HENDERSON, NV -- Fantastic! Awesome! Inspiring! Well designed! Marvelous! These are just a few words that come to mind when I think about the golf course at Reflection Bay Golf Club near Las Vegas. Reflection Bay at the Lake Las Vegas Resort truly is an oasis in an inhospitable desert environment.

Lake Las Vegas Resort is soon to be a major golfing Mecca in the western United States rivaling such places as Tucson and Palm Springs. The Southshore Golf Club (a private, members only course) and Reflection Bay are the first two Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses in Nevada and are just the beginning in what is to become a legendary golf destination.

Future plans for the resort include three more championship 18 hole golf courses, three grand resort hotels and the completion of a luxurious Hyatt Hotel (which is presently under construction) and will overlook the pristine crystal blue waters of Nevada's largest privately owned lake.
 
Sculpted out of the naturally surrounding environment, Reflection Bay challenges players with deviously placed bunkers, long carries over multiple water hazards, ball-eating arroyos and beautifully sculpted creekbeds complete with waterfalls and marvelously laid out stonework.

But it is the water that always keeps you thinking. Five holes stretch along a mile and a half of the immaculate shoreline and four other holes encounter water in the form of creeks and a four-acre lake.

To hit a decent score on this 7,261, par 72 course, players will need to have their games finely tuned. There are enormous ball-catching bunkers everywhere that you'll want to hit including landing zones and green approaches. The greens are devilishly contoured and magnificently manicured making for an exciting putting experience. If wind is your nemesis, some of the lakefront holes have you running with your tail between your legs.

Two of the four par-threes are among some of the best holes in Las Vegas. The signature #8 is a relatively long par three measuring in at 199 yards. The green is located on a peninsula that jets out into the lake bringing water into play on your left and testing your wind reading skills. The 164 yard 17th is almost a mirror image of the 8th hole with water coming into play on your right and the wind blowing at your back.

The par 5 15th hole is a long and committing hole measuring in at 544 yards and forcing the player to cross the 75 foot deep 'Grand Canyon' of Reflection Bay not only once, but twice. If you're easily intimidated, you probably won't like this hole, but it's big fun.

The 561 yard par 5 18th is a great finisher to a wonderful course. Once again players are threatened by large traps smack dab in the middle of the fairway and Lake Las Vegas on the right. The final green is well protected by enormous bunkers on two and the lake beyond.

Anyone heading to Las Vegas absolutely must make the 20 minute trip from the strip to experience Reflection Bay. The March 1999 issue of Golf Magazine named Reflection Bay to its "Top 10 You Can Play" list and with good reason: Reflection Bay is a fantastic course in perfect shape in a spectacular setting.

If you're looking for an oasis away from the seedy side of Vegas, visit Reflection Bay.
 

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.