STROKE OF THE DAY |
"Everyone has his own choking level, a level at which he fails to play his normal golf. As you get more experienced, your choking level rises." |
-Johnny Miller |
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Siena Golf Club and Arroyo Golf Club at Red Rock are neighbors with distinct personalities.Siena is a scenic layout that features a hole-in-one prize monitoring system on the par-3 seventh hole. Two video cameras and a collection apparatus at the tee allows players to donate $5 to the Children’s Miracle Network of Southern Nevada while having the chance to win either $10,000 or a one-year lease on a BMW.Golfers participating in tournaments can compete for either prize for free. Since the promotion began on February 15, two players have aced the hole, but neither made the donation to win the prize. “There’s no pressure to buy into it. The idea of getting 10 grand is a lot of fun,” said director of sales and marketing Troy Anderson. “You’re going to get your proof on video, too, which is pretty cool.” Players also are eligible for a prize for getting their shot within 2 feet of the cup at No. 7, which measures from 151 to 192 yards. Siena also has a new player improvement program for those looking to sharpen their games. For $50 a month (six-month commitment required), a member is entitled to unlimited range balls and discounted super twilight rates. Siena Golf Club is a Schmidt-Curley design with a mix of narrow and wide fairways to offer a fair challenge to all players. The Arroyo Golf Club at Red Rock is an Arnold Palmer Signature Course in an amazing setting. “If you’re going to look for a course with a view, it’s definitely the course to play,” Anderson said. “It’s absolutely gorgeous.” Arroyo has five sets of tees, offering a difference of slightly more than 2,000 yards from the gold to the green tees. Fairways aren’t too penal, water hazards are prominent but not dominant, and most targets are well-bunkered. “It’s a little bit more wide open [than Siena],” Anderson said. Arroyo and Siena offer discounts and specials on green fees on their respective websites. There is also a discount package available for those wishing to play both courses within a five-day window of each other. Arroyo: (866) 934-4653 or arroyogolfclubatredrock.com. Siena: (888) 689-6469 or sienagolfclub.com. A revolutionary experienceawaits at The RevereThe Revere Golf Club in Henderson has 36 holes designed to conjure inspiration and awe among patrons. Utilizing a patriotic theme, the facility has two tracks — Concord and Lexington — with the Lexington measuring 7,143 yards and the Concord a bit shorter at 7,034 yards from the tips. “Concord is a little more forgiving and wide open, but the greens are twice the size,” said director of sales and marketing Dennis Piekarski. “Lexington has massive elevation changes.” Players can see the Las Vegas Strip on 14 of the 18 holes on the Lexington layout, which is considered a shotmaker’s course. Concord is more suited to golfers of all skill levels. The par-5 holes aren’t as long, and the 468-yard third hole is the only par-4 that measures more than 450 yards from the tips. The facility, which also has one of the top pro shops in the nation, will initiate its summer fee schedule on June 23. Discounts on drinks, meals and stay-and- play packages also are available. (877) 273-8373 or reveregolf.com. Renovation of greens an ongoing project at BadlandsBadlands Golf Club has 27 holes with scenic views and the design influences of Johnny Miller and Chi Chi Rodriguez. The greens on each nine-hole layout are scheduled for renovation, with the Desperado layout currently closed. Once it reopens in October, Diablo will then be shut down, followed by Outlaw. The entire process is expected to be completed in 2009. The Diablo nine has the longest par-5 hole at the venue — No. 8, which measures 551 yards from the tips — and the lengthiest par-3 — No. 5, at 228 yards. In any combination, 18 holes of golf at Badlands will test the low-handicap player but also provide comfort for all players with generous landing areas and large greens. “The course is in fantastic shape. From tee to green you’re not going to get a much better course out here in the desert,” said director of sales and marketing Steve Moore. Twilight rates in the summer are $55 on weekdays and $60 on weekends. Range balls are included with green fees. Stay-and-play packages also are available. (702) 363-0754 or badlandsgc.com. Royal Links pays homage to British Open coursesThe Royal Links Golf Club has 18 holes inspired by 11 British Open rotation courses. Holes such as the “Road Hole” at St. Andrews, the “Postage Stamp” at Royal Troon and “Lucky Slap” from Carnoustie — the site of next month’s Open — provide a fun challenge for all visitors. The clubhouse is a castle, with stone hallways replete with golf memorabilia and an authentic Irish pub. Forecaddies are optional and add to the Scottish experience, and walking caddies are mandatory for those who walk the course. Summer rates range from $50 to $125, with cart and range balls included. The Royal Links is owned and operated by Walters Golf, which also owns and operates Bali Hai Golf Club. For stay-and-play packages at Royal Links and other Las Vegas courses, contact Las Vegas Golf Getaways at (888) 777-7917 or lvgg.com. Rhodes Ranch reopens with improved greensAfter a brief closure to improve its greens, Rhodes Ranch Golf Club has reopened and is in top condition for summer play. “They’re a lot better than they were and we certainly see signs that these greens will hold up to heat and Mother Nature, so we’re extremely excited,” said general manager Mike Stewart. “We’re just happy to be back open.” Other portions of the par-72 course, which plays slightly more than 6,900 yards from the back tees, also have been replaced with new sod. These include a desert transition area on the third hole and worn-out spots adjacent to cart paths. Rhodes Ranch is a fun test for golfers of all skill levels. Errant shots aren’t penalized too heavily, and stunning views of the Spring Mountains complement the course conditions. Ted Robinson Sr. designed the track, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in September. The course’s signature third hole forces players to deal with a lake to the right of the green and heavy bunkering on the left. (888) 311-8337 or rhodesranch.com. ‘Everyday is a great day’ at Tuscany Golf ClubTuscany Golf Club in Henderson introduced ProLink GPS systems on each of its carts last October, and customers seem to enjoy the benefits, which include a quicker pace of play. To capitalize on the good times, an “Everyday Is A Great Day” promotion will be implemented this summer. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, twilight rates will start at 11 a.m.; “Frozen Fridays” will give players the option of a free lemonade or margarita; contests will be held on Saturdays; and a golfer’s score on Sundays will determine the cost of his or her first beverage. “Everything is right in front of you on the course. It’s very fair,” said director of golf Tom Vold. “I like to say it’s fast, friendly and fun.” Other summer promotions and stay- and-play packages also are available. (866) 887-2269 or tuscanygolfclub.com. |
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