COURSE REVIEWS

Rio Secco Offers
Golfers an Amazing View

By Ray Brewer,
Senior Staff Writer

HENDERSON, Nev. – Plain and simple, Las Vegas is one of the most fascinating cities in the entire world.

Where else on this planet could your average blue-collar worker throw three quarters into a slot machine and turn his coins into millions? Where else are there beautiful showgirls dressed to impress and $1.99 steak and egg breakfast specials?

Only in southern Nevada.

Turns out the “city that never sleeps” has plenty of other things to offer – especially golf.

One of the valley’s top courses – price, level of difficulty and course appeal – is the Rio Secco, loacted in the east part of town roughly 15 minutes from the infamous Las Vegas Strip.

Rio Secco, owned and operated by the Rio Hotel and Casino, first stands out because of its great looks. Just like a dancer in a Las Vegas Boulevard show, this course is one that will get the blood flowing to your heart.

One of the benefits Rio Secco has is the Butch Harmon School of Golf.

The course, which is carved into the natural desert terrain, plays fast and firm as this par-72, 7,332-yard course requires using every club in your bag. The greens are quick and undulating – meaning to stay below the hole.

Rio Secco’s layout gives you three different looks. There are six holes on plateaus with breathtaking views of the city, six holes in a broad desert wash and six holes laid in step canyons.

As play progresses, so does the challenge as the course weaves through the ever-changing terrain.

The highlight of this 18-hole layout is the portion which overlooks Las Vegas. By simply standing on the tee box, one can get an ideal panoramic view of everything the valley has to offer.

The course features four par-5s, including holes Nos. 8-9 – a combined 1,150 yards. One of the many keys to conquering this course would be getting past these two holes with respectable scores.

Hole No. 9 is one of Rio Secco’s more notable holes as the Las Vegas skyline with mountains beyond serving as the backdrop. This hole has five sand traps, including two that guard the green. This hole will take three well-struck shots to reach the green with plenty of room on the right side of the fairway.

One of the benefits Rio Secco has over other courses in the area is the Butch Harmon School of Golf.

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Harmon, who has tutored the likes of Davis Love III and Tiger Woods, gives specialized lessons in the club’s state of the art facility. Harmon’s work focuses on analyzing one’s swing and he uses video technology and equipment as teaching tools.

Harmon was recently selecting by Golf Digest as one of the top 100 golfer instructors in the nation. Through top-notch equipment, Harmon has specialized in determining what needs to be done to improve your swing.

Golfing at Rio Secco is no bargain. The course is $300 for southern Nevada residents and $250 for individuals that are registered at the Rio Hotel.

Rio Secco Golf Club
2851 Grand Hills Dr.
Henderson, NV 89012
(702) 889-2400, 888-TO SECCO