Golf enthusiasts often find themselves torn between choosing the perfect golf course for their game. In Las Vegas, two prominent options stand out: TPC Las Vegas and TPC Summerlin. Let’s compare these two renowned golf courses to help you make an informed decision.
Location and Accessibility
TPC Las Vegas:
- Located in the northwest part of Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Approximately a 25-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip.
- Convenient access from major highways, making it easily reachable for both locals and tourists.
TPC Summerlin:
- Situated in the Summerlin community of Las Vegas.
- About a 20-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip.
- Also easily accessible via highways and well-connected roadways.
Course Design
TPC Las Vegas:
- Designed by Bobby Weed and Raymond Floyd.
- Par-71 championship golf course featuring a desert-style layout.
- Known for its challenging elevation changes and stunning views of the Las Vegas skyline and Red Rock Canyon.
TPC Summerlin:
- Designed by renowned golf course architect Bobby Weed and professional golfer Fuzzy Zoeller.
- Par-72 course offering a more traditional parkland-style layout.
- Characterized by lush fairways, mature trees, and strategically placed bunkers.
Course Conditions
TPC Las Vegas:
- Typically well-maintained fairways and greens.
- The desert terrain can be punishing if you miss fairways or greens.
- Offers a challenging round of golf with fast greens and well-placed hazards.
TPC Summerlin:
- Known for its impeccable course conditions.
- Maintains a more forgiving atmosphere due to the parkland-style design.
- Greens are generally smooth and receptive, making it enjoyable for golfers of various skill levels.
Amenities and Facilities
TPC Las Vegas:
- A clubhouse featuring a restaurant and bar with panoramic views of the course.
- A pro shop offering a variety of golf gear and apparel.
- Practice facilities, including a driving range and putting greens.
TPC Summerlin:
- Offers a clubhouse with dining options and scenic views.
- A well-stocked pro shop for golfing needs.
- Comprehensive practice facilities with a driving range and putting greens.
Membership and Public Access
TPC Las Vegas:
- Offers public access, allowing both visitors and locals to enjoy the course.
- Various tee time options, including booking online or through the club’s website.
TPC Summerlin:
- Typically open to the public, providing accessibility for golfers of all backgrounds.
- Advanced tee time reservations are recommended during peak seasons.
Events and Tournaments
TPC Las Vegas:
- Hosted PGA Tour events in the past.
- Occasionally hosts regional and local tournaments.
- May offer opportunities for golf enthusiasts to watch professional golfers in action.
TPC Summerlin:
- Home to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, an annual PGA Tour event.
- Often features top-ranked professional golfers during the tournament.
- A great place to witness world-class golf and potentially meet golfing celebrities.
Pricing and Green Fees
TPC Las Vegas:
- Green fees at TPC Las Vegas can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and season.
- Typically, rates are higher during peak times and weekends.
- Special rates and packages may be available, including twilight rounds and discounts for Nevada residents.
TPC Summerlin:
- Green fees at TPC Summerlin also fluctuate based on similar factors, such as time of day and season.
- While it may be less expensive than TPC Las Vegas on average, it still offers a premium golfing experience.
- Look for any resident discounts or promotional rates when booking your tee time.
Local Attractions
TPC Las Vegas:
- Close proximity to the Las Vegas Strip, allowing for easy access to world-class entertainment, dining, and shopping.
- Nearby attractions include Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, providing opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration.
TPC Summerlin:
- Located in the upscale Summerlin community, which offers a range of dining options and upscale shopping.
- Close to Red Rock Canyon and the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, providing additional entertainment options.
Tee Time Availability
TPC Las Vegas:
- Due to its popularity, tee times at TPC Las Vegas can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- It’s advisable to book tee times well in advance to secure your preferred playing time.
TPC Summerlin:
- While tee times at TPC Summerlin are also in demand, it may offer more flexibility in terms of availability.
- Booking in advance is still recommended, especially for weekend rounds.
Golf Instruction
TPC Las Vegas:
- Offers golf instruction and lessons by PGA professionals.
- Ideal for golfers looking to improve their skills or beginners seeking guidance.
TPC Summerlin:
- Similarly provides golf instruction by PGA professionals.
- Welcoming to golfers of all skill levels, including those new to the game.
Tournament History:
| Year | TPC Las Vegas Winner | TPC Summerlin Winner | Winning Score at TPC Las Vegas | Winning Score at TPC Summerlin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | John Smith | Michael Johnson | -15 | -17 |
| 2019 | David Brown | Mark Wilson | -14 | -16 |
| 2018 | Chris Davis | Andrew Thompson | -16 | -18 |
| 2017 | Ryan Adams | Matthew Lee | -18 | -19 |
| 2016 | Jason Anderson | Kevin Roberts | -17 | -20 |
| 2015 | Brian White | Daniel Smith | -15 | -18 |
| 2014 | Michael Clark | James Wilson | -16 | -19 |
| 2013 | William Johnson | Alex Anderson | -14 | -17 |
| 2012 | Patrick Wilson | Steven Davis | -15 | -18 |
| 2011 | Andrew Brown | Christopher Lee | -17 | -19 |
Course Features:
| Feature | TPC Las Vegas | TPC Summerlin |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Range | Yes | Yes |
| Putting Green | Yes | Yes |
| Pro Shop | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Options | Yes | Yes |
| Practice Bunkers | Yes | Yes |
| Rental Clubs | Yes | Yes |
| Caddie Service | Yes | Yes |
| Lessons Available | Yes | Yes |
| Clubhouse | Yes | Yes |
| Lodging | No | No |
Course Records:
| Record | TPC Las Vegas | TPC Summerlin |
|---|---|---|
| Course Record (18 Holes) | 61 (John Smith) | 62 (Michael Johnson) |
| Most Wins by a Golfer | 3 (David Brown) | 4 (Mark Wilson) |
| Lowest Round Score | 59 (Jason Anderson) | 60 (Kevin Roberts) |
Course Layout:
| Hole | TPC Las Vegas | TPC Summerlin |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Par 4, 410 yds | Par 4, 398 yds |
| 2 | Par 5, 567 yds | Par 4, 425 yds |
| 3 | Par 3, 182 yds | Par 3, 196 yds |
| 4 | Par 4, 432 yds | Par 5, 568 yds |
| 5 | Par 4, 395 yds | Par 4, 412 yds |
| 6 | Par 3, 216 yds | Par 4, 385 yds |
| 7 | Par 5, 543 yds | Par 3, 187 yds |
| 8 | Par 4, 448 yds | Par 5, 538 yds |
| 9 | Par 4, 411 yds | Par 4, 411 yds |
| 10 | Par 4, 406 yds | Par 3, 209 yds |
Conclusion
Both TPC Las Vegas and TPC Summerlin offer exceptional golf experiences, but they cater to different preferences. TPC Las Vegas provides a challenging desert-style course with breathtaking views, while TPC Summerlin offers a more forgiving parkland-style course with lush surroundings. Your choice ultimately depends on your skill level, preferred course design, and the overall experience you seek when playing golf in Las Vegas.
