Golf

Mountain Falls Golf Course Details

• Opened:
  2002 (front nine); 2003 (back nine).
• Course designed by:
  Cal Olson (front nine); Nicklaus Design team (back nine).
• Course Management:
  Landmark Golf Management.
• General Manager / Director of Golf:
  Neil Pierce.
• Head golf professional:
  Neil Pierce.
• Course Record:
  Not established.
• Tee Time Policy:
  Reservations are accepted 30 days in advance with a credit card. Rates vary from $35-$45. Groups can book further in advance.
• Course Map:
  Click here.

Mountain Falls Golf Course Review

Visitors or locals looking for a unique day trip to play a little golf -- at prices as good or better than any in Las Vegas -- will find that Mountain Falls Golf Club in nearby Pahrump is an outstanding option.

Cal Olson designed the back nine, and the Nicklaus Design team orchestrated the front side. Combine the two nines and you've got a stunning golf course. Both nines feature gently undulating fairways and moderate to severely sloped greens; and both are built in more of a traditional style, demanding no forced carries off the tees as grass runs from tee to green. The back nine is accented by Mondale pines and glittering poplar trees. The front nine, which opened in December 2003, also includes attractive landscaping.

Mountain Falls stretches to 7,082 yards from its back set of four tee boxes, and from every set there's plenty of variety for players. From the back tees, two of the par 3's play 200 and 207 yards to well-guarded greens, so when the wind blows across the plains, there's also plenty of challenge.

Variety starts on the front side. Holes seven through nine are sure to entice players as they make the turn at Mountain Falls.

The shortest par 5, the 517-yard seventh, features a divine design from the Nicklaus team. The fairway doglegs left, but two bunkers guard the inside turn opposite three others on the right. Deep bunkers front the green so only a perfect tee shot will set up a chance to reach in two. The par-3 eighth plays 166 yards downhill to a green wedged between a pond front right and bunkers left. The ninth is a classic: The tee shot on the dogleg-left, 413-yard par 4 must avoid water and a broad waste bunker that run the length of the hole on the left, while bunkers tighten the fairway on the right. The tiered green is fronted by a deep bunker and beautifully backed by a waterfall.

On the back, holes 12 through 14 are three of the more scenic golf holes you'll see anywhere. And they're tough, as well. They are all designed around a large pond with multiple waterfalls to soothe the senses -- until you step on the tee of any of the three. The par-4, 468-yard 12th hole is Mountain Falls' toughest. The fairway doglegs left around the pond. Desert down the left side challenges the tee shot along with bunkers right, and bunkers also front the green and guard it right. The 360-yard, par-4 13th hole doglegs left around the same pond. Big drivers may be able to roll a ball to within chipping distance of the green, but it's uphill, above the pond, and the fairway is framed by several well-placed bunkers. Few par-3 tee shots anywhere are more intimidating than the one on the 207-yard, par-3 14th hole. The elevated, long and narrow green is guarded by the pond left and essentially ringed by a waterfall-fed stream. It's one of the toughest and prettiest par 3's in the state. There's bailout area to the right, but pinpoint accuracy off the tee is a must.

The 416-yard, par-4 18th hole, a slight dogleg left, could be a signature hole. Water runs all along the left side, and bunkers right are in play precisely where the fairway turns. The multitiered green wraps around a central bunker.

Course statistics: