The pride and joy of the guard-gated MacDonald Highlands community is the Dragon Ridge Country Club, a private 18-hole championship golf course. Situated at the base of the MacDonald Mountains, DragonRidge is one of Las Vegas’ most challenging golf courses and by far one with the most elevation changes and striking landscape. When it opened in 2000, Golf Digest ranked DragonRidge among the “Best New Courses.”
Named after a rocky range that hovers near the entrance in the shape of a dragon’s back, many holes, mounded fairways, rock outcroppings, desert washes, bunkers, and water hazards have a dragon theme. Designed by Jay Morrish and David Druzisky, each of the four tees plays par 72. “Dragon” plays at 7,039 yards, with a slope of 143, and a 72.9 rating. “Cobalt” is 6,481 yards, with a slope of 131 and a 70.4 rating. “Silver” at 5,888 yards, has a 122 slope and a 67.8 rating. “Ruby” plays at 5040 yards, has a slope of 118, and a rating of 70.4.
The front nine holes are more traditional than the back nine where there are more forced carries. The goal of the design was to make the course playable for all skill levels yet to make it intimidating as well. A prime example is the par-3 no.2, which measures 229 yards with a 125 foot drop from tee to green. Other notable holes include No. 5 which is a 185-yard bunkerless par 3 that plays over a waterfall. The 9 th and 11th holes both feature bunkers in play. The 359 yard, par-4 6 th is surrounded by water and sand.
Overall, the course’s wide fairways allow golfers to make shots off the tee; however, the bunkers, natural rock outcroppings, and desert washings will make golfers question shot selection and hinder their accuracy approaching the greens. DragonRidge members will have an advantage over guests since they will be more familiar with the surroundings.
The full-service 60,000 square foot practice area features a driving range, short game area with sand bunkers and two bent grass putting greens. Each paid green fee includes unlimited golf balls. In addition, your personal attendant will clean your clubs, coordinate with the starter when play will begin on the first tee, and offer advice.
DragonRidge Golf Professionals offer an alternative to other Las Vegas area golf schools. The private school provides informal yet still comprehensive instruction for a student’s golf game. Custom instructions are available for one or two students. The school also allows individuals to customize their instructions so that focus can be placed on problem areas. Each day consists of 5-7 hours including instruction on all facets of the game, complimentary lunch, and 18 holes of golf. The advance purchase of 25 or more hours of instruction allows students to draw off time between golf lessons throughout the practice facility or on-course instruction. An instructional program can also be designed to accommodate larger groups that are part of golf tournaments and business luncheons.
The Clubhouse at DragonRidge Country Club is a two-story, 42,000 square foot facility that is an ideal venue for any type of event including golf outings, tournaments, birthday parties, baby showers, fundraisers, and even bachelor parties. The professional staff will take care of the logistics, no matter how miniscule, to tailor your event to your expectations.
For the wedding of your dreams, consider DragonRidge. The options are endless: Exchange vows with the backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip or set in the golf course with lush green fairways, glistening lakes and waterfalls, and towering palm trees, or an evening affair by the pool shadowed by a cascading waterfall.
Other attractions at the MacDonald Highlands community include three neighborhood parks that span 10 acres and feature tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, play areas and picnic facilities. Also in development is five miles of walking trails that will travel throughout the community.
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