March 9, 2020–Many golfers are looking for the latest and greatest when it comes to golf courses. They want all the bells and whistles. But for the rest of us, there are times when you want to take a step back in time and play courses that set the tone and capture what it was like to tee it up in Las Vegas a few decades ago. Courses that have stood the test of time, but retain a lot of history while embracing the future. Welcome to Las Vegas National Golf Club. –by Bill Bowman, Las Vegas Golf Insider.
CLICK NOW FOR LAS VEGAS NATIONAL GOLF CLUB TEE TIMES
Las Vegas National is one of the originals. And unlike some of those first kids on the block, this Bert Stamps design opened in 1961 and has been a favorite of locals and visitors for almost 60 years. Plus it remains relevant with strong loyalty programs and cool tech including the dynamic Golf Boards that let golfers surf the earth while golfing.
In those early days, many celebrities called Las Vegas National a second home and the famed Rat Pack (with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and others) would often hold court on the course and then later on in the bar area entertaining National guests.
And the reasons why the golf course was so popular are simple. It’s golf in its simplest form. Thousands of trees line pristine fairways. Bunkers and a pair of ponds (adding to the challenge on four holes) give the course character. But it’s the five par 3s that will challenge players’ accuracy and shotmaking ability.
The course is just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. And while it plays just 5,721 yards from the tips, it’s those par 3s that really stand out. Ranging from 179 yards to a knee-knocking 233 yards, distance-control will be key on these beauties.
Las Vegas National also pays homage to the history of golf as it is the home to the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame. Historic equipment, trophies and a time-line of Vegas’ golf growth highlight the Hall of Fame exhibit in the clubhouse. Take a minute while dining or after the round to look back at the growth of golf in Las Vegas.
History definitely comes alive at Las Vegas National, both on and off the golf course.