was best condition I have seen it.

All other positives remain about this high-end Vegas course. Exceptional service, restaurant (highly recommend the steak sandwich), clubhouse, practice facilities (even saw Butch Harmon giving a lesson), layout (super fun & challenging) … place has got it all.

6 months ago it took an adjustment to the flipping of the nines but now that I’ve experienced it again, finishing with a par 3, par 5 and then par 4 right at the clubhouse makes total sense and offers more convenience..

Check out some of the photos I just posted.

Highly Recommended.

Posted on April 28, 2018April 18, 2018 by Vic Flores

Golf Course Review Arroyo Golf Club at Red Rock Las Vegas Nevada

Arroyo Golf Club at Red Rock

Las Vegas, NV

Reviewed by: phunteratc, Henderson, NV

I played Red Rock Arroyo Friday morning April 13th. It was a cooler morning with forecast winds nearing 20 MPH. The staff meet us in the parking lot to gather our clubs with a smiling face and a warm greeting. The Pro shop staff was as equally pleasant. The driving range was closed for maintenance.

We made our way to the first tee and selected the Blue tees with a yardage of 5904 and a rating/slope of 67.9/126. The next tees back are close to 6500 yards and a little long for our group.

The Review

The tee boxes were well maintained and level with a little divot damage but nothing more then would be expected. The fairways were lush and full and well manicured. Nowhere on the course did I find even one bare spot. It was in typical spring (High season) condition.

The greens where just as well maintained. They were rolling true and the speed was consistent. I would not say they were slow, but for sure were not fast. Divot damage was very minimal. Great shape all around.

The bunkers were firm, like many bunkers in the Las Vegas area. There was enough sand in them to get under the ball, which is not always the case in Vegas. The sand is more of a course sand with a firm base.

I had a great day at this course, it is one of my go to places as a local and I really enjoy the member type feel of facilities. We finished in just over 4 hours, but the pace was enjoyable with very little wait on shots. One of the great things about this course is that I can buy a players pass annually and get preferred rates for myself and my guest, even if they are out of state. A real perk as most places charge out of state guests a steep fee. The free rounds that come with the pass make it a no-brainer.

My Opinion

I highly recommend Red Rock Arroyo golf course.

Posted on April 24, 2018April 18, 2018 by Vic Flores

Golf Course Review Mojave Resort Golf Club Laughlin Nevada

Mojave Resort Golf Club

Laughlin, NV

Reviewed by: roarksown1, Playa del Rey

Was out in Laughlin this past weekend for a work-related tournament at Mojave Resort. I was looking forward to playing this course again after having played this same event last year for the first time, and the course did not disappoint.

We started on the back nine for the sake of the tournament, but that routing is plenty fun as well. Both nines have a lot of fun, challenging holes to test your game. There are carries over water, strategic tee shots and grip it & rip it opportunities as well. Not a ton of elevation to worry about, but their bunkers are very prominent with a lot of mounding around them, and also on the greens. But yeah, really fun layout.

Conditions for the middle of the desert are very good. Fairways look great with that in consideration, and the rough is even more dense, but there are a lot of areas to get in trouble and lose balls into the desert waste. But on the fairways, you’ll find yourself with plenty of nice lies, with the occasional thin one here or there.

Greens were really great. Ball marks at a very minimum, running fast and very tricky. We had the toughest pin placements set up for the scramble tournament so it was quite challenging to read them, but our team did a pretty good job of it, taking second place overall at 6-under. Pretty tough with their speed and firmness to hold shots on the greens though as I learned a few times. Line drives going to run forever.

Tee boxes were fine, not great but nothing too awful, either. Bunkers seemed to be in good working condition, but we didn’t find any as the best shot between the four of us, so that was good. We had cart service as well many times, however I don’t know if that’s standard or was done extra since this was quite a big tournament.

My only regret, once again, is playing a scramble, which is good fun, but I really want to play this course on my own just to test myself and see how I would do. Maybe if I come back next year, or on another trip out there, going to try and get that done. Recommend it for sure.

