Summer '23 - Vermejo, a recreation and outdoor paradise Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Public Spotlight - Cascata
18 Works of Art
Cascata golf course delivers scenery and service
Story by Bill Bowman
Rees Jones had a canvas of 800 total acres to work with when he designed Cascata golf course. He came up with 18 individual holes that are each a work of art.
Cascata opened in 2000 and has been a world-class golf destination since Day 1. “It’s just a pristine setting,” says Eric Dutt, who oversees golf operations for Cascata and Rio Secco. “The terrain where Rees laid out the course is ideal. There’s nothing artificial…nothing contrived, unlike some Las Vegas courses.”
One look will make players believers. There are brilliant white-sand bunkers, beautiful water features on six holes, severe elevation changes and impressive doglegs. Add in a stunning 34,000 square foot clubhouse and a staff that is attentive to every little detail and you’ve got a golf experience you won’t soon forget. That experience includes caddies that will help guide you around the course (make sure to have them help you read putts…you’ll be glad you did).
“If you’ve got a golf bucket list, Cascata has to be on it…period,” Dutt says.
The course itself is a par 72 layout that plays 7,137 yards from the tips. It’s one of those courses where players get the chance to experience an over-the-top golf outing.
Need proof? Players are greeted at the front door by name and escorted into the massive clubhouse and locker room. There, they will find their own locker, complete with their name on a nameplate (which players can take home after the round). Then it’s down the stairs next to the stream to the staging area where clubs are ready and waiting on the cart. All of this is inside the clubhouse.
Players then drive through a massive set of doors and out into the wonderland that is Cascata and head up to the practice facility.
“One of the most impressive things is the signature waterfall that flows 418 feet down a mountain facing the practice facility and down through the clubhouse,” Dutt says. “It’s definitely one of the most unique water features anywhere.”
On the course, players will find 18 holes of paradise. It’s just you and the golf course. There are no homes. There is no traffic. In fact, there seems to be no one else around.
“For the most part, players won’t see any other holes except the one they are playing,” Dutt says. “And that’s by design.”
And that design includes four of the finest par 3s around—both in challenge and beauty. “They are four of the prettiest in Las Vegas,” Dutt says of the 4th, 7th, 12th and 15th holes. “Three of them have water features to add to the look.”
One of his favorites is the 7th. At 157 yards from the tips, it’s not that long. But, don’t let the lack of length lull you to sleep. The tee shot comes from an elevated tee to a green nestled at the base of a mountain. Add in a stream left along with bunkers short and long and you’ve got a hole that requires a pin-point tee shot. And the green, along with the 17 others, are all undulating and quick.
“It’s one of the shorter par 3s and it’s definitely a pretty hole,” Dutt says. “But with different pin placements it can still be tough.”
Cascata is one of those courses that has to be played more than once to be truly appreciated.
“Here, you’re in your own little golf bubble,” Dutt says of the course. “And, it doesn’t hurt that the course is in Las Vegas so there are plenty of other things to do off the golf course.”
Cascata
One Cascata Dr., Boulder City
702-294-2005
