Designing in Pahrump

Forty-five miles west of Las Vegas is the Mountain Falls Golf Club in Pahrump, Nevada, a golf course with mountains and desert beauty as a backdrop.

The 18-hole, par-72 course is built amid mature trees and around a lake with multiple waterfalls. Its sloped greens, deep bunkers and water hazards challenge golfers of varying skill who seek a relaxing day-trip or weekend getaway from Las Vegas.

"The Mountain Falls golf course is designed to provide a challenge to golfers of all skill levels.

The front nine is designed by Jack Nicklaus design member John Garner, and the Cal Olson designed the back nine," Neil Pierce, general manager and director of golf, said.

Its desert setting provides an average of 216 clear and sunny days per year and affords year-round play.

"Mountain Falls always has excellent playing conditions, first and foremost. It's very quiet here, so quiet that you can hear a pin drop," Pierce said. "The course is beautiful with lush greens and fairways, multiple water features, surrounding a man-made lake. From every vantage point on the course, you can experience the beauty of the desert and enjoy unobstructed views of Mount Charleston. Mountain Falls offers a totally different experience than any golf course in Las Vegas."

Since the first nine holes' opening in 2002 and the back nine's opening in 2003, the public course has attracted thousands of players and hosted about 100 different tournaments arranged by hotels, the Southern Nevada Golf Association and the Senior Southern Nevada Golf Association.

Additionally, more than 40 of the Southwest region's best amateur players is competing on the course in August when Mountain Falls hosts the USGA Mid Amateur Qualifier.

The Mountain Falls Golf Club is at the center of the Mountain Falls master-planned community, where three builders are currently constructing homes within six neighborhoods.

The 18-hole public Mountain Falls Golf Club is central to the design of the Mountain Falls master-planned community in Pahrump.

In addition to the golf course and restaurant, residents have convenient access to an on site private community center, fitness facilities and an outdoor aquatic facility.

To visit from Las Vegas, travel about 45 miles west on Highway 160 (Blue Diamond Road) past Interstate 15. Before reaching Pahrump, turn left on Manse Road. Proceed to Hafen Ranch and turn right.

Sales offices are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Monday, when model homes open at noon. For more information, visit mountainfalls.com or call 866-468-3255.