Best golf courses in Nevada

Golfers often ask us, what are the best golf courses in Nevada? And with a state that spans from the glittering Las Vegas Strip to the red-rock canyons of Mesquite and the alpine beauty of Lake Tahoe, narrowing it down isn’t easy.

That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best golf in Nevada to help you plan the perfect trip.

Ranked the 5th best golf course in Nevada by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Mesquite | Designer: Dennis C. Ryder | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,018 | Opened: 2000

Why play here? Wolf Creek Golf Club is one of the most visually spectacular and adrenaline-filled courses in America. Carved through the red-rock canyons of southern Nevada, this bucket-list layout feels like a fantasy golf course come to life.

With dramatic elevation changes, ridge-top fairways, and sweeping desert views, every hole is both a challenge and a photo opportunity. The design balances excitement and playability, offering generous landing areas and multiple tee boxes so golfers of all levels can enjoy the experience.

Course highlight: The par-5 17th hole is pure Wolf Creek, an unforgettable downhill journey framed by cliffs, water, and sweeping desert views. Big hitters can go for the green in two, but one misstep and the canyon awaits.

Key features:

• One of the most dramatic and photographed golf courses in the world
• Towering elevation changes and canyon-carved fairways
• Immaculate conditioning and desert views on every hole

Bonus fact: Wolf Creek’s surreal scenery has made it a fan favorite in the Tiger Woods PGA TOUR video game, where countless golfers first “played” it virtually before discovering the real thing.

Ranked 6th best course in Nevada by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Boulder City | Designer: Rees Jones | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,137 yards | Founded: 2000

Why play here? Often described as one of the most luxurious and visually stunning golf experiences in the country, Cascata Golf Club is pure desert golf indulgence. Designed by Rees Jones and managed by Caesars Entertainment, this high-end public course offers dramatic mountain scenery, immaculate conditioning, and five-star service from the moment you arrive.

With a 418-foot waterfall cascading down the mountainside and through the clubhouse, the setting feels more like a private sanctuary than a public-access course.

Highlight: The par-4 14th is a jaw-dropper, playing from an elevated tee with sweeping views of the Eldorado Valley. Risk-reward decisions come into play with a split fairway and water guarding the approach.

Key features:

• Rees Jones championship design
• Full-service caddie program and luxury amenities
• Natural rock outcroppings and elevation changes
• One of the most exclusive-feeling public courses in the U.S.

Bonus fact: "Cascata" means "waterfall" in Italian, and the one flowing through the clubhouse isn’t just for show; it’s part of a stream system that winds through multiple holes, adding beauty and challenge throughout the round.

Ranked 8th best course in Nevada by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Henderson | Designer: Jack Nicklaus | Par: 71 | Yardage: 6,917 yards | Founded: 1996

Why play here? Tucked into the hills above Lake Las Vegas, SouthShore Country Club is Jack Nicklaus’ first Signature Course in Nevada, and a true hidden gem. Routed through striking canyons and arroyos, the course features bold elevation changes, pristine fairways, and panoramic views that stretch across the lake and surrounding mountains.

Every hole at SouthShore offers a balance of challenge and playability, rewarding smart strategy over power. With its private, peaceful setting and world-class conditioning, it's a true Nicklaus design that perfectly captures the drama of desert golf.

Highlight: The par-4 15th is a stunner, playing downhill with panoramic views of Lake Las Vegas, it tempts aggressive play off the tee but punishes anything offline with water and desert brush.

Key features:

• Jack Nicklaus signature design
• Scenic routing through hills, canyons, and lakeside vistas
• Excellent conditioning and fast, undulating greens
• Private club experience with limited public access

Bonus fact: SouthShore has hosted numerous celebrity and professional events, including the Wendy’s 3-Tour Challenge, and is considered one of the finest examples of desert golf architecture in the Southwest.

Ranked the 11th best golf course in Nevada by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Coyote Springs | Designer: Jack Nicklaus | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,471 | Opened: 2008

Why play here? Coyote Springs Golf Club is a modern desert classic and one of Jack Nicklaus’ finest designs in the American Southwest. Set in a vast valley between Las Vegas and Mesquite, it offers a serene escape surrounded by rugged mountains and golden desert terrain. The lush fairways contrast beautifully with the arid landscape, offering a peaceful and visually striking golf experience that is far removed from city crowds.

Nicklaus’ signature design elements shine throughout, with strategic bunkering, bold risk-reward par 5s, and expansive, undulating greens that challenge precision and imagination. Each hole is artfully framed by the desert scenery, giving the course a natural flow and a sense of isolation that makes every round feel like a true desert adventure.

