Northbound to a Golfing Oasis

By Randy Dodson

Life and all its stresses can wait.

Northbound from Las Vegas is a golfing oasis that offers plenty of diversity and an escape from reality. Golf Mesquite Nevada is waiting with a welcoming website, expert reservationists and a menu of options in addition to affordable green fees, luxurious accommodations and a variety of golf courses designed by some of the game’s best architects.

“Our little corner of the Southwest has become a major golf destination for all golfers. From the minute Golf Mesquite Nevada was created, the uniqueness of our courses have helped Mesquite, Nevada find its place in the golf travel world,” says Golf Mesquite Nevada Executive Director Cody Law.

“While our casino resorts offer vacation amenities like soothing spas, crystal-clear pools, dining options for all tastes, events and entertainment for every interest and accommodations for every budget, the game of golf and the variety on our golf courses combined with affordable green fees are the real draw to this getaway.”

From the first call to the Golf Mesquite Nevada tee, the Oasis Golf Club has been the king of golf in Mesquite. Featuring 36 holes of golf, the Palmer and Canyons Courses are challenging and full of hitch-up-your-pants swagger. Designed by its namesake, the Palmer Course is known as one of Arnold Palmer’s favorites.

Kirk Lee, president of the Golf Mesquite Nevada board of directors and the Oasis Golf Club says, “Our 36 holes are a real drawing card for not only our membership but also for our guests. The Palmer Course was designed by Mr. Palmer in 1995. We will be celebrating our 25-year anniversary next year. Those original 18 holes are exciting and a challenge and members and guests are happy to take on a challenge designed by Arnold Palmer.”

The Oasis Golf Club’s companion course, the Canyons—known for some unique looks to distant fairways from Mesquite’s mesas—offers golfers a shot-making experience unlike any other in Mesquite. Hit the landing areas designed to offer short-game scoring opportunities or go a little bolder and try to go low with some risk/reward opportunities. Either way, a day at the Canyons is a memorable 18 holes.

The Oasis Golf Club isn’t the only option for playing a big-name designer layout. Coyote Springs Golf Club is a Jack Nicklaus Signature design set in its own unique valley of Nevada’s southwest.

“I think what sets us apart from a lot of other golf courses in the area is the valley we sit in. We have different vistas that loom above the course, and Jack Nicklaus did an amazing job of incorporating those views into his design. We encourage our guests to play forward a tee box from where they would typically play. Coyote Springs is a challenge that is best rewarded from knowing your distances with each club. We know you will have enjoy your day at Coyote Springs by selecting the correct tee box right from the start,” said Head Golf Professional Karl Larcom.

“There is room to roam off the tee here with some wide fairways but your short game will be challenged with our bunkers and green complexes that require a sharp wedge-game.”

John Fought has his hat in the Golf Mesquite Nevada ring with his Sand Hollow Resort Championship Course design. Host of the Sand Hollow Open and many corporate/charity events, the Championship Course is not only memorable with its uniqueness of design but for its incomparable views of the surrounding red cliffs and desert terrain.

“There are amazing options of fantastic golf courses on the GolfMesquiteNevada.com menu but the Championship Course here at Sand Hollow Resort has become the must-play on any golfer’s itinerary,” according to Sand Hollow Resort General Manager Adam Jasperson.

Another can’t miss from Golf Mesquite Nevada is the Gary Panks designed Conestoga Golf Club which is remarkable in a layout that undulates through canyons and moves around rugged red-rock outcroppings.

“Our Gary Panks design masterfully uses ancient landforms to create a truly great playing experience. Stunning rock walls, waterfalls, manicured fairways, greens and transition areas all present a playable canvas for golfers to enjoy at Conestoga Golf Club,” said Director of Golf, Mark Whetzel.

“We have really made a name for ourselves nationally from the advertising power behind Golf Mesquite Nevada’s marketing efforts,” continued Whetzel. “The attention we receive from golfers from all over the world and from the national golf publications speaks volumes to us and that kind of praise only comes from a strong effort from all our course partners in making sure that every Golf Mesquite Nevada experience, whether it be a one-day or week-long getaway, is a memorable one.”

Also available from GolfMesquiteNevada.com are the popular Coral Canyon and Falcon Ridge golf courses.

Falcon Ridge offers a par-71 course spread out over 6,550 yards with some impressive elevation changes. Whether you are an experienced player or just getting started, this course is perfect for all levels of golfers. Scoring opportunities come fast on the opening nine holes before the course stretches out and more strategic golf shots are required on the inward nine. The golf course sits high on the cliffs of Mesquite and flows through the hills and canyons, providing one of the most picturesque golf venues in Mesquite.

It's a good idea to warm up a little at the Coral Canyon driving range before you hit the course as right off the bat you’re met with two par-5s ready for the taking. The course will then take you around some of the most beautiful red-rock formations in Southern Utah, providing a scenic backdrop to an impressive golfing challenge. The course’s character and beauty is only outdone by its variety of risk/reward opportunities.

Law says, “There are a lot of moving parts that need to all come together for a successful and enjoyable golf getaway. Regardless of how many days you stay and the number of different courses you play, Golf Mesquite Nevada has the expertise and the course partners to ensure memorable golf getaway and play, just a few hours north of Las Vegas. Customize your next golf vacation with Golf Mesquite Nevada.”

Randy Dodson is the publisher of Fairways magazine, the official publication of the Utah Golf Association.