Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Las Vegas, NV—
As we endured a month of rain on the East Coast, we found it hard to dust off the clubs anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic area, so how do you go about fixing that problem? Sunny Las Vegas and some classic golf holes that are found just minutes off the Vegas Strip. Forget late nights, and welcome at least one early morning into your travels and hit this must play gem, Royal Links Course.
What makes this course a true gem on our list, is it takes some of the best holes that made the game of golf and makes dreams come true for those who always want to play the best golf courses ever known to man and women. Add a castle of royalty as the clubhouse and this is a close as you can get to playing the original gems of golf in the UK, without leaving the states.
As we took an early tee-time to avoid those afternoon scorchers, we found the Bermuda greens to roll quick and true. Though not overly undulating, moderate ridges and slopes on these surfaces often guide the ball to one side of the green or another, so knowledge of pin placement is important.
The greens come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and often present opportunities for drop approaches. Miss to either side however, well you will be in a tough spot and may have to find another ball to replace the one you just hit. It’s tricky up and downs from pot bunkers, grass swales and collection areas make par saves a chore.
You will need to bring your entire range of a short game, including runners, high lobs and quick stopping chips on the rolling, manicured fairways. If the forecast is calling for windy conditions the long fairways will get even more interesting. Do we have your attention yet? Thought so. This game played on a course structured and designed to imitate holes played by our forefathers under trying condition will prove to be challenging. Suck it up, its Vegas right? Be ready to play your best – and low scores can be had. After all, this is why we play to get your USGA Handicap down at some point, right?
After your round check out the clubhouse for some great food and drinks. Have one of their grilled hot dogs, they may be one of the best the city. The course phone, an Old English Style Phone Booth located at the 8th Green is convenient for a phone ahead to place your order for the bar and grill. If you are hungry during your round, call ahead rounding nine they will have your order ready for you as soon as you finish the 9th hole.
Here is a listing of the holes you will play and their par. Try to stay close if you can.
Hole # 1 – 368 yard par 4 Royal Lytham # 10
Hole # 2 – 372 yard par 4 Royal Troon # 7
Hole # 3 – 170 yard par 3 Prestwick # 2
Hole # 4 – 621 yard par 5 Royal Liverpool # 8
Hole # 5 – 322 yard par 4 St Andrews # 12
Hole # 6 – 416 yard par 4 Royal Birkdale # 10
Hole # 7 – 471 yard par 4 Royal St Georges # 13
Hole # 8 – 152 yard par 3 Royal Troon # 8
Hole # 9 – 567 yard par 5 Muirfield G C # 5
Hole #10- 466 yard par 4 St Andrews # 17
Hole #11- 324 yard par 4 Royal Cinque Port # 6
Hole #12- 471 yard par 4 Royal Birkdale # 6
Hole #13- 348 yard par 4 Prestwick # 15
Hole #14- 193 yard par 3 Turnberry # 15
Hole #15- 571 yard par 5 Turnberry # 5
Hole #16- 454 yard par 4 Carnoustie # 15
Hole #17- 227 yard par 3 Royal Troon # 17
Hole #18- 515 yard par 5 St Andrews # 14
For more information on booking a tee time or all of the Walters Golf options available in Las Vegas, visit their website at www.waltersgolf.com
