Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
The Takeaway: While much of the hype in Southern Nevada is centered on Las Vegas, a detour to Laughlin is rewarded with a course that delivers engaging terrain, intriguing architectural elements, and expansive views that is superior to many of Sin City’s offerings; and at a better price. Grade B+
Quick Facts
Designer: David Druzisky 2005
Cost: Dynamic pricing varies - check website Click for current rates
Phone Number: 928-754-1243
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Laughlin Ranch Golf Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 1360 William Hardy Dr, Bullhead City, Arizona 86429 – UNITED STATES
Photos: See additional photos of Laughlin Ranch Golf Club
What to Expect: Located an hour and a half south of Las Vegas just across the Arizona border that is created by the Colorado River, Laughlin Ranch is a David Druzisky design that falls squarely into the hidden gem category. The course enjoys exceptionally engaging terrain with dramatic elevation changes, expansive mountain and desert vistas, and hole designs that will constantly have you deciding what strategy to employ. Tipping out over 7,100 yards delivers substantial length to contend with and pairs nicely with nearly 80 bunkers and a half dozen water features to test every skill a player must possess to be successful. That being said, the course is very playable with wide fairways and large greens for targets throughout the day. The course is maintained in great shape and features a full practice area where you can work on your game, or just warmup before your round. While this strong layout is off the radar for many people coming to Vegas, you shouldn’t sleep on this track as it offers superior architecture, terrain, and views than the majority of Sin City courses; and at a better price. Most players will elect to ride in a cart during their round, but walking is an option for those looking to develop calves that would make even Phil Mickelson envious. Lastly, the rustic theme of the clubhouse and facilities embraces Laughlin’s cowboy roots and is an appropriate tip of the cap to the area's roots.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 72 | 7155 | 73.6 | 143 |
| Zinc | 72 | 6565 | 71.4 | 137 |
| Silver | 72 | 6091 | 69.1 | 129 |
| Copper | 72 | 4985 | 64.0 | 115 |
| Copper (Ladies) | 72 | 4985 | 68.8 | 120 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 16th Hole – 314 Yard Par 4 – The hole that you and your buddies will all be talking about after your round at Laughlin Ranch is the gettable 16th. A series of bunkers bifurcates the fairway to create a left and right option to consider with your tee shot. The left fairway is contiguous from the tee and is the easier play from the tee. Attacking the right side requires a 225 yard carry over the desert and is rewarded with a straight look up the throat of the narrow green, while players coming from the left will have an awkward carry over a bunker to the shallow portion of the green. Then there is just the excitement of utilizing the tail wind to carry a ball all the way to the green and be staring down an eagle putt.
Best Par 3: 17th Hole – 234 Yards – From an elevated tee, the Colorado River is in full view as players stare down this lengthy one-shotter. As Laughlin Ranch's penultimate, it is a stiff test before heading into the memorable finishing hole where anything can happen. With the prevailing wind in your face, a low shot is often the best recipe for success, and one that utilizes the slope in the front left gives you your best chance of chasing a ball back near the flag. While the 17th is generally considered the most memorable par three, I really loved to see Druzisky's tip of the cap to Lahinch's Dell hole on the front nine at the 7th with a partially blind tee shot where the anticipation of where it ended up holds on until you crest the hill just shy of the putting surface.
Best Par 4: 14th Hole – 446 Yards – The 14th starts a descension back to the clubhouse and plays from an elevated tee with impressive views of the Colorado River and mountain desert landscape beyond. The hole slowly but steadily bends to the right from tee which will tempt players to cheat up that side with their tee ball, but they'll need to carry the fairway bunker awaiting drives that come up wanting. The fairway sweeps gracefully and naturally along the landscape through a small depression before rising to the greensite. The putting surface tilts naturally with the terrain towards the river which will move balls from right to left. A well gaged approach shot can utilize the slope to move their ball near the day's pin location.
Best Par 5: 18th Hole – 610 Yards – Druzisky's finale is a memorable downhill three-shotter that is a climatic finish to a round that is full of exciting moments. A tee shot that sails towards the fountain in the pond is a good line, although going a bit left of that will offer a superior angle if you are going for the green in two. If you decide to lay up, there are two strategies to consider. From the right side, you stay short of the water and take an appealing angle into the green that essentially eliminates the bunkers. From the left side, you take the water out of play but skinny up the angle into the green and have a large bunker on the left side that will catch balls staying extra cautiously away from the pond. A lot of things can happen on this closer, and it is a great way to finish the round.
Birdie Time: 2nd Hole – 288 Yard Par 4 – Oh mama! A killer opportunity to take one, or even two, strokes back from Old Man Par on just the 2nd hole. Measuring under 300 yards and playing uphill, players can be aggressive with their tee shot and see if they can chase one onto the green. The tabletop green has a tendency to repel balls that don't have proper velocity, but a straightforward chip awaits and a chance to hit your second shot tight. Stay out of the bunker on the left side of the green and I like your chances of throwing a circle on your scorecard here.
Bogey Beware: 5th Hole – 442 Yard Par 4 – The 5th hole demands an exacting tee shot considering there is no place to miss with desert on each side of the fairway and water then coming into play on the left side. Tee balls up the right side will increase your chance of success by shortening the hole and giving the superior angle into the green, while tee shots up the left side can quickly get in trouble with the water or the sand fronting the putting surface. Hopefully you picked up a birdie on the 2nd hole and have some insurance on your card heading into this stout two-shotter.
