You simply can’t go wrong with a golf course designed by the man most consider to be the greatest golf player of all time, and Reflection Bay at Lake Las Vegas is no exception to that philosophy. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and located in Lake Las Vegas resort development, Reflection Bay is an award-winning course that excels in nearly every aspect of a good golf course. Stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains make this course exceptionally beautiful, while strategically placed natural elements make for a challenging but enjoyable game.
The annual home of the Wendy’s Three-Tour Challenge, the 7,261-yard, par-72 course at Reflection Bay features 18 holes crafted along the northern shore of the man-made Lake Las Vegas, with five holes stretching along a mile and a half of palm tree-studded shoreline. To be sure, water presents a beautiful backdrop and an ever-present obstacle during the course, with four non-shoreline bordered holes encountering creeks and a four-acre lake. And where there isn’t water, there are bunkers, ball-consuming arroyos, sloping greens, and other challenges, many of which require long carries and well-thought-out shots.
A course that embraces the natural contours of the desert, Reflection Bay is one of the more natural courses in Las Vegas, with pre-existing hillsides and canyons incorporated into many of the holes. The result is a visual treat on nearly every hole, but what makes the changing terrain particularly nice is the variety it lends to each hole. For example, the first few holes follow desert canyons, including the steep downhill par-5 3rd hole, which stretches to 596 yards with numerous bunkers dotting the fairway. But by the time players have reached the par-5 5th hole, the course is moving uphill with a steep drop-off and a stream to the right and a large hillside on the left.
The back nine is equally memorable, ending with two spectacular holes that play along the lake. Both are doglegs, and wind can be a friend or foe should players choose to bypass the water. On the teasing par-5 18th, players who opt to play it safe will find a split fairway and bunkers lining the shore. Despite all the obstacles, however, Reflection Bay is fun overall and accessible to all players with five different tees.
Since Reflection Bay is located within a resort community, no amenity has been spared to make the course as hospitable as possible. Players can lounge in a lovely clubhouse featuring a fully-equipped pro shop, snack bar and lounge, and a gourmet restaurant. A full service practice area offers putting and chipping greens, a driving range, practice bunkers, and the Nicklaus/Flick Gold School.
