Quik Peek:
Black Mountain
Golf and Country Club

By Ron Walker,
Contributor

The "Quik Peek" series is designed to give essential information about lesser known, affordable golf courses in major population centers, in a bite-sized format.

HENDERSON, NV- Think value golf is dead in Vegas?

Well, for the most part, you're right. A quick drive southward to the burgeoning suburb of Henderson is required to find a course even remotely in tune with the needs of the player on a budget. As it turns out, the course is itself, quite a find: Black Mountain Golf and Country Club.

Black Mountain is a semi-private club catering to the less well-heeled members of the community, while remaining open for public play. Marketing Director Jeff Jensen notes, "We're a blue collar club. Our members are 9 to 5'ers, for the most part, so the atmosphere here is fun and informal. We offer a value-related product, but we're not a 'muni'. Our customer service levels are equivalent to that of much higher-priced clubs in the area."

Of course, in Vegas, "value" is relative. What the golfer will find at Black Mountain is an interesting course that, while compact at 6,550 yards from the tips, still packs a considerable whallop.

This is thanks in part to what I call the "Black Mountain Breeze", an understated moniker for the gusting winds that play havoc with the standard golf game. Small, subtly sloped, well-bunkered greens that prove frustratingly tough to hold are the main obstacle to scoring here.

In fact, Black Mountain has an impressive recent history of hosting local qualifiers for the US Open, Pub Links, and Mid Amateur. Those participants can attest to the difficulty of the layout. Jensen adds, "The players often post higher scores here than at the course hosting the next level. When the wind is up, Black Mountain will give you all you want."

The player's skill is most arduously tested on Black Mountain's version of "Amen Corner". Tight, tree lined, and featuring some of the toughest greens on the course, the 397-yd 10th, the 430-yd 11th, and the 188-yd 12th (rated the most difficult on the course), will make or break most rounds.

In 2002, an additional nine holes will be added to the course. The design firm of Williams/Gill (Abilene, TX) will handle the addendum to the original Bob Baldock layout. A full restoration of the existing holes will also be undertaken, including rebuilding tee boxes, reworking greens, and adding bunkers and trees.

The full 27-hole layout is planned for a 2004 grand opening. In the meantime, one of the original nines will be taken out of play and overhauled when the new nine is ready. Jensen notes, "There will always be 18 open for play while the work is being completed."

Course Stats More Golf Course Reviews

What the changes will mean for the greens fee structure is currently unclear. For now, players can enjoy a challenging and enjoyable track for a reasonable rate. In Vegas, that's news, baby.

PHOTO OP: #5 Par 4 365/355/345 yds HCP: 10/12

From the highest section of the course, enjoy a wonderful view of the Strip, downtown Vegas, and the stark black and tan peaks surrounding Lake Las Vegas. Players can also enjoy this excellent birdie opportunity, as the fifth plays downwind and downhill. Just make sure to avoid the bunker protecting the front of this slightly shallow green, and the odds are good you'll be writing a "3" on the card.

COURSE'S BEST: #9 Par 4 413/382/284 yds HCP: 8/8

The ninth provides options off the tee for every skill level. This treeless, sweeping dogleg right flows downhill, making the green seem almost in reach for the long hitter with the breeze at his back. Those who take an aggressive line to the target, however, bring into play hidden moguls laden with penal rye rough, surrounded by pot bunkering, and bordered by the driving range. Shorter hitters and conservative players should play well left off the tee, then attempt a lengthy approach into a wide, deep putting surface.

KEY HOLE: #10 Par 4 391/375/321 yds HCP: 5/5

After completing a generally wide open front nine, where players can get away with spraying it a bit off the tee, welcome to the starting gate of Black Mountain's "Amen Corner". The tenth is a mid-length hole with OB stakes on both sides, and overhanging trees near the left side of the tee box, where no inaccuracy is tolerated. This is especially true on the green, a perilously small, well-bunkered target that proves tough to hold under any circumstances, and impossible with more than a short iron in your hands.

CARD WRECKER: #16 Par 4 357/331/312 yds HCP: 9/9

How can a shortish, straightaway par four play so damn tough? For one thing, the "Black Mountain Breeze" is by now howling right into your face, and knocking twenty yards or more off your drive. Your second shot must find the green that slopes fiercely to the front and right. Trying to get up and down from the left side (where most errant shots fall) is mission impossible.

REVIEWERS RATING: 6.03 of 10 (recommended)

COURSE LOCATION/RATES/TRAVEL INFORMATION

LOCATION: Black Mountain Golf and Country Club is located in Henderson. From I-515S, take the Horizon Drive exit (#59), turning left onto East Horizon Dr. Turn left onto Greenway Road. The course is on your right.

RATES: Black Mountain offers discount rates in addition to their normal rates, including resident, member guest, senior, junior, twilight, and summer rates (June through September). Always call ahead for details on rates and overseeding.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

CLOSEST AIRPORT: Las Vegas (McCARRAN) INT'L (LAS) 14.3 mi.

STAY/PLAY PACKAGES: Currently none available.