As a long-time resident of Las Vegas, I’ve had the opportunity to experience some of the city’s finest golf courses. Among them, The Summit Club stands out as an exclusive, members-only retreat that redefines luxury golf in the area. Designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio, this 18-hole championship course offers an unparalleled experience for its members, combining world-class amenities with breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape. In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive look at The Summit Club, exploring its features, membership benefits, and nearby attractions that contribute to its allure.
A Course Designed by Tom Fazio
The Summit Club’s golf course is a testament to the vision of world-renowned architect Tom Fazio. His design transforms the natural desert landscape into a stunning masterpiece, offering an unforgettable experience for golfers of all levels.
The Vision Behind the Design
Tom Fazio, one of the most respected names in golf course architecture, brought his signature style to The Summit Club. Known for crafting courses that seamlessly blend with the natural environment, Fazio’s design at The Summit Club offers an extraordinary balance between challenging play and stunning aesthetics.
- Natural Topography: The course leverages the rugged terrain of the Las Vegas desert, incorporating dramatic elevation changes, rolling fairways, and panoramic views of both the city skyline and the Red Rock Canyon.
- Strategic Bunker Placement: Fazio is famous for his use of strategic bunkering, and The Summit Club is no exception. The bunkers are positioned to challenge players of all skill levels, creating a demanding yet rewarding experience.
- Luxurious Greens: The Summit Club’s greens are immaculately maintained, featuring Bentgrass surfaces that ensure smooth, fast, and true putting conditions.
Course Highlights
The Summit Club’s course, designed by Tom Fazio, offers a blend of challenging play, stunning views, and thoughtful design elements that cater to both seasoned golfers and those looking to enjoy the scenery. Here are some additional highlights that make this course stand out:
- Signature Hole #5 – Par 3: This hole plays over a tranquil lake to a green surrounded by carefully placed bunkers. The risk-reward nature of the shot, combined with the stunning water backdrop, makes it one of the most memorable holes on the course.
- Hole #8 – Par 4: A dogleg left with a fairway that slopes toward a natural wash, Hole #8 challenges players with a strategically placed hazard that requires careful shot placement from tee to green.
- Hole #12 – Par 4: Known for its elevated tee box and panoramic views of the Red Rock Canyon and Las Vegas skyline, this downhill hole allows players to fully appreciate the area’s natural beauty while executing precise approach shots to a sloped green.
- Hole #15 – Par 5: This reachable par 5 offers an opportunity for players to take an aggressive line off the tee, with the chance to go for the green in two. A series of cascading bunkers protect the approach, making it a true test of skill and strategy.
- Hole #17 – Par 3: Surrounded by desert flora and featuring an elevated green, this par 3 is both picturesque and deceptively challenging. The wind and undulating green add to the difficulty, making it one of the trickiest short holes on the course.
- The Par-5 18th Hole: A stunning finishing hole, the par-5 18th features a wide fairway that tempts big hitters but narrows near the green, which is protected by multiple bunkers. The multi-tiered green requires precise putting to avoid three-putts, offering a dramatic conclusion to the round.
- Environmental Preservation: Throughout the course, Fazio integrated natural desert landscapes, including native vegetation, rock formations, and water features, ensuring that the course maintains harmony with its surroundings.
- Practice Facilities: In addition to the course itself, The Summit Club features top-notch practice facilities, including a spacious driving range, short-game areas, and pristine putting greens. These facilities provide golfers with the ideal environment to fine-tune their skills.
Exclusive Membership and Luxurious Amenities
At The Summit Club, membership is more than just access to a golf course—it’s entry into a world of luxury. The club offers an array of first-class amenities, each tailored to meet the needs of its discerning members.
Membership at The Summit Club
Becoming a member of The Summit Club is an invitation into one of the most prestigious golf communities in Las Vegas. As a private club, access is limited to select members, offering a heightened sense of privacy and exclusivity. Unlike many private clubs that offer open applications, The Summit Club operates on an invite-only basis, ensuring a highly curated community of like-minded individuals.
Membership Tiers:
The Summit Club offers a range of membership tiers, each providing access to different levels of amenities and services. Here’s a breakdown of the main membership options:
Full Golf Membership
- Access to Golf Course: Full, unrestricted access to the Tom Fazio-designed golf course year-round.
- Clubhouse and Amenities: Enjoy all the exclusive club amenities, including the clubhouse, dining facilities, spa, fitness center, and resort-style pool.
- Member Tournaments: Eligibility to participate in exclusive member-only golf tournaments and events.
- Preferred Tee Times: Priority booking for tee times and exclusive access to golf instruction and clinics.
Social Membership
- Non-Golf Amenities: Access to all of the club’s non-golf amenities, including the clubhouse, dining, spa, fitness center, and social events.
- Dining and Events: Invitations to all social events and gatherings at the club and access to the club’s gourmet dining options.
