Las Vegans can find good golf rates off-peak – sometimes even in prime season

Living in a region that brings tremendous golfing opportunities to tourists might not seem that important to locals.

But here in Southern Nevada, there is certainly a trickle-down effect, allowing residents to take advantage of great golf options year-round.

Brian Hurlburt has seen it first-hand, having lived in Las Vegas since he was 7 years old. Now 44, Hurlburt is a longtime golf enthusiast and the founding editor of GolfLasVegasNow.com.

“I would say at certain times of the year, and at some courses throughout the year, the local Las Vegas golfer can get a high-quality golf experience for a pretty good rate,” Hurlburt said. “With more than 50 courses in the area, it’s easier for locals to get tee times and to get great rates, especially in off-travel or nonpeak seasons.”

And even at this time of year — which is perhaps the best, with many near-perfect golf days — value can be had with a little effort.

“Even in peak season, if you look hard enough, you can still find a place to play at a price that’s pretty good,” Hurlburt said. “I’ve played some pretty good courses here at good rates now, in the peak of prime season. You just have to do research and find those deals.”

Hurlburt also recommends looking into club cards that many courses offer, allowing for play at discounted rates. And for those seeking the experience a private club provides, he said there are deals to be found there, as well.

Hurlburt couldn’t narrow down the best courses for your money — “It’s too hard, and there’s too many of them” — but did say good deals can be had at almost all courses, whether it’s a local muni, other public or private courses, and even some of the resort courses.

“Most courses in Las Vegas, if you play at the right times, they can be played for what most golfers consider affordable rates,” he said.

A couple worth checking out, if you haven’t already, would be Angel Park, Golf Summerlin — which has three courses: Highland Falls, Palm Valley and Eagle Crest — and Primm Valley.

Hurlburt has seen enough of golf’s rapid expansion in the valley to offer some good pointers.

“Find courses during peak travel time that still provide what you think is an affordable rate,” he said. “But in the off-peak times, like in deep winter or deep summer, branch out to those resort-type courses, where you can get a good deal and a great golf experience.

“We play golf here year-round. Sometimes you’ve got to battle really hot temperatures in the summer, but there’s no humidity. At that time of year, you can play really fast, really cheap.”