Played Sand Hollow this afternoon (round 3 of 4 of my B-day trip to the high desert;Mesquite, Hurricane, Las Vegas). Teed off at 12:18 as a two-some and finished just before 5. Rode the Blues(6893 yds... Continue »

Played Sand Hollow this afternoon (round 3 of 4 of my B-day trip to the high desert;Mesquite, Hurricane, Las Vegas). Teed off at 12:18 as a two-some and finished just before 5. Rode the Blues(6893 yds par. 72), in some brand new leather cushioned carts, with GPS. I have really wanted to make the trek out here ever since I saw the pictures. I can tell you, if you read no further of this review, understand that Sand Hollow (championship) is one of the most scenic courses and should be on your bucket list if you enjoy spending time looking at the surroundings of a golf course while you play.

As the course goes, the front nine takes you through a series of typical golf holes you might find anywhere in America. The front reminds me of a typical resort style course, well maintained, fun, and sometimes challenging. By hole 5, I was starting to wonder what all the hype was about, thinking when does it get...spectacular? Once you get to hole 11, that is when Sand Hollow takes you on the majestic roller coaster of zen-like golf you were seeking. Hole 11-16 are worth the drive, the wait, and the cost. You weave around the side of mountain and if you go left, say good-bye to your ball. These holes also play long and create a challenge for many golfers.

The course right now, is in very good condition. The Tee boxes are level and have been moved around each couple days to get some fresh grass, 8/10. The fairways are in excellent shape, 9/10. The sand traps aren't really sand, but they dug into the ground here and found red clay and called those traps. They are much different from sand, they can be wet, soft, hard, full of pebbles, and steep. Very different from anything I have every played, 8/10. Rakes were back as well. The greens had pull-able flags, were rather large, and played pretty fast. I did not think they were all that great however, as there are some spots with sand and ball marks, 7/10. They did roll very true, and created some tough reads. The practice facility, clubhouse, clubhouse grille, and staff, all deserve a 10/10, very classy people who are just so nice and helpful. The food is really good as well. I cannot wait to comeback.