Disclaimer: We played this course before the idea of ISO came about, so this will be a broader review rather than hole by hole detail
First Impressions
Finishing up our inaugural Vegas trip was TPC Las Vegas, and the course had big shoes to fill following Wolf Creek and 36 holes at Paiute.
Across the street from the acclaimed TPC Summerlin, TPC Las Vegas offers a former PGA Tour and Champions Tour host venue to the public.
Located about 30 minutes from the strip, the course is in a convenient location for travelers, but did it live up to the TPC name?
Coincidentally, there was a tournament hosted by gaming personality Nick Mercs taking place the day we were at the course, and the Good Good crew was on site filming content. It was a cool touch to see them out there.
The check in procedure and range were relatively straightforward, so let’s get into the course.
The Course
Design: Bobby Weed/Raymond Floyd
Year Built: 1996
Yardage: 7016 (Tips), 6699 (Blue), 5867 (White)
Slope: 146 (Tips), 136 (Blue), 125 (White)
Accessibility: Public
Cost: $300 (October weekday afternoon)
The range at TPC LV leaves a bit to be desired, with the standout issue being incorrect yardage markers for the flags.
The very nice short game practice area was a redeeming quality, and before we knew it we were off.
The carts here are quite comfortable and equipped with GPS touch screens for every hole which was a great touch.
A problem for us was there was no water to be found in the carts or on the course with the exception lukewarm fountains every 6 holes or so. In the desert this is unacceptable to begin with, but becomes even more problematic at >$300 dollars a round.
Off the tee, TPC Las Vegas doesn’t play overly long or difficult on the majority of the holes.
However, elevated greens and false fronts added difficulty to approach shots leaving us short more than we bargained for. With several front pin placements and quick greens, the false fronts proved to be penal and resulted in difficult up and downs.
The front 9 is highlighted by the scenic par 3 2nd hole. Playing into a downhill peninsula green surrounded by desert, this hole is as intimidating as it is scenic.
We found the back 9 to contain the better of the par 4s, led by the 14th and 18th.
The 14th, named “Gorge-ous”, is a great use of the desert landscape, with a forced carry over a cavernous gorge on the right side that carries down the entire hole.
The mini canyon comes into play on the approach as well, as it juts out from the right side to guard the front of the green.
This hole isn’t a long one but precision while mentally tuning out the gorge is required to score.
The 18th is a great finishing hole but a stern test.
Playing 442 yards, the fairway is guarded on both sides by bunkers but offers a fairly generous landing area with a well played drive. The approach shot is the standout on this hole, as players will be faced with a lengthy shot into a small green defended with imposing water hugging the green on the left. A left pin placement makes this hole a bruiser and a great challenge to finish the round.
Final Thoughts
TPC Las Vegas delivered what we had come to expect from the TPC public golf brand. You know you’ll be getting a challenging golf course that’s well conditioned with thought provoking holes, but you’ll be getting it by paying a premium. In some cases, too much a premium.
We found this to be true here, with an enjoyable golf experience clouded by the question, “this cost how much?”
While this is a solid example of desert golf, TPC Las Vegas struggled to deliver the wow factors and attention to detail to justify the hefty price tag, especially in comparison to courses in the same region such as Wolf Creek and Paiute. However, it isn’t fair to focus solely on the negative.
We think the course is worth a round if twilight or cheaper rates present themselves, and you won’t be disappointed in the course itself, but we’d seek other courses in the area at this price point.
Pros
-Great conditions and use of desert terrain
-Very nice clubhouse facility
-Peninsula par 3s are intimidating and visually appealing
Cons
-Doesn’t live up to the (very) expensive price point
-Layout and amenities lack wow factor to demand the cost
-Ongoing construction detracted from the experience
Favorite Holes
Mike: 14th
Shayne: 2nd
What Would We Pay?
The biggest con of this course in our opinions is the value. In no way is this a $300 and up experience, and while the course is in very nice condition, we feel $150-175 is a more reasonable price point.
Final Score
5.25
See how we score here
What did you think of TPC Las Vegas? Let us know below!