Las Vegas National Golf Club

Las Vegas National Golf Club opened in 1961, designed by Bert Stamps during the early expansion of Las Vegas golf facilities. The course occupies relatively flat desert terrain on the east side of the Las Vegas Valley, a few miles from the Strip. Its establishment coincided with the city's growth as an entertainment destination, and the layout reflects the era's approach to desert golf before environmental restrictions and water conservation became primary design considerations. The routing features tree-lined fairways—primarily mature pines and palms—that create defined corridors across the property. Water comes into play on several holes, and the course incorporates traditional bunkering around greens and landing areas. The flat topography means strategic interest derives more from hazard placement and green contours than from elevation change. At approximately 6,800 yards from the back tees, the course provides a straightforward test that emphasizes accuracy over length by contemporary standards. Las Vegas National hosted the PGA Tour's Sahara Invitational (later the Las Vegas Invitational) during the 1960s, bringing professional tournament golf to the city in its formative years as a golf market. The club operates as a public facility, making it accessible to visitors and locals seeking a traditional parkland-style experience in a city now dominated by resort courses. Its longevity and location near the airport give it a practical appeal for travelers, though it represents an older generation of Las Vegas golf design compared to the desert-target layouts that became popular in subsequent decades.