In the last two decades, keen foresight has created numerous golf-centric developments and services that appeal to the affluent golfer seeking more than the typical Vegas vacation.

Recently named the top emerging golf destination in the world by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Las Vegas and its surrounding areas provide over 60 golf courses available for play. The game has become a welcome departure from Las Vegas’ other attractions and has helped to bring more than 38.9 million tourists in 2006 alone.

Featured in this article:

• Ronald Boedekker, pg. 2

• Gary Primm, pg. 2
• Randy Black, pg. 3
• Harvey Whittemore, pg. 3
• Garry Goett, pg. 4
• Steve Wynn, pg. 4
• Bill Walters, pg. 5
• Paiute Indians, pg. 5
• OB Sports, pg. 6
• The Signature at MGM Grand, pg. 6

RONALD BOEDEKKER

In the mid-1980s, Ronald Boedekker’s imagination ran wild as he looked down upon the Nevada desert from his helicopter window. Hovering above a vast desert landscape, he envisioned a large body of water surrounded by a five-star resort destination that featured mountains, homes, golf courses, premier hotels, restaurants and boutiques—a rich desert oasis outside of nearby Las Vegas. That vision came to fruition in 1987 when the groundbreaking for Lake Las Vegas Resort began.

Staying true to its name, the resort was to be built around a large, 320-acre lake, a spectacular—and usable—water feature. This massive undertaking was supported by a substantial dam that took more than two years to build and reaches 18 stories tall.

Twenty years later, Lake Las Vegas Resort has become an internationally recognized residential and vacation destination with build-out continuing for another eight years at a total cost of $7 billion.

The setting couldn’t be more ideal—a backdrop of low-lying mountains, a crystal blue lake and the natural splendor of the desert floor. Two Jack Nicklaus designs, SouthShore Golf Club and Reflection Bay Golf Club, meet with The Falls Golf Club, a Tom Weiskopf design, to create a well-rounded golf experience. New for 2008, Rainbow Canyon Golf Club designed by Tom Fazio will stretch from the lake’s shoreline to the Rainbow Garden Geological Preserve. 
 

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GARY PRIMM

Primm Valley is the brainchild of Gary Primm who took a barren desert locale and made it a golf destination, complete with two world-class Tom Fazio courses. “Creating the Primm courses goes hand-in-hand with the public’s expectation level,” said course designer Tom Fazio. “In the case of Primm Valley, we had a large site but at the time it was considered fairly remote. We had to create a product people would come the distance to play with such quality and uniqueness that people would come back—that’s the reason we have these two unique courses.”

  The side-by-side courses couldn’t be more different. The Lakes is flush with abundant greenery, waterfalls, streams and lakes, and wide open fairways; while the Desert features terrain typical of the landscape such as cacti and dry grasses. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong.

 

HARVEY WHITTEMORE

Wingfield Nevada Corporation is one of Nevada’s largest private landowners and developers and its founder, Harvey Whittemore, believes the best is yet to come as he develops Coyote Springs. If you haven’t heard of this project, just wait. Located on 43,000 acres just north of Las Vegas proper, Coyote Springs will be a “new town” complete with residences, custom homesites, vacation accommodations, retail centers, numerous parks, hiking trails and golf. Well, a lot of golf. 

There will be a PGA Village, only one of two in the nation, which will feature a PGA Learning Center and a PGA Historical Center. For those who want to tee it up, a series of Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses known as The Bear Trail is planned. These courses will play through desert foothills and will have a scenic mountain vista as their background.

Whittemore says “Our dream is to create the appeal of a small town by developing a series of neighborhoods and villages connecting to town centers where people can live and play in an environment designed to bring neighbors together.” Golfers can’t wait to watch this project develop and see Mr. Whittemore’s dream come to fruition.

 

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RANDY BLACK

Another destination on Vegas’ outskirts is becoming increasingly popular. Just a decade ago Mesquite, Nevada, was a gas stop on the way to Las Vegas. Since then, this sleepy city has metamorphosed into a new center for gaming and golf.

Brought to life by Randy Black, chairman and CEO of Black Gaming, he recognized Mesquite’s potential in providing entertainment, amenities and value on par with the existing area. Everything in Mesquite is within a five-mile radius, providing a very relaxed and enjoyable time without all the crowds and congestion.

