Sun Mountain course at Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort

The Sun Mountain golf course is the tamest of the three Pete Dye courses at Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort on Native American land about 30 minutes from the Vegas Strip. Unlike its sisters, Snow Mountain and Wolf, Paiute Sun doesn't do everything it can to beat you up. In fact, it's a good course for a big group where the handicaps vary widely.

The Dye torment might be toned down, but the great mountain views under striking blue skies are turned up full blast - this might just be the prettiest of the Paiute trio. In an area without a single house to distract you from the stark desert views, that's saying something. Water comes into play on several holes, and you'll get the customary Dye railroad ties - only here they're mowed into the grass around dramatic bunkers.