One of the most dazzling and well-known golf courses in Las Vegas is certainly The Falls at Lake Las Vegas, an 18-hole course located in the Lake Las Vegas resort community in Henderson. A world-class course designed by Tom Weiskopf, The Falls takes advantage of Nevada’s rugged terrain and beautiful mountain views to provide a picturesque game filled with many natural challenges.
The Falls takes its name from two waterfalls located on the 11th and 17th holes, but the name could just as easily apply to the several hundred feet of elevation changes scattered throughout the course and most particularly on the 10th and 18th holes. The back nine certainly is the most dramatic part of the course, with the front nine featuring much more subtle elevation changes as it works through natural arroyos and desert swales. Consider the first half a warm-up, however, for later holes that climb through canyons and are built right into the sides of mountains.
There’s definitely a lot of variety at The Falls, with pristine greens contrasting beautifully against arid desert terrain and shimmering water features (which play into a few of the holes). The 12th, 13th, and 14th holes are a rather exciting trio, beginning with a 533-yard par-5 that requires a blind second shot through a narrow pass. On the other side, a two-tiered green stands perched on a cliff overlooking downtown Las Vegas. And on the 13th hole, players will swing from a tee perched 300 feet high in the air, a rather intimidating spot that seems much higher up than it really is.
Several holes are tests of endurance, requiring long drives in order to reach the green. The challenge is ultimately fun, however, made even more so by the breathtaking views which are unmatched by any other course in Vegas. The Falls also has five tee options on each hole, so the distances can be shortened for players who are new to the game.
After a round, players can retreat to the clubhouse, which has a well-stocked golf shop, a tasty grill, and a large practice facility with practice bunkers and putting and chipping greens. And like its popular sister course Reflection Bay, The Falls offers excellent service and golf carts equipped with ice chests and coolers.
Considered by some to be the best layout at Lake Las Vegas, The Falls is a dream course even for players who have seen and played it all in Sin City.
