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Tucked into the southwest corner of Vegas is one of architect Ted Robinson's most stunning designs: Rhodes Ranch Golf Club.Now it is easy to call a layout one of the best, however when the designer himself is as proud of the course as Robinson is, it is got to be something distinct.As well as it is the par 3s on this 6,909-yard, par-72 beauty that make the difference. Robinson named these the best he's ever designed along with with more than 150 designs in 7 countries as well as 50 years in the industry, that's saying something.With three of the four par-3s having water features, it's a superb test for players," said Tate Stull, general manager at Rhodes Ranch.Those par 3s start out with a knee-knocker: the 227-yard third hole. A pond guards the hole short, and four bunkers also add to the hazards. There is some bailout room short and left, however this one's going to test your shot-making abilities along with courage very early in the round.Two others, the 191-yard 14th as well as the 212-yard 16th, are breathtaking to see, however will also take your breath away while you're trying to decide which club to hit to these large, undulating greens. However beware, hitting the green doesn't ensure an easy par as you've still got to navigate undulating, smooth-rolling greens.Rhodes Ranch's challenging par 4sWe will take a breather from talking about par threes along with talk about another favorite among golfers - driveable par 4s. In fact, Rhodes Ranch has a pair of themThe eighth (326 from the tips, however right around 300 from the blues) and also the 11th (321 from the tips, however 297 from the blues). Sound inviting? Well, examine your nerves before you pull out the big stick because there's plenty of danger to go along with the reward if you're going to take aim at the green.Both holes are guarded by large ponds along with short shots that do clear the ponds still have to avoid bunkers. Unless you're a big hitter, a long iron or hybrid off the tee is probably the shot of choice to put a wedge in your hands to help set up a birdie putt.Choose your set of tees wiselyOverall, water - in the form of ponds, streams or waterfalls - comes into play on seven of the holes. And we're not talking off to the side along with out of play. These are smack in the middle of your line of sight. They add beauty to the course, but also tend to add strokes to the scorecard so proceed with caution. What this boils down to is to check your ego at the door along with choose your set of tees wisely."Depending on the tees, it's a extremely challenging layout," said Rod Velez, a Vegas resident for three years. "It's got very scenic views as well as the greens are true. And it's one of the best values in town."Ah, yes, the value. If you don't give players tremendous value for their dollar (especially in today's economy), they won't be back. Stull knows that golf courses usually get one chance to make a fantastic impression on players and also that's the goal at Rhodes Ranch."It's all about giving golfers a fantastic product at a great price," Stull said. "Our approach is to make it an affordable round of golf at a awesome golf course. It's a traditional-looking desert golf course but there's more turf area so it's a quite lush, tropical course," Stull added. "We've got more than 3,500 palm trees that add to the look quite nicely."The palms also add to the challenge as errant shots off the tee can bring these enormous obstacles well into play. And also contrary to the popular myth that trees are 90 percent air, these are not. They will knock down shots quickly as well as have even been known to swallow golf balls and also not give these back.That sets the stage for the finale at Rhodes Ranch Golf Club: A monstrous 441-yard, par 4. Hitting the fairway here is a must. On the right are a couple of bunkers just waiting to catch errant drives, so stay left. If you do hit the fairway, this green is guarded by a waterfall as well as a stream on the right which feed down to a pond on the left. Needless to say, short is not an option. Par here is a good score.Overall, Rhodes Ranch Golf Club, which covers 162 acres, is one of those golf courses you might not expect in Vegas (or many other places for that matter): Outstanding design, outstanding location and awesome price.When you arriveYou'll be greeted in the Rhodes Ranch G.C. parking lot by player-services personnel who will whisk your clubs away along with make sure any questions you may have are answered before you head in to the pro shop as well as get ready to tee it up.On the practice teeA spacious hitting area with target greens (most of the turf on the range has been removed in a conservation effort) lets players warm up or work on their games.Before or after the roundThe spacious Rhodes Ranch Restaurant can cater to your dining as well as drinking pleasures. With flat screen TVs everywhere, the big game is always on along with it is a exceptional spot to unwind.