Course highlight: The par-5 9th hole is a stunning example of Nicklaus' strategy, guarded by deep bunkers and a lake that hugs the left side all the way to the green. It’s a hole that tempts and tests in equal measure.

Key features:

• Jack Nicklaus signature design featuring dramatic desert scenery and strategic brilliance
• Expansive greens and bold bunkering providing both challenge and variety
• Secluded, tranquil location offering a true escape from the bustle of Las Vegas
• Impeccable conditioning and one of the most photogenic backdrops in Nevada

Bonus fact: Coyote Springs was originally envisioned as the centerpiece of a luxury golf community featuring multiple Nicklaus-designed courses. Though only one course was completed, it stands as one of the Golden Bear’s finest desert creations, raw, natural, and unforgettable.

Ranked the 14th best golf course in Nevada by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Mesquite | Designer: Gary Panks | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,232 | Opened: 2010

Why play here? Conestoga Golf Club is a striking desert creation that perfectly balances natural drama with thoughtful design. Routed through rugged canyons, rolling desert foothills, and dramatic rock formations, Gary Panks has crafted a course that feels completely in harmony with its surroundings.

Though visually bold, Conestoga remains inviting and enjoyable for every golfer. Wide landing areas and multiple tee options make it accessible, while well-placed bunkers and subtly contoured greens reward precision and creativity.

Ranked the No.1 public course in Nevada by GolfPass Location: Northwest Las Vegas | Designer: Pete Dye | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,604 yards | Founded: 2001

Why play here? The Wolf Course is the crown jewel of the Paiute Golf Resort’s trio of Pete Dye-designed tracks, and the longest course in Nevada. Stretching across the Mojave landscape with no houses in sight, it delivers a pure and exhilarating golf experience just 25 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.

Renowned for its bold bunkering, dramatic water features, and rolling fairways framed by mountain views, the Wolf combines beauty and bite in equal measure. Every hole offers a fresh challenge, with risk-reward options that keep even seasoned players thinking.

Highlight: The par-3 15th is Paiute’s signature hole, a stunning island green that forces players to trust their yardage and nerve. It’s a shot you won’t forget.

Key features:

• Pete Dye's boldest desert design
• Dramatic routing through desert landscape
• Challenging layout with risk-reward holes and elevation changes
• On-site practice facility and clubhouse with panoramic views

Bonus fact: At 7,604 yards, the Wolf is the longest course in Nevada, yet thanks to multiple tee options, it’s playable for all skill levels, making it as fair as it is ferocious.

Ranked 20th best course in Nevada by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Las Vegas | Designer: Lee Schmidt & Brian Curley | Par: 71 | Yardage: 7,002 yards | Founded: 2001

Why play here? Bali Hai Golf Club is a tropical escape in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, offering golfers an unforgettable escape without ever leaving the city’s vibrant energy. Designed by Brian Curley and Lee Schmidt, this championship layout contrasts with the surrounding desert, featuring over 100,000 tropical plants, bright white sand bunkers, and shimmering lagoons that create a true South Pacific atmosphere.

Just minutes from world-famous casinos and resorts, Bali Hai pairs resort luxury with serious golf. The course rewards precision and creativity, with risk-reward par 5s, water-lined par 3s, and perfectly manicured greens that keep you engaged from start to finish.

Highlight: The par-3 16th is a showstopper, framed by towering palms and a lagoon-style pond, it’s as photogenic as it is challenging.

Key features:

• Island-inspired design with lush landscaping
• Strip-side location, perfect for walkable access from major hotels
• Excellent service and clubhouse with on-site dining
• Great option for corporate outings and social golf trips

Bonus fact: Bali Hai is one of the only golf courses located directly on the Las Vegas Strip, making it a favorite for golfers looking to squeeze in a round without skipping the city’s iconic entertainment.

Ranked 21st best course in Nevada by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Henderson | Designer: Rees Jones | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,313 yards | Founded: 1997

Why play here? Set high above the Las Vegas valley in the foothills of the Black Mountain Range, Serket Golf Club offers one of the most visually striking and rewarding golf experiences in the Las Vegas area. Designed by Rees Jones, this championship-caliber course combines bold shot-making with panoramic views of both the Las Vegas Strip and the rugged desert canyons below.

The layout features dramatic elevation changes, pristine fairways, and strategically placed bunkers that demand precision off the tee and thoughtful course management. Every hole feels distinct, flowing naturally with the contours of the terrain.

Highlight: The par-4 7th hole is one of the most memorable in Las Vegas, an elevated tee box delivers panoramic views of the Strip with a narrow landing area framed by desert brush and rock outcroppings.

