TPC Las Vegas

TPC Las Vegas

Yes, TPC Las Vegas, formerly known as The Canyons, north of the glittering gaming city of Las Vegas, is a blast. Off in the distance, to the south, shimmers glamorous Las Vegas with all its polished attractions. Look away and the stark mountains and canyons offer a drama all their own.

TPC Las Vegas managed to meld these two juxtaposed forces. Lush green parcels of manicured turf are woven throughout a rugged tapestry of arroyos, barrancas and other natural features in the southern Nevada desert.

"Desert elegance," it has been called. There could be a no more apt description of the par-71, 7,063-yard golf course that offers a stern test of golfing skills along with stunning vistas.
"As far as aesthetics and playability," says Floyd, who considers TPC Las Vegas among his best works, "I would put TPC Canyons up against any golf course you care to mention. It’s as unique as they come and I’m very proud of the way it has turned out, especially given the challenges of designing a golf course on such a challenging piece of property. "But," Floyd added, "I think a golf course is kind of like a fine wine. The best come from the toughest pieces of ground.”
Opened in 1996, TPC Las Vegas, which has hosted the SENIOR PGA TOUR’s Las Vegas Classic in past years, is an integral part of the nation’s largest master-planned community, Summerlin.

The natural elements at TPC Las Vegas are impossible to overlook. Dramatic scenery abounds, including a view of Red Rock Canyon. Much of the indigenous vegetation was preserved. Some was transplanted. Weed and Floyd took great care in considering the natural drainage when the routing was conceived.

"The theme of this course is more the natural, rugged look to create contrast," said Chris Gray, Director of Design for PGA TOUR Design Services. "That is why we incorporated the natural wash areas and transplanted the natural desert plants, so it would not look created."

But it is the raw landscape within the course boundaries that are most fascinating - and frustrating - for golfers. While the course meanders over several hundred acres, it has only 110 acres of irrigated land - another plus in the realm of environmental conservation and wildlife preservation.

There is little wonder why TPC Las Vegas was the 138th course in the world - and just the second in Nevada at the time it opened - to earn distinction as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System.


Las Vegas Directions:
Taking I-15 North toward Salt Lake City, merge onto US-95 North by way of exit number 42A. Head North on US-95; take the Summerlin Parkway west to Rampart and exit. Left onto Rampart and continue south approximately 1/2 mile until you reach Canyon Run Drive. Right onto Canyon Run Drive. The TPC Las Vegas is located approximately 1 mile up on your left.

Taking 215 West, and exit Town Center Drive. Making a right onto Town Center Drive and heading north, you will enter your first of two circles. Continue through the first circle, staying on Town Center Drive. Upon reaching the second circle, stay to the far right and you will merge directly onto Canyon Run Drive. The TPC Las Vegas will be a 1/4 mile up on your right.

TPC Design Services/Raymond Floyd