There are some things in life that just feel right. A perfectly executed power chord, carving fresh powder on a bluebird day, or the satisfying thwack of a golf ball (even if it’s headed directly into a cactus). For the “We Suck at Golf” crew, adding “a golf trip to Las Vegas” to that list felt like a natural progression. We’re not pros, not even close. Our handicaps are higher than Snoop Dogg after a concert, and our swings more erratic than a mosh pit at a punk show. But dammit, we love the game, we love the challenge, and most of all, we love getting out there with our buddies.

So, when the idea of a Vegas golf trip came up, it was a unanimous “hell yeah!” Forget the blackjack tables and the Cirque du Soleil for a minute – we were here for the real show: watching each other flail gloriously in the desert sun. Our mission: a full three days of golf in the Nevada heat.

The Allure of Vegas Golf (for us mere mortals)

You might be thinking, “Vegas? For high handicappers? Isn’t that where all the pros play?” And you’d be right, partly. TPC Summerlin and Shadow Creek are legendary, exclusive, and frankly, a bit out of our price range (and skill level). But that’s the beauty of Vegas, even for us golf masochists. This city, in its infinite wisdom, offers something for everyone. You can feel like a total hack, shanking balls into the rough, but you’re still doing it on these impeccably manicured courses, often with breathtaking mountain backdrops.

The “Vegas experience” even permeates the golf courses. Think about it:

• Meticulous landscaping
• Perfect greens (that we’d inevitably three-putt)
• A beverage cart that shows up at just the right time

It’s over-the-top, sure, but in the best possible way. We weren’t trying to qualify for the PGA tour; we were there to soak in the atmosphere, try not to lose all our balls, and enjoy a day outdoors with some good-natured ribbing.

Course Selection for the “We Suck at Golf” Crew: Day 1 Decisions

Our first day’s mission was clear: find a course that wouldn’t bankrupt us on green fees or make us want to throw our clubs into the nearest sand trap. We did our homework, knowing full well that trying to get a tee time at a place like Bali Hai would be expensive and probably out of reach.

Our mantra was simple:

• Don’t go broke trying to play TPC Summerlin
• Look for value and playability
• Find something with a good vibe (and maybe a deal on extra balls)

We landed on Highland Falls Golf Club. Perched high in the hills of Summerlin, it promised great views and a solid layout. Booking was easy online about a week out, and playing from the white tees gave us a 6000-yard challenge that didn’t feel impossible. The price was right, the course was forgiving enough, and it came with just enough intimidation to keep us on our toes.

Surviving the Vegas Elements (and our own bad shots): The First Tee Jitters

Stepping onto the first tee at Highland Falls, the desert air hit us. Coming from the perpetually damp, tree-lined courses of Washington State, the difference was immediately striking. Everything was dry. The air, the ground, even the trees seemed to soak up every last drop of moisture. But that dryness? It meant more distance. Our drives rolled like never before.

Of course, the desert comes with its own rules:

• No traditional rough – just scrub and rocks
• If it goes in the desert, it’s gone
• Drop and move on – unless you enjoy cactus hugs

Late-May heat was warm but manageable. The real MVP? Our golf cart. Not just a ride, but a rolling oasis with a built-in cooler stocked with water and cold drinks. It kept us sane, hydrated, and moving fast. Walking? Not an option. This was cart golf all the way.

Beyond the Golf: The Vegas Experience (our way)

After surviving round one, we collapsed into the clubhouse – a calm, quiet haven that felt more retirement lounge than Vegas spectacle. But honestly, it was perfect. We grabbed beers, relived every shank and miracle shot, and celebrated a few rare sub-100 rounds like we’d just won the Masters.

We weren’t headed for the Strip just yet. Day 1 was about golf, heat, laughs, and low expectations met with high spirits. The mountains glowed as the sun set, and we knew Day 2 had more in store. More golf, more chaos, and definitely more lost balls. Vegas golf was living up to the hype – “We Suck at Golf” style.