Las Vegas Golf Courses for Match Play and Side Bets
The best Vegas golf courses for match play and side bets.
December 23, 2025 · 9 min read
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Vegas golf and friendly gambling go hand in hand. The best match play courses are not about pure difficulty. They are about momentum. Risk-reward tee shots, reachable par fives, short par fours, and greens that create swing moments where holes flip fast. For bachelor trips and buddy groups, these courses create drama without slowing the pace, letting side bets escalate naturally while keeping the round moving.
This guide highlights the Las Vegas golf courses that play best for match play, skins, and side bets, focusing on hole design, scoring swings, and group flow.
Quick Answer: Las Vegas Golf Courses for Match Play and Side Bets
The best Las Vegas golf courses for match play and side bets are Angel Park Mountain, Las Vegas National, Chimera, Stallion Mountain, Revere Concord, and Desert Pines. These courses feature reachable par fives, short par fours, and forgiving corridors that reward bold decisions without punishing one bad hole.
According to Golf Digest architecture notes and local starter feedback, these layouts generate more hole-by-hole momentum swings than longer championship tracks.
Groups planning competitive rounds should also review Best Public Golf Courses in Las Vegas for Groups to balance betting intensity with pace.
Angel Park Mountain Course
Angel Park Mountain is one of the most reliable match-play layouts in Vegas.
- Arnold Palmer’s design includes several drivable par fours that invite aggressive tee shots.
- Elevation changes create natural carry challenges that amplify side bet drama.
- Compact routing keeps matches tight and prevents downtime between holes.
Best if your group wants aggressive play without heavy penalties.
- Pros: risk reward holes, fast pace, forgiving landing areas
- Cons: afternoon winds can influence long bets
Las Vegas National Golf Club
Las Vegas National is a classic match-play favorite thanks to its simplicity and speed.
- Flat parkland routing means bad holes do not snowball into disasters.
- Short par fours and reachable par fives allow strokes to swing quickly.
- Close proximity to the Strip makes it easy to fit into packed itineraries.
- Groups squeezing golf between events should also review Best Vegas Golf Courses for Fast Rounds.
Best if your group wants fast matches with steady action.
- Pros: quick rounds, simple visuals, strong betting rhythm
- Cons: limited desert scenery
Want to see a full Vegas golf weekend? This 3-day itinerary shows where to stay, where to play, and how the days flow.
Chimera Golf Club
Chimera is excellent for mixed handicap groups playing competitive formats.
- Wide fairways keep balls in play, ideal for match play and skins.
- Multiple risk-reward tee shots let players choose their aggression level.
- Ted Robinson's design prioritizes flow, helping matches stay on schedule.
Best if your group includes varied skill levels.
- Pros: forgiving layout, strategic choices, consistent pace
- Cons: exposed to wind later in the day
Stallion Mountain Golf Club
Stallion Mountain balances classic desert visuals with betting-friendly design.
- Short par fours reward confident drivers without extreme punishment.
- Greens allow creative recovery shots, keeping holes alive longer.
- Slight elevation changes create visual intimidation that fuels wagers.
Best if your group wants old school Vegas betting energy.
- Pros: strategic holes, fair scoring, fun visuals
- Cons: conditioning can vary seasonally
Revere Golf Club: Concord Course
Concord delivers drama without excessive difficulty, ideal for side bets.
- Elevated tee shots create carry challenges that define early matches.
- Billy Casper and Greg Nash are routing offers, scoring swings without blow-ups.
- Morning rounds stay calmer, helping with competitive focus.
- Groups booking early rounds should reference Las Vegas Golf Courses for Early Morning Tee Times.
Best if your group wants dramatic holes that decide matches fast.
- Pros: elevation-driven swings, scenic drama, solid value
- Cons: longer drive from the Strip
Desert Pines Golf Club
Desert Pines is sneaky good for betting games.
- Tight corridors make accuracy valuable but not overwhelming.
- Dye-influenced shaping creates pressure shots that flip holes quickly.
- Compact layout helps groups stay engaged throughout the round.
Best if your group likes tactical, hole-by-hole battles.
- Pros: shot variety, fast rhythm, strategic tension
- Cons: less forgiving for wild drivers
How Course Style Impacts Match Play
Not all Vegas courses suit gambling equally.
- Long championship layouts reduce volatility and slow matches.
- Courses with drivable par fours and reachable par fives increase swings.
- Faster pacing keeps side bets energetic instead of forced.
- Groups planning competitive formats alongside logistics should also read How Far in Advance to Book Vegas Tee Times.
Best if your group wants excitement without delays.
Best Side Bet Formats for Vegas Golf
These formats pair well with the courses above.
- Match play with press opportunities
- Nassau with front, back, and overall
- Skins with carryovers on risk-reward holes
- Two-man best ball for mixed skill groups
- Groups managing money should also review How to Split Costs on a Vegas Golf Trip.
Planning a Las Vegas Golf Trip?
- Take Golf Trip Quiz → Get tailored destination ideas for your group
- Get 3-Day Template → Follow a proven, ready-to-book itinerary
- View Golf Trip Bundles → Save more when planning multiple trips
- Start Custom Plan → Have your entire weekend planned for you
More Las Vegas Golf Trip Guides
- Best Public Golf Courses in Las Vegas for Groups
- Best Vegas Golf Courses for Fast Rounds
- How to Plan a Las Vegas Bachelor Golf Trip
Vegas rewards bold decisions on and off the course, and these layouts keep the bets flowing without killing the vibe.
About This Las Vegas Guide
Every 18Away guide is independently written and updated by real golfers. We evaluate public access, group-friendly value, and proximity to top courses, referencing thousands of verified reviews, rate data, and on-site experience. Guides are refreshed regularly as conditions & pricing change over time.
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