Posted on April 12, 2018April 4, 2018 by Vic Flores

Recent Golf Course Review Rhodes Ranch Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada

Rhodes Ranch Golf Club

Las Vegas, NV

Reviewed by: kevbig, Las Vegas
Had a buddy in town visiting so we got out to RR early Monday morning at 7:15. Check-in at the shop was quick, friendly, and efficient. Their outside services had several people out sick that morning so one poor guy was pulling carts, loading bags, & starting all by himself. Despite all that he was really friendly and things were running on time. Kudos to him!

The Review

Tees- Above average coverage with only one box that I can remember not being flat. Normal damage on the par 3s and short 4s.

Fairways- Really lush and full coverage as is to be expected right around March Madness in Vegas. Cut semi-tight allowing for some nice roll out.

Rough- Lush and pretty thick. Balls could easily sit down and require some strength to get back into play.

Bunkers- Was in a couple and they had nice soft sand. Didn’t see any issues with other players in the group either.

Greens- I’d say they were above average as well. Different mixes of grasses that gives that splotchy look. Some greens early in the morning were bumpy but that might have been an issue of maintenance not getting to them yet because as the day went on, they got progressively smoother and quicker. They held well and were rolling at a medium pace.

My Humble Opinion

Overall RR is a fun track to play. Beware though houses are on the majority of holes. Most are set back far enough as to not be an issue but I can definitely see some wayward shots sending some warning shots across the bow. The layout itself is a nice mix of holes. You have reachable par 5’s except #9 which is 571 yds from the blacks. Par 4’s are a nice variety of longer holes and shorter risk/reward challenges. Par 3’s are really fun. Although they’re all similar in distance, they are all very fun and picturesque. One is all carry over a lake and another is surrounded on both sides by sand and waterfalls. Really strong set of par 3’s in my opinion. Saw the beverage cart out a few times. RR doesn’t get the acclaim as some of the other courses in the valley, but I’d highly recommend it and you can usually get some good deals here unlike many other courses in Vegas.

Posted on April 5, 2018April 2, 2018 by Vic Flores

Recent Golf Course Review Angel Park Golf Club PALM Las Vegas Nevada

Angel Park Golf Club (Palm)

Las Vegas, NV

Reviewed by: evildrummerhb, La Habra, CA

Played this past Friday on a beautiful sunny day with hardly a breeze. This was my first time here, and I left satisfied, if a little disappointed.

The tee boxes were great, the fairways too, and the rough was barely over fairway height. The bunkers were very firm, which was great if you were in a fairway bunker; green-side, not so much. The greens here were my disappointment mainly lies. They were super firm, with balls not leaving a mark, which I can deal with. They were very fast, which I love. However, there were many, many random bumps and unseen irregularities which made it nearly impossible to choose a line and execute a good putt.

The course is beautiful, and the hundreds of funny little chipmunks running around made for some amusement, but the greens soured what could have been an epic day. I’m hoping they are able to smooth those greens out, I’d enjoy another crack at this one.

Posted on March 25, 2018March 16, 2018 by Vic Flores

Recent Golf Course Review Paiute Golf Resort Las Vegas (SUN MOUNTAIN) Las Vegas Nevada

Paiute Golf Resort Las Vegas (Sun Mountain)

Las Vegas, NV

Reviewed by: rob1563, Las Vegas

Played on Friday, 3/9, with a 10:40a tee time. I had very little interaction with the staff outside of the bag drop/cart barn guys, who were great. Probably the best cleaning my clubs have received at the end of the round (always a little disappointed with other cleaning the clubs). Due to it being the 2nd round of the day, our 3rd took care of paying ($70) and John_T took care of the food and drinks prior. I will say, on a very busy day (thanks for everyone visiting for the 4 basketball tourneys this week), it was incredibly smooth. On the 1st tee a couple of minutes early, and finished a shade under 4.5, waiting on a few with the 4some behind right up on us.

