Rio Secco Golf Club

One of the valley's top courses - price, level of difficulty and course appeal - is the Rio Secco, loacted in the east part of town roughly 15 minutes from the infamous Las Vegas Strip.

Rio Secco, owned and operated by the Rio Hotel and Casino, first stands out because of its great looks. But that is just part of the allure.

The course, which is carved into the natural desert terrain, plays fast and firm as this par-72, 7,332-yard course requires using every Club in your bag. The greens are quick and undulating - meaning to stay below the hole.

Rio Secco's layout gives you three different looks. There are six holes on plateaus with breathtaking views of the city, six holes in a broad desert wash and six holes laid in step canyons.

As play progresses, so does the challenge as the course weaves through the ever-changing terrain.

The highlight of this 18-hole layout is the portion which overlooks Las Vegas. By simply standing on the tee box, one can get an ideal panoramic view of everything the valley has to offer.

The course features four par-5s, including holes Nos. 8-9 - a combined 1,150 yards. One of the many keys to conquering this course would be getting past these two holes with respectable scores.

Hole No. 9 is one of Rio Secco's more notable holes as the Las Vegas skyline with mountains beyond serving as the backdrop. This hole has five sand traps, including two that guard the green. This hole will take three well-struck shots to reach the green with plenty of room on the right side of the fairway.

One of the benefits Rio Secco has over other courses in the area is the Butch Harmon School of Golf. His most famous pupil Tiger Woods, holds the course record at 64.

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