Falcon Ridge

Nevada makes one last ditch effort to keep golfers in-state before they enter Utah on their way to St. George, a noted golf trip destination. The city of Mesquite offers three high-end golf courses right next to each other along the Las Vegas Freeway. First there is the famous Wolf Creek Golf Club, followed by the Oasis Club — which includes the acclaimed Palmer Course — and then Falcon Ridge Golf Course. All these clubs share dramatic desert terrain, with photogenic rock formations rising between the holes.

Falcon Ridge is the only design for the duo of Kelby Hughes and Crescent Hardy, so they were sure to make a statement. The opening trio of holes on the back nine speak louder than most.

First, players leave the clubhouse, heading toward the green of a very drivable par five (485 yards) but a stream divides the hole into two fairways along the entire length. Then, the yardage seems short at No. 11 (325 yards) but the tee shot must crest a dramatic swell before tumbling back down toward the green. No. 12 is a double dogleg par five, featuring a pair of lakes on either side to enforce accuracy.