There's more to Laughlin than meets the (untrained) eye

The word "secret" can most advisedly be used to describe Laughlin. Few outside the Southwestern desert valley this unincorporated town of 8,000 occupies are even aware of its existence. Caught in the political crossfire of the powers-that-be who are chiefly interested in promoting the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, Laughlin has languished in relative obscurity.

In fact, those charged with promoting Laughlin to an unsuspecting public are often hamstrung by friends of their powerful neighbor to the north.

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Laughlin is no where close to Sin City and its vast menu of courses, but the quality is nothing to scoff at. Desert Lakes, a semi-private course offers a touch of Florida as palm trees line flat, desert fairways. Emerald River is perhaps the most challenging course in Laughlin. It plays a challenging 73.6 course rating from the tips. Mohave Resort Golf Club is considered one of the finest tracks in the area, located on the Mohave Indian reservation.

Laughlin is a 100-mile drive south from Las Vegas, located off Interstate 95. Laughlin is also serviced by Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport. Plane tickets can usually be found for less than $100.

Those who have stumbled upon this town perched along the banks of the Colorado River have discovered an oasis of inexpensive meals, thousands of cheap, available rooms, and Nevada's inimitable brand of excitement (though admittedly at 45 RPM versus Vegas' 78). To top it off, reasonable green fees are still very much in evidence here. Golfers who find themselves exasperated (or impoverished) by the high-roller friendly atmosphere of Glitter Gulch's top tracks, owe it to themselves to discover Laughlin.