Golf isn’t typically the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Las Vegas. The city is known for its entertainment and casino life, but there’s so much more to it than that.
Golfers will be pleasantly surprised to find that there’s good golf to be played in Las Vegas. Today, we’re going into detail about one of our favorite courses in the area. This is our Chimera Golf Course review, and by the end of it, you’ll want to pick up your best golf clubs and go.
Quick Overview
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yardage: 6,757 yards
Course Type: Traditional/Desert
Designer: Ted Robinson Jr.
For who? Public
Availability: Book in advance
Dress Code: Proper golf attire
Driving Range? Yes
Chipping Area? Yes
Putting Green? Yes
Club Rental? Yes
Metal Spikes Allowed? No
Caddies? No
Kids Allowed? Yes
Events Booking? Yes
Course Conditions & Layout
At the time of writing, October 2021, the Chimera Golf Course is in top-notch condition. It’s 6,757 yards in total, a traditional desert landscape course, as is typical of the Nevada scenery.
The beautiful, smooth fairways consist of ryegrass most of the time but switch to Bermuda grass in the hotter months. The greens consist of Bermuda grass, which looks pretty year-round.
Multiple golfers have commented recently on the excellent conditions of the course, which is extremely well-maintained. With over 2,000 palm trees across the course and a fantastic view over the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a prettier course.
There are also Chimera references throughout the course, making this a unique and interesting course not only for golf.
Game Play
Four sets of tees make this course a good choice for golfers of all skill levels. The course is designed around the desert terrain, but it’s lush and inviting. Water hazards only feature on two holes, the 9th, and the 18th. Much more common are the sand bunkers, of which there are 68 throughout the course.
The course contains many slopes on both the fairways and greens, some subtle and others more pronounced. Golfers will need precision in their shots in order to avoid both the slopes and the sand traps.
Another challenge golfers will come across is the wind. Golfers will need to think strategically and use the wind to their advantage, but it requires a new approach every day. The 12th hole is particularly windy, and the par-3 can be deceiving because of the constant wind.
Signature Hole
The signature hole is the 18th hole. It’s a strong finisher, a par-4 with a water hazard jutting into the fairway right on the slight turn to the left. It’s easy to land in the water if you go for a straight shot, so you may want to play it safer to the right.
The green is flanked on one side by the water and on the other by three bunkers. A par is a good score on this hole. Even if you don’t get your first shot right, the second shot offers a spectacular view and there’s also a small waterfall.
Facilities
The clubhouse is 31,000 square feet in size and features event facilities and accommodation, a well-stocked pro shop where you can buy apparel or items like golf balls or tees, a bar/pub, and the course’s restaurant, Slice 19, which stays open for extended hours to cater for everyone.
Golfers can warm up on the Trackman-powered driving range, putting green, and chipping green before going onto the main course. You can also play a game of footgolf if you want something a bit different and fun.
Final Notes
Viva, Las Vegas! Whether you’re here to party, for business, or for other reasons, sneaking in a round of golf at the Chimera Golf Course is an excellent way to spend a few hours.
About the Author Jordan Fuller has played on golf courses across the country and internationally. He shares valuable information, tips, how-to’s, reviews, and resources on his website, Golf Influence.
