The Inside Swing

Southern Highlands Golf Club

Las Vegas, Nevada

Private Club · 18 Holes · Par 72 · 7,381 yds · Members Only · 4.6

One of Las Vegas's most prestigious private clubs, Southern Highlands is an RTJ Jr. design with dramatic desert elevation changes and panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding mountains. The course has hosted the Las Vegas Invitational.

History & Heritage

Southern Highlands Golf Club opened on April 1, 2000, as the centerpiece of the master-planned Southern Highlands community in southwest Las Vegas. The course was co-designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and his son Robert Trent Jones Jr., making it one of the final works of the elder Jones, who passed away in 2000. It stands as one of only four courses the father-son duo collaborated on together.

The design descends into canyons created by an aggressive grading plan, providing a sense of separation from the surrounding residential community. The lush layout features Bermuda tees and fairways with bent grass greens, multiple waterfalls, and dramatic elevation changes at 2,200 feet above sea level. The elevation makes the course play shorter than its listed yardage.

Southern Highlands serves as the home course for the UNLV Rebels men's and women's golf teams and has hosted numerous collegiate and amateur events. The club has attracted a notable membership and remains one of the most prestigious private clubs in the Las Vegas valley.

Signature Holes

3
Hole 3 Par 4 · 420 yards

One of the most wooded holes on the property, this par 4 plays through a narrow tree-lined corridor that challenges players of all skill levels. Precision off the tee is essential to set up a birdie opportunity.

9
Hole 9 Par 4 · 465 yards

A demanding par 4 that plays uphill with panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip in the background. The elevated green rewards accurate approach play and offers one of the best vistas on the course.

15
Hole 15 Par 3 · 195 yards

A beautiful par 3 with a waterfall feature beside the green. The hole plays slightly downhill but demands a precise tee shot to a well-bunkered putting surface with the sound of cascading water as a backdrop.

18
Hole 18 Par 5 · 622 yards

The longest and most memorable hole on the course, this massive 622-yard par 5 plays uphill with a stream bisecting the fairway. The finishing hole demands three strong shots and provides a dramatic conclusion to the round.

What to Expect

Southern Highlands is a lush, meticulously conditioned private club that feels like an oasis in the desert. The course features dramatic elevation changes, multiple waterfalls, and panoramic views of both the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding mountain ranges. At 2,200 feet of elevation, the ball flies further than at sea level, so the 7,381-yard layout plays shorter than its listed yardage.

The 18 holes are distinctly different from one another, winding through canyons and across ridgelines. Conditions are consistently immaculate, and the Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens provide excellent playing surfaces year-round.

Playing Tips

Account for the 2,200-foot elevation when selecting clubs. The ball will carry 5-10 percent further than at sea level, which is significant on approach shots. The course features many downhill holes that play even shorter, so adjust accordingly.

The greens are bent grass and tend to be slick, especially in the afternoon desert heat. Several holes feature waterfalls and water features that come into play, so conservative targets away from hazards are wise, particularly on the par 3s.

Highlights

  • Panoramic Las Vegas Strip views
  • Robert Trent Jones Jr. desert design
  • Elite Las Vegas private club

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the public play Southern Highlands?
No. Southern Highlands is a private club with no public access. Play is restricted to members and their guests.
Who designed Southern Highlands?
The course was co-designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr. It is one of the elder Jones's final designs before his passing in 2000, and one of only four courses the father-son team designed together.
Is Southern Highlands the home course for UNLV golf?
Yes. Southern Highlands serves as the home course for both the UNLV Rebels men's and women's golf teams and regularly hosts collegiate competitions.
What is the most difficult hole at Southern Highlands?
The 622-yard par-5 18th is the longest and most demanding hole, playing uphill with a stream cutting through the fairway. Several par 4s over 450 yards also present significant challenges.

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