The golf course design team of Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley has slowly been making its name in the Las Vegas area. For well over 10 years, this team has produced some of the most popular golf courses in Southern Nevada. Schmidt-Curley designs have a distinctive look. One can expect lots of water and bunkers to make the golf courses more challenging. Although their courses tend to be shorter than the average golf course, they make up for it by forcing the golfer to make precise shots.

I recently had the chance to golf at a Schmidt-Curley course in Laughlin, Nevada. At first glance it might seem that this part of Nevada would not have much to offer the golfer, but don't be fooled - just 10 minutes away from the main casino drive, you will find the Mojave Resort Golf Club.

The Mojave Resort is a great example of a seamless use of the land. The first hole on the golf course is a medium length par-5, which measures 547 yards from the back tee. Looking down the fairway, the mark of Schmidt-Curley is obvious to the knowing golfer. There are several large bunkers in the landing area that must be avoided.

If you can safely find the fairway, you might have a chance to go after this green, but a large bunker to the right might call for a safer play. The green on this hole sits slightly above the player and is guarded by several bunkers and slopes. Play for the middle of the green to give yourself a chance for par.

Mojave Resort Golf Club sits on land that is very near the Colorado River banks. As such, the plants and trees that surround the golf course are different than in other parts of the desert. Around the golf course you will be faced with several types of trees including weeping willows that can reach out and grab your ball. The vegetation surrounding the golf course is much denser than other desert golf courses, making it very difficult to find any shot that may have been hit off line.

Many of the par-3's on this golf course have water hazards that play an important part of the hole. Schimdt-Curley seem to be very fond of forcing the player to carry water over long distances. The 8th hole at Mojave Resort is just such a hole. This hole is 200 yards and must carry water all the way. The best play on this hole is to the middle of the green and hope the pin is somewhere near your ball.

The greens at Mojave Resort are large and undulating. Many of the golf courses designed by Schmidt-Curley feature these types of contours. Perhpas this comes from working under great architects like Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye. Be sure to notice where the pin is or it could cost you a three-putt.

The 18th hole at Mojave Resort is one of the most dramatic holes designed by Schimdt-Curley. This short par-4 has a water hazard that runs down the left side of the green and right side of the fairway. After finding this narrow fairway, perhaps with a fairway wood off the tee, the golfer is faced with a daunting shot over water to a small green.

The shot is a fearsome one, but taking enough club to clear the water is the key to a safe landing. Don't let the water fool you, this shot is not as hard as it first appears. Although the 18th hole is not very long, only 408 yards, it is a perfect finishing hole. The water feature around the hole leaves a lasting impression with the golfer. This hole alone will leave you wanting to come back for another round.

The Bermuda grass on this golf course can be thick and punishing. The greens are difficult to judge and might take a while to get used to. This is a well designed golf course that will be fun for any level of golfer. It is a great diversion from some of the other activities that Laughlin, Nevada has to offer.

This is #1 in a series of articles featuring Schmidt-Curley Designs.

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