LAS VEGAS, Nev. (July 12, 2018)–Face it, we’re all looking for that ultimate golf experience. That once-in-a-lifetime outing where you can say: ‘It just doesn’t get much better than this.’ Well, if you’re in Las Vegas, we’ve got just that spot for you. Or in this case, three spots. Check out Rio Secco Golf Club, Cascata and the Butch Harmon School of Golf. This trio will give you that world-class golf experience you will never forget–whether you’re looking to tee it up or looking to improve your game. —By Bill Bowman, Las Vegas Golf Insider staff.
Rio Secco and Cascata are both Rees Jones designed courses that leave nothing to the imagination.
Rio Secco, a par-72 layout that reaches 7,313 yards from the tips, features a group of par 5s that will have the big hitters licking their lips in anticipation of taking in these impressive risk/reward holes. It was recently renovated by Jones himself, bringing the course back to pristine conditions of 20 years ago upon opening.
“Rio Secco has always been a player’s choice course,” says Mark Blais, director of sales and marketing. “They love the experience of the course. It’s demanding but you don’t have to be a great player to enjoy it. It’s one of those courses that is a natural beauty and provides a sensory experience.”
Cascata, a par-72 layout that plays 7,137 yards from the tips, is 18 holes of golf paradise. The 18 holes are breathtaking to view and just as impressive to play. Bunkers and water features dot the course and add to the beauty and the challenge of the round. Cascata offers secluded golf in the hills above Boulder City–A non-gambling burg near Vegas.
“Cascata is one of the preeminent golf experiences in Las Vegas,” Blais says. “It’s got to be on your bucket list.”
Both courses also offer dramatic elevation changes throughout the round, true-rolling greens, amazing amenities, stunning views and immaculate conditioning. Cascata offers a clubhouse experience with a river running through it and Big Horn sheep are known to stroll the practice area in the afternoons.
Then there’s the Butch Harmon School of Golf. Headquartered at Rio Secco, the school welcomes everyone from the beginners to the pros.
Yes, we said pros. The current crop of Tour players under the watchful eye of Harmon includes the likes of Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Brandt Snedeker, Jimmy Walker, Natalie Gulbis and others. And throughout his teaching career, Harmon has worked with a Who’s Who of top talent. From Tiger Woods to Greg Norman to Ernie Els to Nick Faldo to…well, the list goes on and on.
“Here, you’re taking lessons where many of the best players have also taken lessons,” Blais says. “You’re walking on hallowed grounds. If you work on your game here, ultimately you’ll have more fun playing the game.”
Lessons and golf schools are offered with Harmon–Golf Digest ranks him as the world’s best instructor in a poll of his peers–or an award-winning staff that also works with top pros, amateurs and everyday players looking to improve.
There you have it: Three great spots for your next golf experience.
“Las Vegas is definitely a destination market,” Blais says. “We have unique experiences here. People have some 50-plus courses to choose from in the area so we’re going to make sure we make that experience for them one to remember.”