Key features:

• Rees Jones championship design
• Home of the Butch Harmon School of Golf
• Elevation changes and canyon carries
• Scenic views of both mountains and the Las Vegas skyline

Bonus fact: Butch Harmon, long-time coach to Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Dustin Johnson, runs his golf school at Rio Secco, making this one of the few public courses where you can play and train like a pro.

Ranked 24th best course in Nevada by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Summerlin | Designer: Bobby Weed & Raymond Floyd | Par: 71 | Yardage: 7,016 yards | Founded: 1996

Why play here? TPC Las Vegas combines PGA TOUR pedigree with the stunning natural beauty of the Nevada desert. Set in the upscale Summerlin community just 15 minutes from the Strip, the course offers a tournament-tested layout that weaves through arroyos, desert canyons, and rocky outcroppings.

It has hosted the Las Vegas Invitational and the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children Open, attracting top pros and amateurs alike. With immaculate conditions and a tour-level atmosphere, it’s one of the most polished public golf experiences in the state.

Highlight: The par-3 2nd hole is a desert classic, an elevated tee shot over a dramatic canyon forces players to fully commit, with no safe bailout.

Key features:

• Official PGA TOUR facility
• Former host of PGA TOUR & Champions Tour events
• Desert canyons, native areas, and premium conditioning
• Excellent practice facilities and clubhouse

Bonus fact: As a TPC Network course, TPC Las Vegas offers a tour-quality experience to everyday golfers, including access to top-tier rental clubs, forecaddies, and the same high standards used during PGA TOUR setups.

Ranked 25th best course in Nevada by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: NorthWest Las Vegas | Designer: Pete Dye | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,146 yards | Founded: 1995

Why play here? The Snow Mountain Course is the first and most classic of the three Pete Dye-designed courses at Paiute Golf Resort. With wide landing areas, large greens, and fewer forced carries than its sister courses, it’s often considered the most playable of the trio, without sacrificing beauty or challenge.

Surrounded by the stark beauty of the Nevada desert and free of residential development, Snow Mountain delivers a peaceful, tournament-quality round just 25 minutes from the Strip.

Highlight: The par-3 16th is a standout, framed by water and desert landscape, it demands precision while offering one of the most picturesque tee shots on the course.

Key features:

• Strategic Pete Dye design with signature bunkering
• Playable for a wide range of skill levels
• No housing or distractions, just pure golf
• Full practice facilities and modern clubhouse

Bonus fact: Though considered the most approachable of Paiute’s layouts, Snow Mountain still boasts a strong finish, with water and wind often coming into play over the closing stretch.

Best time to visit The best time to golf in Nevada is from March to May and September to November, when temperatures sit comfortably between the 70s and 80s, offering ideal playing conditions across the state. The desert regions are especially beautiful in spring and fall, with clear skies and golden desert light that make every round unforgettable. Thanks to its dry climate and mild winters, Nevada is also a year-round golf destination, with warm winter days perfect for escaping the cold elsewhere.

Booking tips

• Book early for spring and autumn – These are peak golf seasons, especially around Las Vegas and Mesquite, where tee times at top courses like Wolf Creek fill fast.
• Travel midweek – You’ll find better hotel rates and more flexibility for tee times.
• Mix destinations – Combine Mesquite, Las Vegas, and Reno/Tahoe for a diverse golf trip featuring desert, mountain, and lakeside courses.
• Play early or late – Morning and twilight tee times offer cooler temperatures and spectacular desert lighting for photos.

Sample itinerary

Why not consider this package? Stay five nights at Eureka Casino and play four rounds of golf at Falcon Ridge, Coyote Springs, Conestoga and Wolf Creek. Or why not extend your journey and combine three epic golf regions with Vegas, Mesquite, and St George on our Bob Does Sports Nevada & Utah Premium Golf Tour!

Q: Is Nevada a good golf destination? A: Absolutely. Nevada offers some of the most dramatic and diverse golf experiences in the U.S., from the canyon-carved layouts of Mesquite and the luxury resorts of Las Vegas to the alpine fairways around Lake Tahoe.

Q: Can you play golf year-round in Nevada? A: Yes. Southern Nevada enjoys sunshine nearly 300 days a year, with mild winters perfect for golf. Northern courses around Tahoe and Reno are best played from May to October, when the mountain air is crisp and the scenery is at its peak.

Q: How do I get to Nevada’s golf regions? A: Las Vegas (LAS) is the main entry point for southern Nevada golf, while Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO) serves the northern courses. Mesquite is just over an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, making it an easy and scenic extension to your trip.

Check out our Las Vegas FAQs article here!

Golf in Nevada is pure adventure, bold, beautiful, and full of variety. From world-famous championship courses and breathtaking desert layouts to serene mountain escapes, the state offers something for every golfer.