Wolf Creek at Paradise Canyon, Mesquite Nevada, AAAH. There can't be many golf nuts who haven't heard of this incredible golf course by now.. Dennis Ryder and his dad have placed what might be the mos... Continue »

Wolf Creek at Paradise Canyon, Mesquite Nevada, AAAH. There can't be many golf nuts who haven't heard of this incredible golf course by now.. Dennis Ryder and his dad have placed what might be the most extreme yet enjoyable golf course ever built, in the middle of the mojave desert amongst the canyons and arroyos on the northeastern slope of the virgin river valley in Mesquite Nevada. I have played this wonderful golf course at least twice a year since it opened and would never consider driving by Mesquite without a round on Wolf Creek.
The golf course as others have said, has some of the most spectacular views seen on any course in the country, maybe the most terrifying cart paths, (c'mon live a little on the edge), and every hole is absolutely a "feature" hole... There is one thing however that I don't understand when I read course feedback on Wolf Creek. This is the common strain running through most descriptions of the course as being difficult to play, or extemely challenging. Certainly "The Wolf" can chew you up and spit you out, but I would suggest that this only means you have been playing it from the wrong set of tees. Like many great golf courses, the most common mistake when playing them for the first time is to look at the yardage, slope, etc., and choose the tees to play from based on your experience on a home, or favourite course. On course like Wolf Creek, the visual extremes beg for a different approach. Distance loses it's value when looking out over a massive expanse of land as you do at Wolf Creek. The length to clear obstructions, hillsides, or hazards is lost on the human eye in these surroundings. The first time I played Wolf Creek, I was on the practise tee, when I noticed a fellow hitting balls off a private tee just above the main range. The lad looking after the range noticed my interest and informed me that this was "Dennis Ryder" on of the father son team that put this masterpiece together. Being a greenskeeper myself, and not known for holding back too much, I approached him to complement him on the job they had done on the course. We chatted for a few minutes and then he asked me if I had played the course before. When I replied that this would be my first time, he paused for a moment and then asked if I would mind if he gave me some advice. Of couse I was thrilled to think I could get some inside knowledge from the man who placed things where they are on this couse and made it very clear I was ready to soak up any information he would be willing to share. Mr. Ryder's advice was simple. He said. "if you really want to maximize your enjoyment of the course first time out, the best approach would be to play it from at least one tee closer, even two wouldn't hurt if you really wanted to get a feel for what your looking at. I thanked him and took his advice. Needless to say, That first round on Wolf Creek, played partly from one up, some from two up, gave me an incredible advantage for any time in the future. I now play mostly from the "Regular" mens tee, and find that my scores have become close to what they were starting off much closer. I've noticed a number of references to the price of green fees on this course. This is not your local muni, this is a fabulous golf course which, even at it's peak price, is a bargain compared to the prices in Las Vegas a mere hour or so away, for courses that can't hold a candle to Wolf Creek at Paradise Canyon. Of course for the really smart golfer out there, deals can be had on this facility. Do a little searching and you just might find some green fees that will put a big smile on your face.
I would sugget that the best time to play this golf course is from the middle of March until the middle of May. The course at this time of year looks like it was painted into the landscape with hardly a mark on tee, fairway, or green. Wolf Creek, just thinking about it makes me anxious for the next opportunity to play it....