- Limited Golf Access: Occasional, limited access to the golf course for social events or special outings, but not as a regular player.
Corporate Membership
- Business-Focused Access: Designed for companies and business groups, this membership provides access to the club’s amenities for executives and clients.
- Golf and Amenities: Flexible access to both the golf course and non-golf amenities for corporate events, team-building activities, or client entertainment.
- Customizable Packages: Corporate memberships can be tailored to the company’s specific needs, including adding additional members or hosting private events at the club.
Junior Membership
- For Younger Members: Available to individuals under a certain age (typically 40), this membership offers many of the same benefits as full golf membership at a reduced rate.
- Golf and Social Access: Full access to the golf course and club amenities, designed to introduce younger members to the club lifestyle.
- Upgrade Options: Junior members have the option to upgrade to full golf membership once they reach the qualifying age.
Legacy Membership
- Family-Oriented Membership: Allows the transfer of membership to family members, ensuring generational access to the club.
- Full Club Access: Provides the same benefits as full golf membership, but includes special considerations for family members and descendants.
World-Class Amenities
Beyond the exceptional golf course, The Summit Club offers a variety of top-tier amenities designed to enhance the member experience:
- Private Clubhouse: The clubhouse at The Summit Club is a luxurious haven, featuring fine dining, a full-service bar, and several outdoor seating areas with sweeping views of the course.
- State-of-the-Art Fitness Center: The club’s fitness center is equipped with the latest cardio and strength training equipment and offers personal training services for those who enjoy staying active off the course.
- Spa and Wellness Services: The club’s spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and wellness therapies, perfect for post-round relaxation.
- Resort-Style Pool: Members can unwind in the resort-style pool area with private cabanas and food and beverage service.
Real Estate Opportunities
The Summit Club is more than just a golf course—it’s a fully integrated luxury community. The surrounding residential area offers an array of custom-built homes and estates that cater to the affluent lifestyle of its members.
- Private Estates: The Summit Club features several exclusive homesites with panoramic views of the course and the surrounding desert landscape. Each estate is custom-built, ensuring a unique, personalized living experience.
- Community Living: In addition to the estates, the community includes townhomes and villas that provide a more low-maintenance living option, all with access to the club’s amenities.
The Summit Club Lifestyle: Golf and Beyond
Beyond the greens, The Summit Club provides members with an elevated lifestyle that extends far beyond golf. This club offers a full spectrum of leisure and luxury from year-round outdoor activities to exclusive social events.
Year-Round Golf in the Desert Oasis
One of the significant advantages of The Summit Club is its location in the heart of the Las Vegas desert, where golf can be enjoyed nearly year-round. The dry, sunny climate ensures that the course remains in pristine condition, even during the summer months.
- Perfect Playing Conditions: With minimal rain and consistent sunshine, The Summit Club offers some of the best playing conditions in the country, allowing members to enjoy the course year-round without interruption.
- Winter Golf: While much of the country is covered in snow during the winter, Las Vegas offers ideal conditions for golf, with cooler temperatures and clear skies making for comfortable play.
Outdoor Adventure Near The Summit Club
While golf is undoubtedly the main attraction, The Summit Club’s location offers access to some of the best outdoor activities in the region:
- Hiking and Rock Climbing: Red Rock Canyon, located just minutes from The Summit Club, offers a variety of hiking trails and rock climbing routes that showcase the stunning desert landscape.
- Cycling: The scenic loop at Red Rock Canyon is a favorite among cyclists, providing a challenging ride with breathtaking views of the canyon’s red sandstone formations.
- Horseback Riding: For those looking to explore the desert in a more leisurely fashion, several nearby ranches offer guided horseback riding tours through the canyon.
Dining and Socializing at The Summit Club
At The Summit Club, dining is an experience in itself. Members can indulge in gourmet cuisine, enjoy casual meals, and participate in various social events, creating a strong sense of community.
Fine Dining at the Clubhouse
The dining experience at The Summit Club is second to none, with the clubhouse offering a range of culinary options that cater to every palate.
- Gourmet Cuisine: The club’s executive chef creates seasonal menus that emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a world-class dining experience with every meal.
- Casual Dining Options: In addition to the formal dining room, the clubhouse offers more casual options, including a terrace grill and a member’s lounge where guests can enjoy cocktails and light fare after a round of golf.
Social Events and Gatherings
The Summit Club is more than just a golf course—it’s a community. Throughout the year, the club hosts various social events and gatherings designed to unite members.
- Holiday Celebrations: From Fourth of July parties to New Year’s Eve galas, The Summit Club organizes festive celebrations that allow members to socialize and create lasting memories with friends and family.
- Member Tournaments: The club hosts a variety of golf tournaments throughout the year, ranging from competitive events for low handicappers to more relaxed, social outings.
Nearby Attractions and Luxuries
Though The Summit Club is a private oasis, it benefits from its proximity to some of Las Vegas’ top attractions. From luxury resorts to vibrant shopping districts, members have access to an array of nearby luxuries just a short drive away.
