People love golf and love to be around the game. Nowhere is this more evident than when you're on the golf course. Around most golf courses you will find hundreds of homes lining the fairways, tees, and greens. This is not the case at the Paiute Golf Club located about 20 minutes north of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Set literally in the middle of nowhere, there are three golf courses at this facility, all designed by Pete Dye. Snow Mountain, Sun Mountain and the Wolf course are the gems that will test any player's game. Driving out to the golf compound is an adventure in itself. On the way to the golf courses, the many new housing developments thin out until there are no homes in sight.

The courses at the Paiute Golf Club have long been a favorite of mine and this week I decided to play the original course called Nu-Wav Kaiv or Snow Mountain. This is not the longest of the three courses, measuring 7,164 yards from the back tees, but there are several holes that make this golf course memorable. Typical of the Pete Dye style, I saw several holes that included railroad ties and lots of water.

The first hole on the course is a gentle introduction to what follows. This short par-4 has several bunkers that will catch any errant shots from the tee. I usually hit a 3-wood off this tee in order to have an easier shot into the green. It is important to be near the hole on this golf course. The course was in fantastic condition and the greens were really fast.

One thing that is always consistent about the Paiute golf courses is their condition. No expense is spared in making these Dye designs flower in the desert heat. Unless they have recently aerated or just overseeded you can expect these golf courses to be in pristine shape.

As you continue on the front nine, the 3rd hole is a medium-length par-5 that has water hugging the front of the green. Although the hole plays slightly downhill, you will still need to hit two good shots to reach the green under regulation. Visually this hole looks intimidating but don't be deceived - three smart shots will allow you to walk away with a par.

The back nine is where this course really bares it's teeth, starting right off with the 10th hole. This short par 4 has water running down the left side all the way to the green. Anytime there is an abundance of water in sight you can be sure the swing will become tight and fear takes over. Try to block the water out of your mind. Hit a club that will safely land you in the fairway even if you have a long shot into this green.

In my mind, the most demanding hole on the golf course is the par-3 16th hole. This hole measures 198 yards from the back tee but it is all carry. There is a huge lake that guards this green. If you hit it fat you will find the water. As I was standing on this tee I told myself to hit the ball crisp and just play for the back of the green.

SUCCESS!!!!! I managed to find the green. I was so happy to get the ball over this water hazard.

One of the main reasons I love playing the golf courses at the Paiute Resort is the lack of houses. The stark desert landscape is unlike anything you can see in the city. Take time out of your schedule to experience desert golf in its natural, unmolested environment.

Golf in the middle of nowhere is still a great game
Out at the California-Nevada border lies one of the greatest golf courses that Nevada has to offer, the Lakes at Primm Valley Golf Club. Just a short 30-40 minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, but every minute of the drive is definitely worth it,

Siena Golf Club- A Wonderful Golf Experience
Right in the middle of any list of affordable golf courses in Las Vegas, Nevada is Siena Golf Club. Siena Golf Club opened its first nine holes in December of 1999 and has gotten rave reviews ever since. Designed by Schmidt and Curley, this golf

Rhodes Ranch Golf Club Makes the Cut
There are so many great golf courses in Las Vegas, Nevada it is sometimes hard to determine which are worth the effort. In this series of articles I am presenting some suggestions for the best affordable golf courses in Las Vegas. Located in the