Ventured out to LV to tick this one off the bucket list. Interesting location, seemingly not near much of anything. Booked the Double Down which includes Cascata and Rio Secco for $599, ouch! I read t... Continue »

Ventured out to LV to tick this one off the bucket list. Interesting location, seemingly not near much of anything. Booked the Double Down which includes Cascata and Rio Secco for $599, ouch! I read the prior reviews for Cascata and had an idea of what to expect. It really is over-the-top and well run experience. Course was obviously in good shape and it is an impressive layout with lots of elevation changes and the fore-caddie is enormously helpful. For the money I paid, I felt conditions were acceptable but not pristine. I remember one green had some spots without grass, but it did not affect play. Fairways were like carpet, tee boxes were good, and bunkers actually had sand (what a pleasure). So much undulation in the greens kind of hard to say there were fast, but if you were putting towards the valley, they were speedy. Greens were very true with little ball mark damage.

Pace of play was 4 and 1/2 hours, but we weren't waiting and no one was waiting on us. There are some long drives between holes.

Is it worth it? The regular rate is $549 and in my mind it is over-priced. Add in Rio Secco for only $50 more and it is a lot less painful. I will say I put less value on amenities and the forecaddie than someone else might. Also, with a four-some and only 1 caddie he was sometimes challenged to help us all. Not his fault in my opinion. Glad I did it (a 40 on the back nine helps), but not sure there will be a second time.

More on Rio Secco in that review.

With a convention out in Las Vegas this past week, some work and casual friends joined together and we ventured out to the adventure ride that is Cascata. Our original plan was to get on to Shadow Cre... Continue »

With a convention out in Las Vegas this past week, some work and casual friends joined together and we ventured out to the adventure ride that is Cascata. Our original plan was to get on to Shadow Creek but it was sold out for months to come, so the next option was definitely this unique gem up in the mountains around Boulder City, well off the beaten path. We arrived early to take full advantage of all the nice amenities that are required to justify the very high cost for this bucket list experience. You've heard it all before - valet service, locker room customization, the indoor waterfall, the top-notch service from start to finish - and it's all more or less true. The cart barn is a wonder as well, like a Disneyland ride, and the carts are top shelf. The practice areas are tremendous and it's one other reason to arrive early to take full advantage of the facilities, and of course to watch some big horn sheep grazing on the range as you try to avoid smacking them with wayward shanks. There's a large putting green as well and two chipping areas that are a nice simulation of what you'll find around many of the greens. We also got some solid tips from our caddy and off we went with our afternoon tee time in very hot and later windy conditions. Cascata is a course of extremes. There are perhaps two or three 'flat' holes at most here. All the rest are either extreme uphill or downhill with no shortage of intimidating carries over desert waste areas. There are some unique water features on a lot of the holes with some creeks bordering many of the fairways and even some waterfalls coming right out of the surrounding mountains. Some of the sightlines at Cascata are amazing, with my favorite being the par 5 16th with its sliver of fairway crawling up the canyon's edge. The 18th is a tremendous closing hole that does absolute justice to the rest of the course. There are some long treks between holes so walking is definitely not an option. There is also no return to the clubhouse until all 18 holes are completed, but there is of course top notch cart service throughout the round and it's well-stocked every few holes with water and snack stations and restrooms - something you would certainly expect for the price being paid here. Now I would love to give all the conditions a perfect 10, but unfortunately I can't do that. It doesn't take away much from the experience overall, but it was a little disappointing from an aesthetics POV to see many of the greens suffering from damage. They rolled overall just fine but optically there's a lot of work that can be done. I'm sure it's just incredibly difficult to keep them looking like Augusta in the extreme desert weather, but honesty matters. They were still very quick and there are a lot of difficult but not gimmicky reads to make. I just wished they looked better. Fairways and rough on the other hand were in pretty perfect shape from tee to green on every single hole. There's really not a single complaint to make there. It was an absolute joy hitting pure shots off the lush carpet. Amazingly I managed to avoid every bunker but one on hole 9, but there the sand was quite perfect and I never heard a single complaint from my playing partners about the others so I'll assume they were the same. Most of the tee boxes were in excellent shape with the exception of some of the heavily cut up par 3s that showed some trouble spots. But all were level and you could always find the right surface to hit from for the day. We played from the blue tees, by the way. POP was great and we never waited on a single hole, however we were quite deliberate and there was a threesome behind us that we flirted with letting them pass us, but it never became so apparent they were in a rush and we always carved out space time and time again throughout the round. Our caddy was a seasoned pro and was definitely a helpful piece to the puzzle that is Cascata. The bottom line? This is a bucket list stop without a doubt but I'd be wary of paying top dollar again for the experience. I think this is definitely a premium course that every golfer should take in at least once, but I've no doubt the high price point will keep a lot of golfers selecting other options. If they could somehow get the price down to the $250 range then I guarantee a lot more would visit and even more come back for more. But the cost aside, it's a truly momentous day of golf that I hope everyone gets to try out soon.