The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas
Situated on the south end of the Strip, The Four Seasons is a peaceful, non-gaming oasis offering:
- Luxurious Rooms: Spacious suites and rooms with elegant décor and stunning views of the Strip.
- Fine Dining: On-site restaurants like Veranda, known for Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and Charlie Palmer Steak, a fine dining steakhouse.
- Pool and Spa: A serene pool area and a world-class spa for ultimate relaxation.
The Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
A short drive from The Summit Club, the Waldorf Astoria offers:
- Luxury Accommodations: Sophisticated rooms and suites featuring modern designs and Strip views.
- Fine Dining: Twist by Pierre Ganaire, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering contemporary French cuisine, and Zen Kitchen for elevated Asian-inspired dishes.
- Wellness Facilities: A 27,000-square-foot spa offering rejuvenating treatments and a tranquil pool deck with private cabanas.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
This trendy, luxury resort on the Strip offers an eclectic mix of experiences, including:
- Iconic Restaurants: Dine at é by José Andrés, an intimate spot for molecular gastronomy, or enjoy creative dishes at STK Steakhouse.
- Nightlife: From the swanky Chandelier Bar to the rooftop Marquee Nightclub, The Cosmopolitan is a hub for vibrant nightlife.
- Shopping and Entertainment: The resort features high-end boutiques and unique shows, including live music performances at The Chelsea.
Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa
For members or guests looking for a nearby resort experience, Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa is just a short drive from The Summit Club. This luxury resort offers a variety of amenities, including:
- Casino Gaming: Red Rock features a full casino floor with slot machines, table games, and a high-limit lounge.
- Spa and Wellness: The resort’s spa offers a wide range of treatments, from massages to body wraps, making it an ideal destination for relaxation.
- Dining Options: Red Rock features several high-end dining options, including T-Bones Chophouse and Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar.
Downtown Summerlin
For those who enjoy shopping and dining, Downtown Summerlin is a nearby hub of activity, offering:
- High-End Retail: The shopping district features a variety of luxury brands and boutique shops, perfect for a day of retail therapy.
- Dining Choices: From casual eateries to upscale dining, Downtown Summerlin has something to satisfy every culinary craving.
The Las Vegas Strip
While The Summit Club is a private oasis, the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip is just a short drive away. Members can easily access world-class entertainment, dining, and nightlife:
Fine Dining:
The Strip is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, with Michelin-star chefs offering unforgettable culinary experiences.
- Restaurant Guy Savoy (Caesars Palace): Michelin-starred French cuisine from acclaimed chef Guy Savoy.
- Joël Robuchon (MGM Grand): A three-Michelin-star restaurant offering French haute cuisine.
- é by José Andrés (The Cosmopolitan): An intimate, avant-garde dining experience featuring molecular gastronomy.
- CUT by Wolfgang Puck (The Palazzo): A modern steakhouse with an emphasis on quality cuts and creative sides.
- Twist by Pierre Gagnaire (Waldorf Astoria): Michelin-starred dining with contemporary French dishes and stunning Strip views.
Live Entertainment:
From Broadway-style shows to concerts featuring top performers, the entertainment options on the Strip are endless.
- Cirque du Soleil – O (Bellagio): A mesmerizing aquatic-themed Cirque du Soleil show that combines acrobatics with artistic performance.
- Adele Residency (The Colosseum, Caesars Palace): Grammy Award-winning singer Adele performs her greatest hits in an intimate setting.
- “Awakening” (Wynn Las Vegas): A visually spectacular stage production blending music, technology, and storytelling.
- Bruno Mars Residency (Dolby Live, Park MGM): Chart-topping artist Bruno Mars brings his electrifying performances to Vegas.
- Penn & Teller (Rio All-Suite Hotel): The world-famous comedy magic duo presents a mix of hilarious tricks and illusions.
Luxury Shopping:
The Strip features several high-end shopping destinations, including The Forum Shops at Caesars and The Shops at Crystals.
- The Forum Shops at Caesars: Explore an upscale retail destination featuring high-end fashion brands.
- The Shops at Crystals: Discover luxury boutiques offering designer labels in an art-inspired space.
- Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian: Stroll through a Venice-inspired shopping experience with exclusive stores.
- Fashion Show Mall: A premier shopping destination featuring luxury and high-street brands all under one roof.
A Life of Luxury at The Summit Club
For those seeking the pinnacle of private golf in Las Vegas, The Summit Club offers an unmatched experience. From its Tom Fazio-designed course to its luxurious amenities and exclusive membership, every aspect of The Summit Club is designed to provide ultimate comfort and prestige. With nearby attractions like Red Rock Canyon, Downtown Summerlin, and the Las Vegas Strip, members can access an unparalleled lifestyle beyond the golf course. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or someone who enjoys the finer things in life, The Summit Club represents the epitome of luxury living in Las Vegas.