Located within the Virgin River Valley 80 miles outside of Vegas, Mesquite serves up an impressive roster of golfing options. CasaBlanca, Palms, Oasis and Falcon Ridge Golf Clubs treat players to breathtaking scenery and impeccably groomed course conditions.

Just across the state border, and part of the Golf Mesquite Group is The Ledges in Southern Utah’s high desert. The Matt Dye-designed course combines innovative design with red rock panoramas and expansive views of Snow Canyon and St. George Valley. The Ledges Golf Club is also home to the Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf, the only one in the region. A new 18,000-square-foot spa and wellness center is expected to open Spring 2008 and will include exercise and aerobic facilities, specialized spa treatments and several pools. The Ledges includes homesites from the $300,000s and custom homes from the $700,000s.

“The original purpose of creating Golf Mesquite was to develop our community into a destination and provide golfers with enough variety and options for an unforgettable three-day golf getaway, which one property by itself could not accomplish,” said Black. “By partnering with all the resorts and hotels in Mesquite and seven golf courses, golfers are able to put together a one-, two- or three-day package that best suits them and come back year after year to experience the variety of challenges in desert golf.”

With this caliber of play available, it’s no surprise that golf helped put Mesquite on the map.STEVE WYNN

From the old to the new, the name Steve Wynn is synonymous with the highest level of sophistication and luxury. Reared on the east coast but lured to the west by the Vegas mystique more than 40 years ago, Wynn has become a key figure in the city’s ongoing development. His initial foray into hospitality came in 1967 when he purchased the aging Frontier Hotel, only losing it to Howard Hughes shortly thereafter.

Back on the winning track, Wynn set the bar for luxury resorts in Las Vegas with the Mirage and  Bellagio, but The Wynn, his most recent endeavor is his masterpiece. The Wynn opened in 2005 and remains one of the most expensive hotels ever built with immaculate conditions and amenities. For golfers however, it is his collaborations with Tom Fazio which hit the jackpot. 

First there was Shadow Creek known for its natural beauty, rolling terrain, lush gardens and astonishing views … all of which were relatively new to the Vegas golf scene when it debuted in 1989. Then came The Wynn located on the old Desert Inn site. The course had more than 800,000 cubic yards of earth moved to create the 45 feet of elevation changes. A 37-foot waterfall adjacent to the 18th seems like a feat of nature … were this not Las Vegas.

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GARY GOETT

What’s now commonplace throughout Las Vegas and its outlying areas began with one man and one idea. High-end golf real estate in Las Vegas took shape when visionary Garry Goett developed Southern Highlands. The master-planned community was innovative in its integration of fine residential living and everyday amenities. Open spaces, recreational facilities, trail systems that weave throughout the property and even two elementary schools make this a truly comfortable community.

Southern Highlands took everyday living a step further by adding an outstanding golf course. The Southern Highlands Golf Club, a rare collaboration between Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr., produced a par-72, 7,510-yard course renowned for its beauty as well as its appeal to players of all skill levels. Goett was able to nurture the community’s exclusivity by limiting golf membership to a lucky 360 people. As a result, the club does not require tee times.

Goett made his name in the Nevada real estate market with Southern Highlands, and ever the innovator, has kept the property’s allure alive with future plans for more than 300,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space.

With several real estate options ranging from custom homes to roaming estates, Southern Highlands provides an easy entry with prices starting at $300,000, though continuing well into the millions. The success of Southern Highlands has caused others in the area to emulate the winning formula of golf and luxury. BILL WALTERS

Bill Walters, businessman and avid golfer, once said, “Las Vegas has become America’s newest golf destination. There is a big evolution taking place here, and we’re working to lead the way.”

And lead the way he has. Walters Golf has partnerships with all the major hotels in Vegas, providing entrée for them to book tee times at the four courses the company represents through Las Vegas Golf Getaways, also Walters-owned. Additionally, Walters Golf has preferred relationships with more than a dozen local properties, allowing them to offer “Stay and Play” packages in a wide range of price points and experiences—from the Venetian and Mandalay Bay to Hooters and Boulder Station.

