DragonRidge Country Club was designed by Jay Morrish and David Druzisky to incorporate the natural beauty of the rolling desert foothills, sweeping elevation changes, natural canyons, and preserved rock formations. The residents and golfers of this community capitalize on the panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and the Valley below as they enjoy the wide fairways and large greens. Named after a rocky ridge that is known to residents as the “Sleeping Dragon”, this 18-hole championship golf course is catching the attention of locals, as well as the worlds’ best players.
The DragonRidge golf course is complimented by a beautiful new clubhouse that features a formal dining steakhouse, members only bar, family friendly grill, full service fitness center, five championship tennis courts, and an extensive golf Pro Shop.
You can get off to a good start on the front nine, as the opening par four is the number 13 handicap. The left side of the fairway, short of the bunker, is the best place from which to approach the green. From an elevated tee, there is a tremendous amount of room for error to the left of the par 3 second. Straight shooters should aim to the right side of the putting complex however, as a kick off the slope towards the center is the desired outcome here. Opposing wind may negate the downhill factor, so be aware. Number three features a wide fairway, with a challenging approach over a desert ravine which crosses the fairway about 20 yards out. There also is a short carry over a ravine off the tee on 4, which is a reachable par five for long hitters. Stay left of the bunkers which divide the fairway in two and the approach over another ravine about 50 yards out becomes easier. Note that the putts here will break towards the mountain on the right, even though it seems the slope is heading in the opposite direction. Deception on these immaculately conditioned putting surfaces is a common feature at DragonRidge. Pay attention to the starters advice – which may help you have more success on these challenging-to-read greens.
Number five plays downhill, but into the prevailing wind. A creek that crosses just 10 yards from the double tired putting surface provides the challenge on this mid range par three. Long is better than short here. The par four 6th also plays into the wind, but there is plenty of room off the tee and to the left of the green on the approach. Land it on the fairway and this is one of the easiest holes of the round. Number seven is a gorgeous golf hole, with cascading waterfalls part of the elaborate landscaping along the right side. This number one handicap is difficult to reach in two, except for long hitters or those hugging the water hazard on the right. The approach is at least 1 club uphill. There is more room than appears to be the case off the tee on eight. The fairway slopes right to left and the approach here is also uphill. This is a true 3-shot par five for most players, but is nonetheless a good birdie hole. The front side closes with a tough par four which features a plethora of fairway bunkers. Avoid them with a tee shot that covers significant distance and the uphill approach becomes less of a chore.
DragonRidge is a really nice golf experience but you need to be invited to play this round.
