Laughlin Golf Guide
Laughlin Nevada and the surrounding area offer championship golf courses set against stunning desert landscapes. With mild winter weather and affordable green fees, Laughlin is a golfer's paradise — especially for snowbirds escaping colder climates.
Golf Courses
Golf Package Tips
- Book hotel + golf packages for the best per-round rates
- Play in the afternoon for twilight rates (often 50% off)
- Winter is peak season — book tee times well in advance
- Summer rounds are cheapest but start early (6 AM) to beat the heat
Golfing in Laughlin Nevada
Nobody thinks "golf destination" when they hear Laughlin, Nevada. That's a mistake. The greater Laughlin area has three golf courses within 15 miles, the weather is perfect for golf 8 months out of the year, green fees are a fraction of what you'd pay in Scottsdale or Palm Springs, and the desert mountain scenery off the Colorado River is genuinely stunning. If you're combining a casino trip with golf, Laughlin might be the best value proposition in the Southwest.
The Golf Courses
Avi Golf Course (Mojave Resort Golf Club)
Located at Avi Casino Resort, about 10 miles south of the main Laughlin strip on the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation. This is the closest golf course to the Laughlin casinos and the most popular with visitors. 18 holes, par 71, plays about 6,500 yards from the tips. The course winds along the Colorado River with views of the surrounding desert mountains. Cart included in the green fee.
- Green fees: $35-$55 depending on season and tee time
- Twilight rates: About half price for afternoon rounds
- Peak season: October-March (perfect weather, most demand)
- Summer: Playable if you tee off at 6 AM, but temperatures reach 110+ by noon
- Condition: Well-maintained fairways and greens. Desert landscaping between holes.
Emerald River Golf Course
Located in Laughlin proper, this 9-hole course is the closest option to the casino strip. It's a shorter, more casual course that's great for beginners or anyone who wants a quick round without committing to 4+ hours. Green fees run $15-$30, making it one of the cheapest rounds of golf in Nevada.
- Layout: 9 holes, can play it twice for a full 18
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly, wide fairways, forgiving rough
- Best for: Casual golfers, beginners, quick rounds before or after casino time
Chaparral Country Club
Located in Bullhead City, Arizona, about 10 minutes from the Laughlin casino strip across the bridge. 18-hole championship course that's a step up in difficulty from the Laughlin courses. Green fees run $30-$65 depending on season. The course has more mature landscaping and established fairways than the newer desert courses.
Best Time to Golf in Laughlin
The sweet spot is October through April when daytime highs range from 60 to 85 degrees. You can tee off at any time and play comfortably. November and February are perfect — 70-degree days with zero wind and no chance of rain.
May and September are playable but warm — plan for morning rounds and bring extra water. June through August is expert-level desert golf: temperatures hit 110-120 degrees, and only the earliest tee times (6:00-7:00 AM) are comfortable. The upside? Green fees drop to rock bottom and you'll have the course almost to yourself.
Golf and Stay Packages
Several Laughlin casinos offer golf packages that bundle hotel rooms with green fees at discounted rates. Avi Resort offers the most straightforward packages since the golf course is literally on their property — room + 18 holes starting around $89 for the package. Golden Nugget and Harrah's sometimes partner with local courses for stay-and-play deals during off-peak periods.
Call the casinos directly and ask about golf packages — they're not always advertised on the websites. The reservation agents know about deals that aren't listed online, especially for midweek stays.
Golf Tips for the Desert
- Hydrate aggressively — Bring at least 2 water bottles per person, even in "cool" weather. Desert air dehydrates you faster than you expect.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable — SPF 50 minimum, reapply every 2 hours. The desert sun at this latitude is intense.
- Morning tee times — Always book the earliest slot available, especially March-October. You'll finish before the heat peaks.
- The ball flies farther — Low humidity and elevation mean your drives will carry 5-10% farther than at sea level. Club down on approach shots.
- Desert rough is brutal — Bring extra balls. Cacti, rocks, and desert scrub eat golf balls for breakfast.
- Cart shade — Park your cart so the shade covers the seats between shots. Your legs will thank you.
Combining Golf and Casino in Laughlin
Here's how experienced Laughlin visitors structure a golf trip: arrive Sunday afternoon, settle into your hotel (Avi Resort for on-site golf, or any casino on the strip for variety). Monday morning tee time at the Avi course — the rates are lowest on weekdays and the course is virtually empty. Play 18, shower at the resort, spend the afternoon at the casino. Tuesday, try Chaparral in Bullhead City for a different course. Wednesday morning, play Emerald River for a quick 9 holes before checkout.
A 3-night golf trip in Laughlin costs roughly $250-$400 total: $100-$150 for the hotel (3 nights midweek), $70-$120 for two rounds of golf, and $80-$130 for food. That's less than a single night plus a single round at most Scottsdale golf resorts.
Other Outdoor Activities Near the Golf Courses
The desert around Laughlin offers more than golf. Davis Dam is 3 miles north and provides access to Lake Mohave for fishing (striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish). Kayak rentals let you paddle from the dam down to the casino strip — a 2-3 hour float through calm, clear water. Christmas Tree Pass has dirt roads and hiking trails through old mine sites and desert mountains. Grapevine Canyon near the Spirit Mountain Wilderness Area has Native American petroglyphs and moderate hiking trails with incredible valley views.
Bringing mountain bikes? The desert terrain around Laughlin has trails ranging from flat, easy cruises along the river to gnarly single-track through the mountains west of town. No formal bike parks, but the terrain is rideable and the views are outstanding. Just carry water — more water than you think you need. Then bring extra.
The Bottom Line on Laughlin Golf
Laughlin won't replace Scottsdale or Palm Springs as a golf destination, but it offers something those places can't: a complete golf weekend for under $400 including hotel, two rounds, and meals at casino restaurants. The courses are well-maintained, the desert scenery is stunning, and the post-round entertainment (slots, buffets, shows) beats sitting in your hotel room watching Golf Channel. If you're a golfer who also enjoys casino gaming, Laughlin is genuinely the best value combination in the Southwest. Book midweek for the lowest rates on both tee times and hotel rooms.