Walters Golf has also developed numerous first-rate golf facilities throughout Las Vegas. Royal Links Golf Club, Desert Pines Golf Club and Bali Hai Golf Club are owned and operated by Walters Golf—apparent in the unique experience available at each course. Inspired by various British Open rotation courses such as St. Andrews, Royal Troon and Turnberry, Royal Links relishes in its Scottish cues offering bits of history at each hole. Desert Pines further exemplifies Walters Golf’s desire to transport golfers to top golf destinations around the world. In this instance, the destination is the Carolina sandhills on a course reminiscent of Pinehurst. Found in the heart of Las Vegas, Desert Pines is the first golf facility developed and constructed in a public-private partnership with the City of Las Vegas. Lined with mature trees and white-sand bunkers, the course frequently rewards skills over power. Rounding out the Walters Golf triumvirate, Bali Hai is a golfer’s tropical paradise located right on the Strip.

The course is just a jump from McCarran International Airport and features one of Vegas’ top golf shops along with fine dining at Cili restaurant. Bali Hai reflects a lush golf experience worlds away from nearby desert-style courses. Seven acres of water features, volcanic rock outcroppings and more than 100,000 tropical plants evoke a sultry feeling perfectly capped by an umbrella-topped cocktail.

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PAIUTE INDIANS

Before the explorers passed through Las Vegas, another group had laid claim to the area thousands of years prior. The Paiute Indians used the land as their hunting and living grounds. Fast forward to the 20th century where the Paiute tribe found a way to thrive, despite deteriorating land and the proliferation of a lifestyle that contradicted their simple existence.

In the early 1990s the tribe began plans to develop its 4,000-acre reserve into an endeavor that would link it inextricably to area commerce. The Las Vegas Paiute Resort is the first master-planned, multi-course resort to be built on Native American land in the United States. Located outside city limits, Paiute Resort helps bring golfers back to nature with its three premier courses that emphasize indigenous materials. Its first course opened in 1995 followed by two more within the next few years. Legendary designer Pete Dye created all three championship courses, and he’s left an indelible mark with his distinctive design. Snow Mountain is the original; Sun Mountain, is a bit tamer; his third lives up to its name: The WOLF, which opened in 2001 and is  the longest course in Nevada at 7,604 yards. Forced carries and an island green on the 15th present challenges for any player. OB SPORTS

When golf course management company OB Sports came to Las Vegas it set the standard for quality public play. While both the company and Vegas golf options grew, OB Sports’ courses, Aliante Golf Club, Angel Park Golf Club and The Legacy Golf Club, are still regarded among the best. They have also embraced the Internet, rewarding cyber-savvy golfers by offering them the best rate guaranteed for tee times booked on the official websites. In addition to great rates, traveling golfers that book online are afforded the best access, selection of available tee times and no-hassle cancellation policy.

Aliante Golf Club opened its doors to public play in December of 2003 and quickly was the buzz of the Vegas golf scene. Designed by well-known architect, Gary Panks, Aliante is an exciting and challenging course that stretches to 7,022 yards from the back tees.  Angel Park Golf Club boasts 36 holes of spectacular golf designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer in addition to a 12-hole short course, the original natural grass 18-hole putting course and an award-winning practice facility. The Legacy Golf Club is an 18-hole, championship-length desert jewel highlighted by plush playing conditions, multi-tiered fairways and large undulating greens. The 10th hole at The Legacy may be the most recognizable in all of Las Vegas. Each tee box is in the shape of playing cards suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades.

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THE SIGNATURE AT MGM GRAND

Within the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas lies an exclusive enclave that has set the precedent for luxury hotels in the heart of all the action.

The Signature at MGM Grand takes high-rise living to a new level, as it’s located just steps away from MGM Grand. With equal parts energy and escape, The Signature’s three all-suite towers greet guests with a private entrance and 24-hour Concierge. Fine linens, fully appointed suites and plush amenities aren’t an added bonus—they’re requisite here. The Signature features a state-of-the-art fitness center and private heated pool complex.                      

Capitalizing on Las Vegas’ culinary renaissance, The Signature also offers in-suite gourmet dining options, or guests can experience some of the Strip’s best cuisine at MGM Grand’s critically acclaimed restaurants: Joël Robuchon, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Shibuya and Craftsteak, among many others.

Residential options range from a junior suite to a two-bedroom suite and start at $199 per night.