Summer rounds a joy under Tuscan sun

If it seems unlikely that an Italian-themed residential community could prosper in the desert east of Boulder Highway in the old part of Henderson, the idea that a championship-length golf course would serve as its centerpiece is borderline preposterous. Yet, defying the odds and a gruesome economy, Tuscany Golf Club has quietly established itself as among the most impressive of the value-oriented courses in the valley.

While its semipermanent clubhouse lacks anything resembling ambience, the golfing facilities themselves are first-rate, as is the staff. A separate chipping and bunker practice area, always a bonus, helps players prepare for a thoroughly enjoyable round on a course that is both challenging and relaxing.

The 6,906-yard track opens gently with a shortish par 4 that bends gently to the left around a steep slope, which conveniently kicks stray drives back into play. The elevated green is protected on both sides by bunkers, but that shouldn't pose much of a problem with a short iron in hand.

Putting the crispy greens, on the other hand, is a significantly more daunting proposition. While the fairways were in excellent condition, the greens were recently punched and sandier than Copacabana Beach.

Tuscany's highly capable staff indicated that the putting surfaces should be back in serviceable condition shortly, but it is worth double-checking when booking a tee time in order to avoid a card full of three-putts.

After a relatively long par 4 arrives one that may be reachable for longer hitters at No. 5. Spanning only 357 yards from the tips, the fairway is framed by a pair of bunkers, but a drive carried directly over the large trap along the left side has a chance to run up onto the green. For those who opt to club down and take the more conservative approach, favor the right edge for the optimal pitching angle.

Tuscany's ninth hole is also its most memorable. Although not the course's most difficult -- that honor belongs to No. 7, a brutish 449-yard par 4 -- one could argue that No. 9 represents the greatest opportunity for triple-bogey on the course.

A lake deep along the left edge of the landing zone plays closer than it looks, as even drives that land in the center of the fairway can roll down the slope and into the drink. A pair of bunkers guards the right side, eager to capture any overly cautious swings.

Unfortunately, laying up is not really an option, because the second shot is even tougher than the first. The same lake that laps at the fairway also borders the sharply angled green's left edge while a trio of bunkers frames the back, making any long approach treacherous.

From anything less than ideal position off the tee, prudent golfers play the approach short and right, setting up at least a reasonable chance for an up-and-down par.

After a standard-length par 4 to begin the road home, Tuscany offers up a par 5 that is reachable in two for longer hitters and, if the wind is cooperative, even the rest of us. A receptive fairway encourages players to bomb away from the tee on this 538-yard hole; just inside of the left bunker is an ideal target for those with the precision to try it. From the short grass, it's a long, straight shot to a wide open putting surface, with little disincentive to give it a go.

The course's final par 3, the 200-yard 15th hole, looks long but is a lip-smacking birdie opportunity. Casual players are unlikely to play from the tips, so it is a mid-iron for most.

The wide green is inviting and defended only by a pair of bunkers left and farther left, although another trap lurks behind the green's right side for shots that come in too hot. One good swing is all that stands between a player and a circle on the card.

Players will be happy they stocked up on birdies at the 3-par, which is followed by a driveable par 4 and a routine par 5, before they reach the exceptionally difficult par-4 closing hole, which stretches 440 yards from the back. A pair of bunkers guards the fairway's right edge, but anything inside that line will carry over the hill and shorten the approach.

The stunning view of the Las Vegas Valley off the right is arguably the course's best vista.

Exceptionally long hitters must be mindful of the drive, because a lake not visible from the box is potentially within reach. Although a sprawling bunker guards the entire back of the green, short is wet, so take plenty of club on the approach, which will likely be played from a downhill lie.

This time of year, Tuscany is offering fantastic specials (visit their website to sign up for deals) on tee times. For the price, no one is likely to leave disappointed.

Tuscany Golf Club is located at 901 Olivia Parkway in Henderson. For more information or to reserve a tee time, visit www.tuscanygolfclub.com or call 951-1500.