Jack Katz, on the 10th fairway at Wildhorse Golf Club in Henderson, wipes the sweat away. The official temperature for the day reached 110 degrees. Photo by Ralph Fountain. Josh Quayle, seen here on the driving range at Angel Park Golf Club, says he likes to play golf during the Las Vegas summer for the low rates. Photo by Jane Kalinowsky. Mandi Incorvaia practices her swing at the driving range at Angel Park Golf Club recently. Though it was hot, Incorvaia had to practice for an upcoming tournament. Photo by Jane Kalinowsky.

im Lester admits he's a little crazy.

It's tough for anyone to argue the point, because he admitted it while standing on an open driving range in the middle of a Las Vegas summer day when the temperature was expected to reach 110 degrees.

"I play every summer, all summer long," he said almost defiantly as he prepared to hit a few balls to warm up for a round of golf at Angel Park Golf Club.

The emphasis was on warm but Lester didn't think the heat was a big deal. He has played on much warmer days but prefers the heat to his native Midwest weather.

"I know it's nuts, but aren't Las Vegas golfers supposed to be crazy?" he joked.

Perhaps they are. Then again, perhaps they're crazy like a fox because enthusiasts can get tee times on some of the prime golf courses in the country for a fraction of what they'd pay during the fall or winter, say local golf course managers.

"Golf in Las Vegas is probably one of highest priced in the country," said David Bogue, general manager of Angel Park. "It's expensive to operate a golf course."

For instance, the regular resort rate for a Friday is $90 during the summer. Or, you can come out for twilight golf at 1 p.m. and play for $65. The weekend rate for residents costs $50 or $45 at 1 p.m., Bogue said.

"Then we offer 'super twilight' at 4 p.m. The price drops down to $25," Bogue said.

The rates are even cheaper at Wildhorse Golf Course in Henderson. Summer is a time for courses to do major maintenance. For $16 to $22, locals get a golf cart, nine holes of golf, and breakfast or lunch at the clubhouse, said course general manager Andy Wright.

The rates are what lures Lester onto the golf course during a hot summer day. He follows a few simple rules to stay cool that any local should know, he said. First, he wears a wide-brimmed hat.

"You've got to wear sunscreen, drink fluids but not too much beer," he said. "If you get to feeling bad, go home."

Friends Josh Quayle and Anthony Hamilton started out on the driving range at 1 p.m. and planned to hit a bucket of balls before heading home. They like to take advantage of the low rates.

Quayle stood under the only tree on the Angel Park driving range, chugging water from a paper cup.

When asked if he thought he was a little crazy for being out on such a hot day, he got defensive.

"No, I don't think so. I like to play during the heat because the course is fairly quiet," said Quayle, who has lived in the valley for four years.

But Hamilton, who is experiencing his first Las Vegas summer, said it is somewhat wacky.

"Oh yeah, I'm feeling the heat. That's why we're not going to be out here long," he said, adding they would play for about an hour.

To stay as cool as possible on the course, Hamilton recommends playing only nine holes and using a golf cart.

"I try to wear as few clothes as possible. We should be wearing sunscreen but we're not. Definitely drink water. Don't wear socks, they're too hot. That's why I wear sandals, but my feet are burning up on this mat," he said.

Golf courses are prepared for summer play, said Angel Park pro Peter Niblock.

About 70 percent of their players are locals, he said, so people often are aware of heat safety. They encourage guests to drink water and equip each golf cart with a cooler full of bottled water. Course hosts drive around offering cold towels to players, Niblock said. A beverage cart makes the rounds, offering alcohol and soft drink choices, too. Water stations are positioned on the driving range and various spots on the course.