Las Vegas.   When you hear that name you think of bright lights, massive “copy cat” hotels,  24 hour Casinos, fantastic artists’ shows, desert and “The King”  -  Elvis Presley!    But it boasts around 40 spectacular golf courses, ranging from the high handicapper’s special, to a huge challenge for the low marker.

Where else in the world can you see a golf course running right along The Strip?  The Bali Hai does exactly that.

Also, where else can you have the opportunity of playing 18 of the best Jack Nicklaus golf holes in the world?  The Bear’s Best in Las Vegas – that’s where!  A host site for the 2004 Michelin Championship at Las Vegas, Bear’s Best is ranked 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest. Designer Jack Nicklaus modelled the course after some of his best work, including PGA West in La Quinta, Calif.; Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Ariz.; Las Campanas in Santa Fe, N.M.; La Paloma in Tucson, Ariz.; Bear Creek in Murrieta, Calif.; and Old Works GC in Anaconda, Mont.

Or the sensational Arnold Palmer designed Arroya Golf Club, which is an exclusive  semi-private Members Only Club, but Golfing Holidays – Worldwide can get you a game on it! Arroyo’s wide, exclusively isolated fairways meander along the Spring Mountain and Red Rock Canyon Ranges. Palmer’s earthy, classical hole designs rise and fall and bend in surprising yet subtle ways with the terrain, giving the lush layout consistently striking eye appeal while also demanding solid shotmaking. Lush is the word: Arroyo is superbly conditioned with true-rolling bentgrass greens and (very) forgiving Bermuda fairways, all of which are made more dramatic by the many bright white sand bunkers.

And Royal Links – Heading to the first tee, players will cross a replica of the Swilcan Bridge and feel as though they have just jumped across the pond to play some of the world’s finest golf holes. Players are accompanied by professional forecaddies to enhance the Scottish experience. Built to honor the game’s history, the layout is inspired by famous holes from the British Open rotation courses. The “Road Hole” from St. Andrews (the 10th at Royal Links), the “Postage Stamp” from Royal Troon (the eighth), the 10th hole at Royal Lytham (the first), and revered holes from Carnoustie, Muirfield, Royal Liverpool, Turnberry, Prestwick and Royal Birkdale inspired the layout. Located just 15 minutes from the Strip, Royal Links in 1999 was voted one of GOLF Magazine’s “Top Ten You Can Play.” Besides great golf, players also are offered free lessons in golf history.

Then after golf, or some spectacular sightseeing, get ready for a great night out.  You can catch a show and see artists like Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, Elton John or Australia’s own, Human Nature.  Or maybe a big Spectacular, such as Phantom, or Lion King.

And where else can you meet someone at 6p.m., marry them at 12 midnight, go broke, and  get divorced at 6a.m.  What a wild 12 hour ride!