Royal Links: A Las Vegas Golf Course Review
05 Mar 2015
by Kyle Rector of AmateurGolf.com
see also: Royal Links Golf Club, All Course Reviews
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The Clubhouse at Royal Links, with a replica of
the Claret Jug in the foreground
By Kyle Rector - AmateurGolf.com
Pulling up to the gate at Royal Links Golf Club,
you get the feeling that you are about to enter
something special. From the giant Claret Jug to the
Castle-like clubhouse, you get an immediate golf
high that helps you to forget about the beating you
took at the craps table the night before.
Royal Links Golf Club might be a short drive
from the Las Vegas Strip, but we found it to be miles
ahead of many of the other Vegas courses that we
have played in recent Las Vegas golf trips. I admit
that I am a bit skeptical of “inspired by” courses, but
Royal Links has done this in a way that does not feel
out of place or over the top. Each of the 18 holes is
inspired by a hole from 11 different British Open
Courses. From the “Road Hole” to the “Postage
Stamp”, you really get an authentic feeling and
connection to courses and features that I have only
seen on television. This was a nice change from the
typical desert style golf that you get in and around
Las Vegas.
We played in the late December, so conditions in
Vegas were probably closer to Scotland than we
wanted. Despite the near freezing temperature, the
conditions at Royal Links were top notch. Much of
the course was dormant this time of year, but the
green complexes were a bright emerald that
contrasted nicely on the relatively flat layout. Just
like the old courses, expect hard, fast greens and
fairways that always seem to funnel your tee shots
into deep unforgiving bunkers.
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A nice golf setting at
the Royal Links 18th Green in Las Vegas |
The clubhouse and bar are a nice addition to the
overall experience. Stymie’s Bar was a perfect
replica of a traditional English Pub, right down to the
fireplace and Soccer on the television.
Royal Links is definitely on my list of top
courses to play in Las Vegas, and many others
agree. It was recognized as the “Best Course in Las
Vegas” in 2006 by the “Best of Vegas” poll.
GolfWeek as named it as one of “Americas Best
Courses”.
Don’t come to Royal links expecting a leisurely
recovery round after a long night out. Come to
Royal Links Golf Club prepared to hit quality shots
and 50 yard bump and runs.
Royal Links Golf Club is one of two courses in
Las Vegas owned by Walters Golf. Their other
course is Bali Hai Golf Club right on the strip.