Painted Desert Golf Club Review

About Painted Desert Golf Club

This Painted Desert Golf Club review covers one of Las Vegas's oldest surviving public layouts — a Jay Morrish design that opened in 1987 and is widely credited as one of the first true desert-style golf courses built in Nevada. Located in the northwest Las Vegas area at 5555 Painted Mirage Rd, it is roughly 15 to 20 minutes north of Summerlin, making it one of the closest non-Summerlin public options for golfers based in the western valley. The course is managed by Arcis Golf and has earned Golf Digest "Places to Play" recognition; it was also a former host of the Nevada Open. Morrish's routing places a premium on accuracy: tight desert fairways, indigenous landscaping, and a demanding set of par-3s (ranging from 125 to 227 yards) challenge all skill levels, while well-manicured and true-rolling greens reward players who find the short grass. At 6,840 yards and par 72 with a course rating of 73.7 and slope of 136, the test is legitimate from the tips. Our short verdict: a historically significant desert layout that remains one of the most honest public tests in the northwest Las Vegas corridor.

Reviews of Painted Desert Golf Club

Our editorial take: Painted Desert is the rare Las Vegas public course that rewards repeat play. The Morrish design has aged gracefully — the desert vegetation has matured to frame holes naturally, the greens consistently surprise visitors with their speed and true roll, and the par-3s remain some of the most demanding on any public card in the valley. It is not the longest or flashiest course in Las Vegas, but shot-makers and course-management golfers will enjoy it more than big hitters who rely on driver distance. For golfers based in Summerlin or northwest Las Vegas, it is a worthy regular rotation option.

Good to know before you play

• Historic significance: Opened in 1987, Painted Desert is recognized as one of the first pure desert-style courses in Nevada. Jay Morrish helped pioneer the no-rough, native-desert aesthetic that defines Las Vegas golf today — playing here is a piece of that history.
• Accuracy is rewarded: Tight desert fairways flanked by native vegetation mean errant tee shots often result in unplayable lies. Club down from the tee on shorter par-4s and let course management substitute for driver distance.
• The par-3s are the test: Five par-3s range from 125 to 227 yards and showcase Morrish's creativity. Commit to your club — the desert wind and elevation variations make misjudgment costly.
• Course rating context: A 73.7 rating and 136 slope from the back tees signal a genuine test; mid-handicappers will find the course more demanding than its 6,840-yard total implies. Move forward a set of tees on your first visit.
• Booking: Tee times book at painteddesertgc.com or by calling (702) 645-2570. The golf shop is generally open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Getting there from Summerlin: Painted Desert is roughly 15 to 20 minutes north of Summerlin. Head north on US-95 toward the northwest valley; the course sits on Painted Mirage Rd just east of the US-95 corridor.

Frequently asked questions about Painted Desert Golf Club

Where can I find reviews and ratings for Painted Desert Golf Club?

You can read player reviews of Painted Desert Golf Club — rated for conditions, value, layout, greens, pace, and staff — and add your own here on Summerlin.Golf. Painted Desert Golf Club is also profiled on major golf platforms including GolfPass, GolfNow, Golf Digest, and Google Reviews. For the official scorecard, rates, and tee times, visit the Painted Desert Golf Club official website.

Is Painted Desert Golf Club public or private, and how do I book a tee time?

Painted Desert Golf Club is a public daily-fee course — no membership required. Tee times can be booked at painteddesertgc.com or by calling (702) 645-2570.

Who designed Painted Desert Golf Club and when did it open?

Painted Desert Golf Club was designed by Jay Morrish, ASGCA. It opened in 1987 and is recognized as one of the first true desert-style golf courses built in the Las Vegas area.

What is the par and yardage at Painted Desert Golf Club?

Painted Desert Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 course that plays to 6,840 yards from the back tees, with a course rating of 73.7 and slope of 136.

Where is Painted Desert Golf Club located, and how far is it from Summerlin?

Painted Desert Golf Club is located at 5555 Painted Mirage Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89149, in the northwest Las Vegas area. It is approximately 15 to 20 minutes north of Summerlin, making it a convenient option for golfers based in the western valley.

What is Painted Desert Golf Club known for?

Painted Desert is known as one of the first desert-style courses in Las Vegas, designed by Jay Morrish in 1987. It hosted the Nevada Open and has been recognized by Golf Digest as a Places to Play course. The layout features tight fairways, classic desert landscaping, and a demanding set of par-3s.

Is Painted Desert Golf Club worth playing?

Yes. Painted Desert is a historically significant course — one of the earliest pure desert designs in Nevada — that continues to reward golfers with precise shot-making demands, mature desert landscaping, and well-maintained greens at public green fees.