Golf Digest Invitational

Golf Digest Invitational

Tee it up on two iconic courses

Story by Bill Bowman

Photography provided by Walters Golf

This is Las Vegas at its finest…from world-class golf to luxurious accommodations to elegant dining. Add in Golf Digest’s Think Young Play Hard Invitational golf tournament and you’ve got a memorable weekend you’re sure to never forget.

The upscale event, complete with two-person, best-ball tournament, will take place at two fabulous Las Vegas golf courses…Bali Hai Golf Club and Royal Links on April 16 through 19, 2015.

“It’s flashy, over-the-top, action-packed and completely unique,” says Josh Hill, Vice President of Marketing at Walters Golf.

And it doesn’t stop with the golf tournament. There are also golf clinics and club fitting sessions from the Callaway golf staff, limo bus transportation to and from the courses, demonstrations from the Callaway Long Drive Team, premium boxed lunches and drinks on the courses.

They’re still not done. The off the course festivities are just as impressive. There’s a four-night stay at the impressive Mirage added in with MGM Resorts gambling perks, VIP TYPHI all-access credentials and 30 percent discounts to on-property shows.

How about just a little bit more. There will also be a chance to prove your ‘driving’ skills on the track as well, as Pole Position Raceway will have a special night dedicated just to this event. “Pole Position Raceway is proud to be a part of this fast and furious weekend,” says Brad Mark, COO at Pole Position Raceway. “We heard the best "drivers" were coming to Vegas so now we want to see if that "driving" skill will be displayed at some of the finest golf courses in the world or the fastest go-kart track in America.”

The cost is $1,499 per person and promises to be one of Vegas’ top draws in 2015. And it’s for locals as well as Vegas visitors.

The event starts off with the TYPHI Kickoff Party set in Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat and finishes with the Champions Celebration at Bare Pool, complete with open bar, the dolphins, big-name celebrities, DJs and some of Vegas’ top entertainment.

“Along with the chance to take home one of 15 GoPro cameras, players may also get the opportunity to hang with some very special guests,” Hill says. “Boyz II Men are rumored to attend…and maybe even tee it up, too.”

In between, it’s action galore on the golf course.

At the Schmidt/Curley designed Bali Hai Golf Club, players will tackle a par-71 layout that stretches to 7,002 yards from the tips.

“Even though it’s a relaxing, resort-style course, Bali Hai Golf Club is no stranger to competition,” Hill says. “We had many aspiring pros duke it out on our fairways and greens when we hosted Golf Channel’s ‘The Big Break,’ and we’re looking forward to more exciting competition during the Think Young Play Hard Invitational. And with Bali Hai’s gorgeous white sand, endless palm trees and hundreds of thousands of tropical plants, you might forget you’re not really in the South Pacific—even though you can see The Strip from nearly every hole.”

Royal Links also features a theme with 18 holes of links-style golf replicating those used in the British Open courses. The par-72 Dye International design is 7,029 yards from the tips.

“When you pull up to the castle-turned-clubhouse at Royal Links and experience holes like ‘The Postage Stamp’ made famous by St. Andrews in Scotland, you may have to remind yourself that you’re actually in Vegas,” Hill says. “And for those looking to break a course record held by the one and only Tiger Woods, they will get their shot at besting his 67 at Royal Links Golf Club.”

The event is limited to the first 144 players and is filling up fast. As well as bragging rights, the winners will be immortalized with write-ups in Golf Digest, Golf Digest Stix and Golf World.

For more information, go to www.waltersgolf.com