Being a golfer, but not a ’striker of the ball’ as much as I’d like to be, I’ve seen a lot of changes in the golf courses in Vegas. But, no doubt about it, Las Vegas is home to the best of the best when it comes to golf courses.

When I first moved here over 20 years ago, golf wasn’t a big tourist attraction. In fact, the casino’s quest to bring in visitors did not include golf packages. Now, it’s a rarity not to have one!

Golf in our beautiful city has grown from a handful of courses to over 30 within Vegas, and 10 or so right outside Vegas. Sadly, some of my very favorite courses are now gone. The Tropicana, the Sands, the Dunes, only wonderful memories. And soon to be only a memory will be the Desert Inn Golf Course. It’s sad to see the courses that once were the talk of the town reduced to - well, not rubble, but another hotel/casino.

For a golfer to live in Vegas with the variety of play in over 40 courses, it’s a dream come true.

The Legacy Golf Club

I know this course like the back of my hand, having walked or driven it more times than I can remember. Back in the day, the course was brand new - in fact, the entire area of Green Valley was brand new! It was difficult to market the course when it first opened because it was 11 miles off the Strip, not really on a tourist’s ‘List of Things To Do In Vegas’ at the time. But with solid determination, it began to market to tourists in the international arena. Within a few months, The Legacy was filled to capacity, and had the greens keepers yelling to slow down the play so they could keep the course maintained!

Managed successfully by OB Sports since Day One, The Legacy and Angel Park (a ’sister’ course in the northwest part of Vegas designed by Arnold Palmer) has been on the top of the “Where to Play In Vegas” lists for years. Designed by Arthur Hills, the Legacy course is one of those that evokes emotion in you as you play because of its beauty and layout.

The Holes

My favorite hole has to be, hands down, the 10th, and it should be on your list of “Must Play” holes when you arrive in Vegas. It’s a par-3, 193-yard hole that is a one-of-a-kind. The four tee boxes, measuring from 131 to 193 yards, are in the shape of each suit in a deck of cards. (No doubt a unique idea, but then, what else would you expect in Vegas?) The hole plays over a natural desert vegetation area and you land on a small, tiered green, guarded by a small bunker at the hole front right with desert vegetation surrounding it.

Another favorite is the ‘Devil’s Triangle’, a series of three holes beginning with the par-4 11th hole and ending with the par-4 13th hole. It’s famous for tripping up even the best golfers!

The whole course features Scottish-style fairways, rugged lava rock and large undulating greens, with everything surrounded in its natural desert foliage. There are times as you play the course that your eyes will wander to the beauty of the desert, which constantly changes with its brilliant colors. The overall course is played annually by the area’s best golfers for the sectional qualifying round of the U.S. Open, but if you want to play the game of your life, it’s a must-play course.

Inside The Legacy Golf Club

The Pro Shop is filled with an incredible selection of anything and everything ‘golf’ you could possibly need. I can’t remember the square footage, but it’s not a small pro shop, and the variety speaks for itself.

The restaurant serves some tasty dishes from appetizers to drinks to banquet meals, and professional event planners are on staff to coordinate any event! If you’re there on a Sunday, don’t miss their Sunday Brunch! You’ll see a lot of the locals enjoying the delicious food.

Deluxe golf schools, clinics, private instruction, junior lessons and playing lessons are just some of the many instructional options available through Resort Golf Academies at The Legacy Golf Club. Ranked as “one of the top 100 golf schools in the country,” by Golf Magazine, Resort Golf Schools offers a wide variety of instructional options.

The Legacy is in Green Valley which is in the southeast part of Las Vegas Valley, about a 12-minute ride from the Strip. And every cab, limor or bus driver in town knows how to get there!

So if you’re coming to Vegas and want to play golf, try the Legacy Golf Club. It’s a wonderful adventure!

You can also find other golf courses in Las Vegas at Vegas courseguide

For some, it just wouldn’t be a vacation without a beach. There are many gorgeous beaches all around the world and we recommend these five beaches for those who are more adventurous and ready to explore some exotic waters.

1. New South Wales: Sydney

The best beach in Sydney is the renowned Bondi Beach. It is easily accessible by public transportation and it is the premier spot in all of Australia to people watch, swim and surf. You can soak in some local color while watching the most extraordinary surfers hanging ten. If you dare, get a board and try and catch a wave yourself. When the crowds become too much, stroll the neighborhood and visit one of the many cafes where you can get a bite to eat.

2. Greece: Cyclades

Mykonos is a place where excitement is the norm and the hedonistic lifestyle is truly embraced. Make your way to Paradise Beach where the warm, clear water is superb and the sand is soft and welcoming. This group of Greek islands is well known for the historical treasures scattered among the other islands such as Naxos, Santorini and Delos. Discovering the olden cosmopolitan cultures of this ancient land will leave you breathless.

3. The French Riviera

Cote d’Azur and Provence are known as the most luxurious of beach destinations. Taking a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice will having you appreciating the pleasure of a sun soaked vacation in a way you have never experienced. Cannes is the place to be in May when stars from around the world descend on the small town to take part in the Cannes Film Festival. For those who are looking for chic, St. Tropez is the place to go.

4. The Pacific Coast of Mexico: Mazatlan

Many are familiar with the Atlantic Coast of Mexico, but the Pacific Coast can boast its own beauty in Mazatlan. There is a strip along this stretch of the coast known as the Golden Zone where resorts and tourists abound. Playa Olas is a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of that region. Fishing and surfing are the main activities here and it boasts some of the best waves to be found along the Mexican Pacific Coast. Plaza Machado is said to be the cultural heart of the city, so you won’t want to leave without sampling some of the finest seafood in the many cafes.

5. The Balearic Islands of Spain

This group of islands consists of small Formetera, peaceful Minorca, Ibiza and Majorca. When you visit Majorca, be sure to visit the Northern Coast where you will find craggy cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. If privacy is more to your taste, Es Trenc Beach boasts an undeveloped shore line along the southeastern coast of the islands. You will delight in the pine forest that borders this tranquil beach destination. For those who are into the rave scene, then Ibiza is the island for you. If seclusion is what you desire, then Formetera is where you should head.