Nevada is best known for the bright lights of Las Vegas, but it is also a serious golf destination. The Las Vegas valley has dozens of courses carved out of the Mojave Desert, Mesquite offers quieter desert golf an hour to the northeast, and in the north, Reno and Lake Tahoe offer high-desert and mountain golf in summer. Here's how to plan a Nevada golf trip.
The main golf areas
Las Vegas
The Las Vegas valley has courses for every budget, many with views of the mountains and the city skyline. Golf combines easily with shows, dining and entertainment. Read warm-weather golf destinations in the USA.
Mesquite
About 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas, the small town of Mesquite has a cluster of desert courses among red rocks and canyons, with lower prices and a quieter atmosphere.
Reno
In the north, Reno's high-desert courses offer sunny summer golf with mountain views.
Lake Tahoe
The Nevada side of Lake Tahoe has mountain courses among pine forests and alpine scenery, at high altitude. Read golf in California for the California side.
When to go
| Area | Best months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas and Mesquite | October to April | Mild, sunny winters; summer often above 100 °F (38 °C) |
| Reno | May to October | Warm days, cool nights |
| Lake Tahoe | June to September | Short mountain season |
Desert golf tips
- Target golf: fairways are surrounded by desert, often marked as penalty areas. Read penalty areas and out of bounds.
- Wildlife: keep away from rocks and bushes where snakes and scorpions live. Read golf courses and wildlife.
- Overseeding: many courses overseed in autumn, with temporary closures or restrictions.
- Wind can be strong in spring. Read how to play golf in the wind.
- Heat: read hot weather golf.
- Altitude: Las Vegas sits around 2,000 feet; Reno and Tahoe are much higher. Read golf at altitude.
Read golf in Arizona for more on desert golf.
Costs and booking
- Las Vegas ranges from very expensive resort golf to affordable public courses.
- Summer rates are low, if you can handle the heat at dawn.
- Mesquite packages offer good value.
- Twilight rates are common.
Read how to book tee times.
Practical tips
- Transport: many courses offer shuttles from the Las Vegas Strip; otherwise rent a car.
- Hydrate, especially if you're out late the night before.
- Club rental is widely available. Read travelling with golf clubs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Las Vegas good for golf?
Yes. It has a wide range of desert courses and is easy to combine with entertainment.
When is the best time to play golf in Las Vegas?
October to April. Summer is extremely hot.
Is Mesquite cheaper than Las Vegas for golf?
Usually, yes, with quieter courses.
Can I play golf at Lake Tahoe?
Yes, in summer, on mountain courses at high altitude.
The bottom line
Nevada offers desert golf in Las Vegas and Mesquite through the cooler months, and high-desert and mountain golf around Reno and Lake Tahoe in summer. Choose the right season, keep the ball in play and enjoy the entertainment between rounds. For more western golf, read golf in Colorado and Utah.