Tournament Hills vs The Ridges: Summerlin Elite Golf Community Face-Off

Compare Summerlin's most exclusive golf addresses where PGA Tour heritage meets Jack Nicklaus prestige. Discover whether Tournament Hills' TPC access or The Ridges' ultimate privacy delivers your perfect luxury golf lifestyle.

Summerlin's Golf Royalty

Tournament Hills and The Ridges represent the pinnacle of Summerlin golf luxury, each offering distinct interpretations of exclusive living around championship courses. Tournament Hills, developed around TPC Summerlin, provides members with access to the PGA Tour's Shriners Children's Open venue, creating unique tournament excitement annually. The Ridges, anchored by Jack Nicklaus's Bear's Best private course, delivers ultimate seclusion with limited membership ensuring pristine conditions and guaranteed tee times.

Both communities occupy premium Summerlin real estate with elevation advantages providing spectacular valley views. The developments attract similar demographics of successful executives, entrepreneurs, and celebrities seeking prestigious addresses with world-class golf. Understanding the nuanced differences between PGA Tour affiliation and private club exclusivity helps buyers choose their ideal golf community investment.

Location and Community Structure

Tournament Hills PGA Distinction

Tournament Hills surrounds holes of TPC Summerlin, providing residents with front-row seats to professional golf annually. The community's development coincided with TPC's construction, ensuring premium lot positioning along championship holes. During tournament week, residents enjoy exclusive hospitality access and parking privileges. The energy and excitement of PGA Tour events creates unique community atmosphere impossible to replicate elsewhere.

The 640-acre community maintains intimate scale while accommodating diverse architectural styles from Mediterranean to contemporary. Mature landscaping provides established beauty with tree-lined streets rare in desert developments. The location near Summerlin's geographic center ensures convenient access to shopping, dining, and services. This combination of convenience and prestige appeals to active professionals balancing luxury with practicality.

The Ridges Mountain Sanctuary

The Ridges claims Summerlin's highest residential elevations, with homesites reaching 3,800 feet providing unobstructed panoramic views. The 793-acre community spreads across ridgelines and valleys creating diverse topography and lot characteristics. Double-gated security with Summerlin's perimeter adds a third protection layer. This elevation and security combination creates ultimate privacy attracting celebrities and executives requiring discretion.

The community's remote feeling belies its proximity to Downtown Summerlin and Red Rock Casino. Winding mountain roads discourage casual traffic while providing dramatic arrival experiences. Custom architecture requirements ensure visual harmony while allowing individual expression. The limited development preserves natural desert beauty while maximizing view corridors. This careful planning maintains exclusivity while delivering diverse luxury options.

Golf Experience Comparison

Tournament Hills residents enjoy unique PGA Tour venue access at TPC Summerlin, though the course remains public requiring tee time competition. Member privileges provide booking advantages and discounted rates. The annual Shriners Children's Open brings golf's best players literally to residents' backyards. Living along tournament holes provides bragging rights and investment premiums. The public nature ensures vibrant club atmosphere with diverse players.

The Ridges offers exclusive private golf limited to community residents, guaranteeing tee time availability and optimal pace. The Bear's Best concept features replica holes from Nicklaus's worldwide portfolio creating variety within one course. Limited membership maintains pristine conditions resembling private estate courses. The exclusivity appeals to those preferring controlled environments over public energy. Both courses deliver championship quality through different access models.

Real Estate Values and Options

Tournament Hills offers relatively accessible entry into Summerlin's elite golf communities with homes starting around $1.5 million. The variety includes original 1990s construction alongside contemporary rebuilds. Golf course frontage commands significant premiums especially along televised tournament holes. The established community provides immediate move-in options with mature landscaping. Renovation opportunities exist for buyers wanting to customize while maintaining location advantages.

The Ridges commands higher entry prices reflecting ultimate exclusivity and elevation premiums. Custom construction dominates with architectural review ensuring quality standards. Larger lots accommodate estate-scale homes with privacy between neighbors. The limited inventory creates scarcity driving appreciation. New construction opportunities remain on select lots allowing complete customization. The price differential reflects The Ridges' cachet as Summerlin's most exclusive address.

Tournament Week Experience

Tournament Hills transforms during October's Shriners Children's Open with the community becoming ground zero for Las Vegas golf. Residents enjoy exclusive hospitality venues and preferred tournament access. Many rent homes to players, media, or corporate groups generating significant income. The Wednesday pro-am brings celebrities adding entertainment value. Television coverage showcases the community internationally providing free marketing worth millions.

The energy and excitement appeal to sports enthusiasts who enjoy major event atmosphere. However, the disruption requires tolerance for crowds, traffic, and restricted access. Some residents travel during tournament week avoiding inconvenience. Others embrace the festival atmosphere hosting parties and entertaining guests. This annual cycle creates unique community rhythm absent in The Ridges' consistent tranquility.

Privacy and Security Comparison

The Ridges implements multi-layered security beginning with Summerlin's perimeter, continuing through community gates, and often including private home security. The limited access points and remote location naturally deter casual visitors. Guards know residents personally identifying unauthorized access immediately. Celebrity residents trust The Ridges' proven discretion. The mountain topography provides natural surveillance advantages while ensuring privacy between properties.

Tournament Hills maintains professional guard-gated security with roving patrols during non-tournament periods. Tournament week brings enhanced security for PGA Tour requirements. The community's accessibility to TPC Summerlin creates more traffic requiring vigilant monitoring. The lower elevation and central location mean less natural isolation. However, the established community maintains excellent security reputation with long-term staff knowing residents well.

Lifestyle and Demographics

Tournament Hills attracts golf enthusiasts who appreciate PGA Tour connection and tournament excitement. Residents include business executives, professionals, and retirees who remain active in golf culture. The community's social calendar revolves around tournament week with year-round activities maintaining momentum. The TPC connection provides conversation value and business networking opportunities. Demographics skew slightly younger than The Ridges with more families.

The Ridges draws ultra-high-net-worth individuals prioritizing privacy and exclusivity over tournament access. Residents include casino executives, entertainers, and entrepreneurs requiring maximum discretion. The social atmosphere remains refined and private with members forming close circles. The average age exceeds Tournament Hills with many maintaining multiple residences. The culture emphasizes understated luxury rather than public display.

Investment Analysis

Tournament Hills provides solid investment returns with PGA Tour affiliation ensuring sustained demand. Tournament week rental income offers unique revenue opportunity. The broader price range provides market flexibility. Regular television exposure maintains community relevance. The established nature provides predictable appreciation patterns. Investment suits those seeking prestigious golf address with income potential.

The Ridges commands premium valuations with limited inventory driving scarcity value. The ultra-luxury focus means longer marketing periods but higher ultimate returns. Limited comparable sales complicate valuations requiring expertise. The exclusivity ensures value retention during downturns. Investment appeals to those prioritizing prestige and long-term appreciation over liquidity.

Making Your Championship Choice

Both Tournament Hills and The Ridges deliver Summerlin's finest golf living through different approaches. Tournament Hills offers PGA Tour distinction with annual tournament excitement and TPC Summerlin access. The Ridges provides ultimate exclusivity with private Jack Nicklaus golf and maximum privacy. Neither disappoints those seeking prestigious Summerlin golf addresses.

Success requires matching community characteristics with lifestyle priorities. Tournament Hills suits golf enthusiasts wanting tour connection and tournament energy. The Ridges appeals to those prioritizing privacy and exclusivity above all. Both reward residents with championship golf, spectacular settings, and Summerlin's most coveted addresses.

Ready to explore? Compare other luxury options or browse available golf properties. For comprehensive options, see our Summerlin community guide.