Cascata is fun, challenging, and in great shape. But it doesn't quite have the wow-factor that I would expect for a course that costs upwards of $500 per round. But if you forget the price tag, it's... Continue »

Cascata is fun, challenging, and in great shape. But it doesn't quite have the wow-factor that I would expect for a course that costs upwards of $500 per round. But if you forget the price tag, it's probably a top-5 course in Vegas.

Played Cascata this past weekend and the previous weekend. The course did not disappoint either time. Unfortunately, after they overseed/aerate the greens the green fees will return back to $400. T... Continue »

Played Cascata this past weekend and the previous weekend. The course did not disappoint either time. Unfortunately, after they overseed/aerate the greens the green fees will return back to $400. The caddie fee was worth the price as I would have never been able to read the greens.

The range was beautifully manicured, used pristine range balls, very attentive staff. Everyone must play this course at least once.

Was able to join a GK group for my second ever round at Cascata on 7/24. I missed getting buzzed in at the entrance gate to the course because I followed rob1563 in. Staff is there waiting for you t... Continue »

Was able to join a GK group for my second ever round at Cascata on 7/24. I missed getting buzzed in at the entrance gate to the course because I followed rob1563 in. Staff is there waiting for you to unload your bag from your car and place on your single rider cart. Because of the physical distancing safety protocols, they ask if you'd like to valet, otherwise you can park your car on your own.

Locker room was closed, but that was just fine. Hit the restaurant for the eggs benedict, which was really good!

Cascata is definitely worth playing. With the exception of some (not very many) repairs in the fairways, sod replacement and aeration, everything else was in great shape. I think I hit out of 2 or 3 aerated spots. Elevated tee boxes make for some exciting holes.

The caddy is a must have. I have enough trouble putting on my own reads and without the caddy I know there would have been several 4 puts. Crazy how good he was with giving exact directions. All you have to do is execute. There in lies my problem, haha.

This is a must play course.

Our fantastic weekend of Southern Nevada golf started at Cascata for a GK Guru outing. Fantastic as always. I snapped and posted some beautiful photos to go with the many reviews being posted by GKers... Continue »

Our fantastic weekend of Southern Nevada golf started at Cascata for a GK Guru outing. Fantastic as always. I snapped and posted some beautiful photos to go with the many reviews being posted by GKers – Thank You!

As a total golf experience only Pebble Beach beats it out for me because, well, it’s Pebble Beach! Cascata is a must play for any golfer that can afford it (it’s worth it!). As you’ve read in many reviews prior to mine and have heard, if golf had a desert Disneyland, it would be Cascata. Even though some of the ride attractions were suspended due to COVID-19 precautions, like complementary snacks/fruit/drinks in the clubhouse and locker rooms, the rest is open. I always make sure to get to Cascata at least an hour ahead of my tee time to enjoy a delicious breakfast and without question the most beautiful practice facilities I’ve experienced. Nothing like walking through the doors of Cascata to hear the sound of rushing water cascading through the clubhouse that starts at the top of the mountain of the driving range. Staff is beyond friendly and helpful. You’re treated top shelf from the moment you enter to the moment you leave. This is a very special golf experience.

Golf course was in outstanding shape in the heat of summer. Exceptional greens running fast, holding shots, smooth with a Cascata caddie to help you read them. So fun! Fairways besides the new Bermuda sod that was fine to hit off, lush and beautiful. Rough lush and particularly difficult greenside. It’s a mix of Bermuda and Poa with the ball always sitting down. Bunkers simply perfect. Beautiful white sand kept up by the golf course and caddies. Tee boxes lush and level.

As far as the layout, please check out the photos I posted and those posted from my visit last year. No way can I describe it better. Try not to drool – this it desert mountain golf at its finest.

Part of the Cascata experience is a caddie. Due to Covid-19 everyone had a separate cart including our caddie. Made it more difficult for the caddie to give his full attention to each player but David did a great helping us with putts and tracking down errant shots.

I’ve only played Cascata during the summer rather than overseeded and in season. Still more than satisfying and I don’t know many desert courses golfers can feel that way about it.

Highly Recommended!

