Feature
by Randy Dodson
Randy Dodson is the Publisher of Fairways

Fall - November - 05
Opening the Gates at Cascata

What’s up there is Cascata, a par 72 manicured paradise. In 2001, Sports Illustrated called it the “Best-kept secret in golf,” “The toughest ticket in golf” and “Golf’s hidden treasure” all in the same story. Other national accolades eventually rolled in from the likes of Golf magazine; “Few golf clubs in the world exude prestige like Cascata.” and the Robb Report; “Best of the Best” but until now, unless you ran in the high roller circles of Vegas, you probably didn’t even know that the lush fairways and sparkling lakes and streams of Cascata existed and I’m talking about the very highest of the high rollers.

Now, thanks to the recent acquisition of Cascata by Harrah’s, the largest casino company in the world, you can drive to the locked gates near the intersection of Highways 93 and 95, announce your name and tee time and watch those gates open just for you.

Your pampered golf experience begins before you even step out of your car. Awaiting your arrival at the front door will be a PGA professional and one or two valets that will take your clubs and your car and usher you to one of the most well-appointed men’s and ladies’ lounges, complete with your very own name plate on the wooden locker door. (Yes, you can take it after your round.)

Cascata is Italian for waterfall, which by the way, rushes right through the middle of the clubhouse. The Tuscan-style clubhouse exudes Old World charm and luxury. The pro shop is stocked with high-end apparel as well as equipment and the dining room’s menu has something for every appetite.

The uncompromising service doesn’t end in the clubhouse. Tour quality caddies are sent out with each group. Our caddie, Danny, (we called him, Noonan) met us at our cart and showed us to the driving range where he watched us hit to our hearts content, while figuring out our distances and shot patterns. By the time we hit the first tee box; he had our shot patterns down and was able to “club” us from the first tee in the ground. He even suggested what tee box we should play in order for us to have the best opportunity to enjoy our round.

The golf course itself offers five sets of tees from 7,100 yards at the tips to 5,500 yards at the forward tees. We (Noonan) choose to play at the gold tees and 6,200 yards. The front nine plays up the mountain with exceptional views from tee-to-green as well as green-to-tee. The uphill holes provide plenty of challenge.

The first chance of an elevated tee box comes at the seventh hole, a 157-yard par three that is just one of many scenic wonders on the golf course. A stream guards the front of the green that is tucked into a box-canyon-like setting. The waterfall that eventually finds its way into the clubhouse is a wonderful backdrop to this hole.

The back nine winds itself back down the mountain and again offers some great vistas and challenging holes. The 17th is a favorite both visually and strategically. The 450-yard (Gold tees) par four requires two solid shots for a chance at par as well as an added dose of concentration. It will take some effort to keep your mind from wandering while enjoying this scenic oasis of a hole.

Cascata is best enjoyed with a group of your best golfing buddies. The more the merrier. Playing and experiencing one of the most elegant and ultimate of golf courses should be shared with those that will recount with you shot after shot for a lifetime. You will have to pry open the wallet for an experience such as Cascata, but the monetary pain is worth the experience of this Shangri-La of golf.

To begin your visit to Cascata call 888-727-4427 or 702-777-2400. Visit Cascata online at www.cascatagolf.com.

Randy Dodson is the publisher of Fairways.

The Concord Course at the Revere
Located in Henderson, about 10-15 minutes from the famed Vegas strip, the Concord course designed by architect Greg Nash and legendary PGA Tour veteran Billy Casper was completed in June 2002. The golf course features picturesque waterfalls and lakes and wide isolated fairways that wind through canyons with dramatic shifts in elevation.

With the Vegas skyline as a backdrop the Concord course is a competitive layout while remaining a good golf experience for all skill levels. The par 72 course features plenty of memorable holes throughout your round. Over 1,700 trees were planted to add beauty to this memorable golf experience.

Perhaps the most stunning of all is the par 5, 551-yard 18th hole. Your tee shot must carry a large lake that fronts the fairway and then a well struck second shot will disappear as the fairways dramatically drops in elevation. Your approach shot then must carry a visually stunning rock wash that fronts the green.

Other highlights include:

No. 5, Reconnaissance, is a par 3 which plays over a lake to a large green that is fronted by a rock wall and bunkers behind.

No. 3, The Calvary, this par four’s tee has the Red Rock Canyon in its background. The undulated fairway requires a good set up for a shot at the green that is left unprotected by bunkers or design features. There is a good chance at birdie on this hole.

No. 12, Mount Defiance, offers an elevated tee to a large green below. Club selection is key on this hole as the 250 foot drop in elevation will offer some challenge. Bunkers behind and a rock wash to the left will force you to aim at the middle of the green.

The Concord course offers 4 sets of tees with yardages from 7,000 from the tips to 5300 from the forward tees. The Revere Golf Club amenities include a 23,000 square foot clubhouse with golf shop, restaurant/bar and banquet facilities. The Concord course, and its sister course, the Lexington, are owned and operated by Troon Golf so you know your experience at the Revere will be a good one.

For tee times at the Revere phone 702-259-4653
or visit www.reveregolf.com.

Desert Pines Golf Club
Desert Pines is replicate of a course like Pinehurst. There are 4,000 pine trees that line the fairways and water comes into play on nine of the 18 holes. The course has recently put a lot of effort into revamping the greens and the course is in great condition and is playing as well as it did when it first opened. The property also consists of Las Vegas’ only two-tiered, climate controlled practice facility and features an automatic ball delivery system, meaning you don’t have to bend down and tee your ball.

At Desert Pines you will most likely use every club in your bag. With narrow fairways, golfers should think twice before reaching for the driver. The tee boxes offer a targeted landing area and not much is gained by the “grip it and rip it” attitude. In fact, you may find nothing but trouble if you don’t play the course as it is presented. Most tee shots require a straight flight path to put you in a good position to score well.

Desert Pines Golf Club has been described by many as “The Pinehurst” of Las Vegas. This Dye designed course features thousands of mature pine trees lining the fairways and white sand bunkers protecting large, undulating greens.

Desert Pines is extremely convenient, located less than 10 minutes from downtown Las Vegas and less than 15 minutes from the Strip.

Desert Pines plays to 6,800 yards from the tips and 5,800 yards from the forward tees. This par 71 course protects you from the hustle and bustle of the Vegas life with its pine trees, water features and the ever present Dye styled railroad ties. As unique in style as it is fun to play, Desert Pines is truly a one-of-a-kind golf experience in downtown Las Vegas.

Desert Pines Practice Center is a 20,000 square foot, two-tiered, climate-controlled practice facility with an automated ball delivery system. It is the only one like it in Las Vegas. Desert Pines Golf Club is a public, daily fee course.

For tee times at Desert Pines phone 702-388-4400 or visit www.waltersgolf.com. If you are looking for a complete Las Vegas golf getaway call toll free 866-861-9772 or visit www.lvgg.com.