Painted Desert Golf Club

Variety is the signature of this Jay Morrish design. At the time it was built, Painted Desert marked the beginning of the blending of modern construction techniques, irrigation and grasses that enabled golf courses to be built on almost any type of soil and setting.

Painted Desert's sudden appearance on the Las Vegas scene was astounding and the course soon became a trend-setter. This design was different golf from the wall-to-wall grass, Florida-esque layouts that were strewn across the valley floor.

Moorish's course was penal, demanding and intimidating for average players who couldn't hit fairways and greens. After Painted Desert, golf courses could now exist in desert wastelands or on mountainsides, their lush green fairways juxtaposed against the barren surroundings.

The nearly 20-year-old greens are mature and in immaculate condition. Eight par 4's measure less than 400 yards from the middle tees at Painted Desert. From the championship tees, a 313-yard devilish par 4 tempts a driver.

The elevated 18th hole provides a terrific view of the hole and the purple-looking mountains in the distance. Painted Desert measures 6,840 yards from the championship tees and is a par-72.

The signature hole of Painted Desert is the eighth: A par 3, measuring 186 yards and featuring a dangerous pond in front of the green and bunkers back left.

The course plays 6,840 yards from the back tees and is a perfect course for players looking for something a little more "user-friendly" compared to the newer target golf courses today.

Check Course Review & Reader Review for this course at