I've had Cascata on my wish I could someday play list for awhile. Finally the stars lined up and had the opportunity to tee it up with the guru's on 7/24/2020.
It's exclusive It's highly acclaimed a... Continue »

I've had Cascata on my wish I could someday play list for awhile. Finally the stars lined up and had the opportunity to tee it up with the guru's on 7/24/2020.
It's exclusive It's highly acclaimed and It's an amazing golf experience. The forecaddies are an enhancement to the round and offer great assistance. David was a true professional.
20 miles from LV McCarran airport it's not far from the glamour and glitz of the LV strip. For the discriminating golfer it hit's the jackpot.
Staff makes you feel special and included like you belong there and are an old friend as soon as you arrive at the bag drop.
Some of the special amenities not available due to CV-19 restrictions but I'm sure they are as good as what we could use safely. I will definitely be back for the complete experience and review those someday. Would have loved to see my mantra "Birdie Chain" holder on my locker!
The eye candy of the Clubhouse (stream babbles through it) the course with the red rock
mountains framing the greenery, just fantastic. Course conditions the highest level.
Some fairways being re-sodded and aerated in areas. Summer time in the desert and the course holds up well in the heat. The greens PGA tourney quality.
That's what I can add to the other gurus reviews.
I had an issue with my driver shaft breaking in airline baggage coming in and the head fell off going to the driving range. Prompt attention by staff and I had a similar replacement in hand from their up to date rental clubs.
An appropriate place to proudly wear and display the Birdie Chain. Bring the bling! It's Vegas Baby!
I had a great time and a course worthy of day trip plane rides from and back to Sacramento.
Highly recommend.

I joined the other GK’ers for the Guru round at Cascata. Had the pleasant surprise of the appearance of the official Traveling Birdie Chain and Deepsea14. I initially took a pass on the Vegas outin... Continue »

I joined the other GK’ers for the Guru round at Cascata. Had the pleasant surprise of the appearance of the official Traveling Birdie Chain and Deepsea14. I initially took a pass on the Vegas outing as I wasn’t planning to make my full return until Friday 7/31 but when Cascata popped up on the list, I just couldn’t pass it up! Cascata is such a great experience and easily meets all of my mandatory requirements for being a superb course. Great conditions tee to green, plenty of elevation changes throughout the course, numerous water hazards to add to aesthetics and challenge, plus top notch service.

Due to the COVID restrictions the locker room is closed off which is disappointing but totally understandable. I missed having my name on my own locker and using the showers but completely get the restriction under the current pandemic situation.

I meant to call and request a previous caddie, Casey (he was that good) but got busy at work and didn’t get a chance to do so. No regrets as our forecaddie David was spot on with his reads all day long. I’ve had other caddies tell me the hardest thing is reading subtle breaks and this is where David shined. He was confident in his reads and that breads confidence in the player.

The entire staff is polite and customer service oriented. They maintained the perfect balance between attentive to our needs and maintaining social distancing.

Conditions are what you would expect for a top notch course like Cascata. Tee boxes were level, lush and nearly perfect. Greens were super smooth and fast. Reminded me a lot of the greens at Pebble Beach. Downhill putts were lightning fast and uphill ones were manageable. It really puts a premium on being below the hole.

Fairways were also easily a 9 and the rough was manageable. Enough to get you attention but not so nasty you just wanted to throw in the towel.

Cascata is always an enjoyable experience and this time was no different. I’m so glad I decided to throw my name in the had and join the others for a great GK guru outing.

I was fortunate enough to play Cascata this past Friday. Drove up to a gate and had to be buzzed in (fancy), came to the round a bout where we were greeted by staff. The gentleman took our bags to our... Continue »

I was fortunate enough to play Cascata this past Friday. Drove up to a gate and had to be buzzed in (fancy), came to the round a bout where we were greeted by staff. The gentleman took our bags to our cart while our group headed to club house for breakfast and cocktails. There was a stream the goes through the club house which I thoroughly enjoyed.

The driving range was a treat, one of the best I've had the pleasure to chunk in. Uphill with a desert mountain view. The putting greens had no holes but flag sticks.

Our forecaddie Zach was not only friendly but extremely knowledgeable about the course and all it's subtleties.. Even though he was there for the group I always had the feeling he was my personal caddie. He was on top of it when it came to putting reads, distances, and taking and cleaning my wedges which gave the game a whole new experience for me.

One of the best courses I've ever played. Groomed fairways and immaculate greens against a beautiful landscape. The greens ran really fast but fair which was gratifying. The tee boxes were always flat and in exceptional shape. The rough was a challenge but escapable. I was in the sand bunkers a lot and it was in immaculate condition, almost like hitting out of white sand from an hour glass.

Thank you so much Johnny for allowing me to join in.