Set in the foothills of the Black Mountain Range, Rio Secco Golf Club is one of the toughest courses in the Las Vegas area

HENDERSON, Nev. -- Nestled within the foothills of the Black Mountain Range, Rio Secco Golf Club feels as though it is much further than 14 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. This conveniently situated course tumbles across a rugged landscape of canyons and valleys, an ideal terrain for a challenging round.

Rees Jones designed the course, stretching the layout to more than 7,400 yards. It has a reputation for being one of the toughest golf courses in the Las Vegas area.

The course offers plenty of variety, both in challenges and scenery. There are six holes that play through steep canyons, six that are perched atop plateaus overlooking the city, and another six that sweep across a broad desert wash.

Rio Secco's seventh is one of the most difficult but also one of the most scenic. This long par 3 begins in the middle of a canyon and finishes in an amphitheater of rock formations.

While the course has made a name for itself amongst both locals and visiting tour professionals, Rio Secco G.C. is also known for being home to the top golf instructor in the world, Butch Harmon.

Rio Secco Golf Club - hole 3

The green on the par-3 third hole at Rio Secco Golf Club slopes from left to right.

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Rio Secco Golf Club in Henderson, Nev.

A view of the Rio Secco Golf Club clubhouse and parking lot.

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Rio Secco Golf Club - hole 1

Rio Secco Golf Club's par-4 first hole is a dogleg left. There is a large fairway bunker hidden from the tee.

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Rio Secco Golf Club - hole 2

Rio Secco Golf Club's par-4 second hole plays downhill toward Las Vegas Strip. Three bunkers protect the green.

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Rio Secco Golf Club - hole 3

Rio Secco Golf Club's par-3 third hole challenges with a tee shot over a very deep and wide drop area.

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Rio Secco Golf Club - hole 4

The tee boxes on Rio Secco Golf Club's fourth hole are elevated above a deep valley.

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Rio Secco Golf Club - 6th

Rio Secco Golf Club's par-4 sixth hole is a sharp dogleg right, which plays gradually uphill.

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Rio Secco Golf Club - hole no. 6

A picturesque look at Rio Secco Golf Club's sixth green with all of the colors of the desert.

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Rio Secco Golf Club - hole 7

Rio Secco Golf Club's par-three seventh hole.

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Rio Secco Golf Club - 7th

Hole #7 par 3 is a famous $1000000 Hole at Rio Secco Golf Club

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Rio Secco Golf Club - hole 8

A look at the eighth green at Rio Secco Golf Club in Henderson, Nev.

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Rio Secco Golf Club - hole 9

A look at Rio Secco Golf Club's ninth hole with the clubhouse in the background.

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Rio Secco Golf Club - 9th

Rio Secco Golf Club's ninth green is protected by two bunkers and a water hazard from the left.

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Rio Secco Golf Club - 9th green

Another look at the ninth green at Rio Secco Golf Club near Las Vegas.

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Rio Secco Golf Club - hole 11

The 11th hole at Rio Secco Golf Club boasts a great view of the Las Vegas Strip.

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Rio Secco Golf Club - hole 14

Rio Secco Golf Club's 14th hole is a strong dogleg par 4. It plays from an elevated tee down to the canyon floor.

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Rio Secco Golf Club - lobby

The main lobby in the Rio Secco clubhouse.

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