Boulder City Golf Course...I wonder how many have passed on this course with the impression that its name and low green fees equate to a no frills municipal golf experience. Well, those who did opt to play somewhere else really missed out on an excellent golf course.
I played June 20th and I must say I was very impressed with the fun yet challenging layout, relaxed setting, and superb playing conditions. The course is not a typical desert course but a refreshing change of pace from its nearby neighbor Boulder Creek Golf Club. Boulder Creek Golf Club gets all the press and deserving so because it is truly a magnificent golf course, however, Boulder City Golf Course is as good if not better then a dozen or so tracks over the hill in Las Vegas (at a fraction of the costs).
First impression when pulling into the parking lot is the feeling of playing your local municipal track back home. There’s no one coming out to get your bag and the clubhouse is less then impressive. However, you will notice immediately something not found very often on Southern Nevada golf courses…trees. Nice, mature trees that do a wonderful job providing refreshing shade. You’ll also notice that unlike most local courses, this one is beautifully lush and extremely well kept. Once you’ve met the friendly staff and proceed to the first tee, you’re greeted by a short and easy par five to set the tone for a round that should yield many birdie attempts and an uplifting scorecard at the end of day.
Regarding the layout, the course is relatively flat, mostly forgiving off the tee, gives you lots of good looks at the flag from the fairway, but once on the greens, the course defenses come to bear. I wouldn’t say the greens are tricky (with exception to hole 15), but leave yourself above the hole and these greens will make you pay. Also keep in mind that the course is about 2500 feet above sea level and combined with some hot temps, although typically a few degrees cooler then Las Vegas, it’s very easy to over-club your iron shots. Perhaps the best part about the layout is it a fun golf course to play. It makes you plan your shots well and there are lots of risk/reward holes such the drive-able par 4 number 8 protected by a front water hazard, reachable in two par 5 hole 12, and forced carry over water par 3 number 17. Speaking of water, there are many nice water features on the course beginning with the large fountains adjacent to fairways on holes 6 and 9, then fountain/waterfall on the par 3 hole 7, manmade creeks on holes 12 and 13, and then the aforementioned water hazard on hole 17.
Overall, (and I think the local Boulder City residents are going to hate me for this because they seem to have the course all to themselves) this course is a MUST play for the budget minded golfer visiting Las Vegas, and solid play for anyone of all skill levels.
