It’s become almost a rite of Fall for many golfers - the buddy trip, one that extends the season just a little bit more when the weather becomes unpredictable north of the 49th.

So whether it’s the boys from university getting together again or the gals from the club heading somewhere to tee it up, the buddy trip has become a popular golf getaway for many.

And no destination can offer as much great golf, fantastic dining, exceptional shopping and crazy night life as Las Vegas.

Long known for its cards and slots, Vegas has matured and grown into one of the most popular destinations even if you never bet a buck. That holds true for golfers too, as there are a number of great tracks in Sin City.

Where to Play

Courses in Las Vegas range from the very exclusive, where you can only arrive on the property in a limousine, to welcoming and wide open, where you can show up and tee it up.

In that latter category is Bali Hai, located at the south end of the strip, just a par 5 down the road from Mandalay Bay. In fact, the hotel acts as a beacon during your round - it’s ever-present and can serve as a target.

Bali Hai is a well-maintained course that has white sand bunkers, loads of palm trees and offers up a good mix of challenge while remaining very playable. It’s a fun track with great value and especially convenient.

If you’re a Jack Nicklaus fan, then head over to Bear’s Best, which offers up 18 holes inspired by the Golden Bear’s top designs from around the world. In one round, you can visit PGA West, Desert Mountain and Castle Pines to name just a few courses.  Even if you don’t recognize the holes from their originals, the course is a great mix of long and short challenges with some beautiful views provided by the craggy Red Rock mountains as well.

Another course with jaw-dropping beauty is Rio Secco, in the foothills of the Black Mountain range. The course is played through three distinct areas: one through steep canyons, another on a plateau where there are great views of the Vegas strip off in the distance, and a final group in a flatter, more open section. While it can tip out at 7,400 yards, more reasonable distances are available.

Other golfing options on the must-play list include Cascata, perhaps the most stunning layout in the region with some jaw-dropping elevation changes through the desert mountains; Royal Links, another course that has holes inspired by some of the great layouts that play host to the Open Championship; and, the uber-exclusive and impeccably designed Shadow Creek (a Tiger Woods favourite), where you can only arrive in a limousine.

Where to Stay

There are so many options for accommodation in Vegas, with a variety of room styles, rates and amenities ranging from the standard two double beds with a strip view, to suites that include a basketball course or bowling alley. The Aria Resort is one of the strip’s newer locales, while the Delano, part of the Mandalay Bay property, offers up a refined non-gaming option. The stalwarts such as MGM and Caesar’s Palace continue to offer just about everything you would need for a Vegas stay.
 

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Where to Eat

This is one of the best parts about the new Las Vegas - dining options are plentiful with many locations hosted by the biggest name chefs. For fun casual dining, Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen and Bar has some mouth-watering dishes including his famous Big Bite burgers. Try the Mac + Cheese Burger and see if you can finish this hearty one. For a little more upscale, Joel Robuchon in the MGM is all about fine dining  - maybe the finest. Mesa Grill by Bobby Flay and Nobu are two more that won’t disappoint. Rivea Restaurant and the accompanying Skyfall Lounge 64 floors up atop Mandalay Bay may have the best view in the city and the food is superb too. For some farm fresh Southern cooking, the Yardbird in the Venetian is amazing and has a cool vibe flowing.

What to Do

Of course we mean when you’re not on the course or in the casino, here, and really, there is no shortage of opportunities. Cirque de Soleil shows are plentiful and all entertaining. Amazing magic include the great Illusionist David Copperfield as well as America’s Got Talent winner Mat Franco. Take a spin on the High Roller, the world’s tallest ferris wheel that offers up some magical views, especially at night. Shop at the many high-end stores on the strip or visit the outlet malls just to the north and south.

And the nightlife? Well you’re on your own here - it can get as crazy as you want it to. Basically, if you can’t find something to do, you just aren’t trying.

What to Remember

* Las Vegas is in the desert meaning that while it can be warm, fall and winter temperatures can also be cool from time to time. Bring appropriate clothing so you can still swing in comfort.

* Many courses will offer caddies for an extra cost and in most cases, its well worth it.

* You can reserve tee times well ahead of your arrival in Vegas at most courses and look around the internet for deals.

* If you’re a newbie to the tables, many of the casinos will offer lessons to help you understand just what you’re doing.

* One of the best options for entertainment is simply to walk up and down the strip. People-watching is second to none here.

* It’s true - what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.