If you haven’t read a Paiute review ever, I will paraphrase almost everyone: (1) tee boxes mostly level with some divots on par 3s (2) Fairways like CARPET! Lush but with some run out
(3) Rough was about 1-2 inches, just enough to know you’re in it (4) Fantastic bunkers! Semi fluffy and easy to hit out (5) Firm and smooth greens, almost fast Tip: Remember where the highway is from where you are, putts are faster running away from the mountain behind it (6) it’s always breezy

Another fantastic day at Paiute. A great recommendation if looking for a great Vegas experience.

Posted on March 15, 2018March 13, 2018 by Vic Flores

Recent Golf Course Review Angel Park Golf Club (MOUNTAIN) Las Vegas Nevada

Angel Park Golf Club (Mountain)

Las Vegas, NV

Reviewed by: rob1563, Las Vegas

Played on 3/9 with the 2nd group out. Free birthday round with the OB card but would of been $42. Even with the sunrise tee time, the range was up and running under the lights. 1st group was a group of employees and we were paired with 2 other employees, who did not seem enthused of the pairing. We graciously told them if the 1st group lets them go ahead, we’ll casually trail behind. Never saw the 2 again and the 4some pulled ahead too, absolute morning rabbits. We finished at 3:20 feeling we took our time and enjoyed. 3some behind us was over a hole behind.

Course was in good conditions. Tee boxes were pretty good. We played the blues and they moved them back from their normal areas to grow in the regular areas. Fairways were running firm, with great grass coverage, except for 100y out on #2, which was destroyed by the coots. Rough was cut just a few above the fairways, but thicker around the greens. Greens were in great shape, firm, very little ball marks, and fast, almost scary with the slopes. Bunkers were the worst part, hard packed, pebbles, and hard to hit out of.

Still my go to based on price and conditions with the OB card.

Posted on March 9, 2018March 6, 2018 by Vic Flores

Recent Golf Course Review Reflection Bay Golf Club Henderson Nevada

Reflection Bay Golf Club

Henderson, NV

Reviewed by: kevbig, Las Vegas

Took advantage of February resident rate special today and got out to Reflection Bay for the first time. The course winds through some very impressive homes and spills out onto the shores of Lake Las Vegas making for some spectacular scenery! Love that the area is completely away from the city allowing for a peaceful day. I was met at my car by a friendly girl that took my clubs and loaded them onto the cart while I went to the pro shop to check in. I was told that they always pair you with a cart partner unless you want to pay extra for your own cart? Odd but no big deal.

Tee time was 850 as a single and was paired up with a fun threesome teeing off about 5 minutes late. Once on the course, our POP was 4 hours flat with very little waiting and never seeing the group behind us.

What to Expect

Course conditions were borderline excellent all the way around.

Tees- Flat, good coverage, minimal divots. Could use a trim in some spots but that’s being nitpicky.

Fairways- Deep emerald green with beautiful mow patterns like you see on TV. They were good to hit from other than the holes nearest the lake that were thinner due to those d%mn coots!

Bunkers- Beautiful white sand bunkers framed by a ring of dormant rough surrounding them for that cool contrasting look. They have a good amount of sand in them. No issues there.

Rough- Similar to the fairways, deep green and lush everywhere other than where the birds congregate. Not very long but thick enough where your ball might settle to the bottom at times to make for a tougher recovery.

Greens- Super firm and not holding all that well. Better to aim for front of greens to allow for roll out. I have a high ball flight and only the wedges would stop within 15 feet of where they landed. Never had to fix a ball mark as you couldn’t really make one. Chips and pitches would run out as well. They did putt very nicely at a fast pace!

Bottom Line

Overall it’s really fun course to play and very fair. No GPS onboard so BYO. Visually deceiving for first timers off the tee. If you’re striking the ball well, you’ll score. On the other hand, bad shots will be punished by numerous hazards. Good mix of wide open and tighter holes to make you think. For a Nicklaus course, the greens at are Reflection Bay quite tame. There are no crazy undulations or breaks. What you see if what you get. I can definitely see myself coming back here again as long as they keep offering deep discounts for locals. But even at rack rate, it’s recommended in it’s current condition.