EAST OF THE STRIP. With a fair amount of trouble in play, keeping the ball in the fairway is the first step towards a good round on this lengthy course. Both grass and sand bunkers pepper this beautiful layout, collecting errant tee shots and guarding these average sized greens. While the land is mainly flat, strategically placed mounds can occasionally cause uneven lies. Both amateurs and professionals enjoy this outstanding course, which is the host site for the PGA Tour's Las Vegas International tournament.

EAST LAS VEGAS. With several lengthy par-4's and extremely challenging par-3's, long iron play will be tested on this demanding course. These immaculate fairways are often bordered by a number of trees. However, the wind will cause problems even when the trees are not around. The greens are guarded by a number of bunkers and multiple water hazards, and you should play the ball low and under the wind to avoid the trouble.

NORTH LAS VEGAS. It might be only a few minutes from the Strip, but this secluded golf resort in the middle of the desert seems worlds away from the city's hustle and bustle. Rated "Best Overall Experience" in 2004 by <i>VegasGolfer</i> magazine, its service staff is renowned for being friendly, attentive, and accommodating, even delivering lunch to players out on the course. Now that's service!

NORTHWEST LAS VEGAS. Standing on these tees, you know you're facing a true desert course. Natural areas with cacti and native plants separate tees from fairways and border most of the plush fairways as well. Water hazards pinch several landing areas and guard a number of the greens. Smart play is rewarded on the beautiful course if you can stay away from grass bunkers off the tee and sand bunkers greenside.

PRIMM. True to its name, this course features narrow fairways lined by natural areas with rocks, boulders, plants, trees, and believe it or not, a few cacti. Little water comes into play but the natural desert setting provides plenty of trouble. In addition, the greens are well protected by a number of bunkers.