The Desert Rose Golf Course in Las Vegas, US, will undergo a major reconstruction in order to prevent a repeat of the drastic damage caused by flash flooding last year.

The course has closed and work has commenced with the aim of preventing the events similar to those of September 2012, which saw the course and many surrounding residencies under several feet of water.

Originally designed by architects Dick Wilson and Joe Lee, the course lies at the point where the Las Vegas Wash and the Flamingo Wash converge. A series of meetings involving members of the local community led club officials to make the decision to carry out the reconstruction work.

Playing areas will be shifted away from nearby houses and playing widths will be increased along each hole. The holes will be carefully contoured to enhance the enjoyment and strategy to golfers, while minimising sediment discharge during any flooding. 

Putting greens will subtly undulate and each pin location will be guarded by sand bunkers and grassy hollows. Consistent seeding on all fairways and greens and identical grades of sand in bunkers will be introduced, and elevated tees will provide safety to players in the most extreme flooding scenarios.

Holes No. 10 and 18 will also be reversed, meaning players will no longer have to cross the Sahara Avenue Bridge to continue their round.

Chris Giunchigliani, the Clark County commissioner, has taken the decision to close the entire course during the work, as partially closing the course would add to the overall project time.