Summer '23 - Vermejo, a recreation and outdoor paradise Thursday, June 4, 2015
Summer 2015 Spotlight - Reflection Bay
Course Spotlight
Back in the Game
An old friend makes a dramatic and beautiful comeback
Story by Bill Bowman
Reflection Bay Golf Club is back…and better than ever. The upscale course, which had been shut down for five years, re-opened its doors and its fairways in late 2014. And it’s back open to rave reviews.
The course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature layout, is an 18-hole, par-72 design that winds seamlessly around and through the elegant Lake Las Vegas community. Reflection Bay, which stretches out to 7,184 yards, is not only a stunning test of golf; it’s a picture-postcard beauty.
“People have been anxious to get back out here,” says Greg Brockelman, director of golf. “The course has been shuttered for five years and it’s great to see this course come back…and come back as well as it has.”
The course has a long, storied history. It played host to the Wendy’s 3-Tour Challenge for 10 years.
And now it’s back. It was the actions of Jack Nicklaus that helped bring the course back to life. “Mr. Nicklaus came in last summer and tweaked the course just a little,” Brockelman says. “He softened it in some places and improved the playability in others.”
Five holes, the 7th, 8th and 9th on the front nine and the 17th and 18th on the back, bring the beautiful waters of Lake Las Vegas into play.
Some of the Nicklaus changes included taking out about 12 bunkers and then re-shaping or moving another 20 bunkers. The 7th green also was moved closer to the water, adding to the challenge.
On the course, players will find a layout that features severe elevation changes, dramatic doglegs and pinpoint bunkering.
And then there’s that beautiful lake. It comes into play perfectly on the 17th and 18th holes. The par-3 17th, playing 162 yards from the tips, is beautiful and diabolical. Depending on the pin placement, the tee shot requires nerves of steel.
That sets the stage for the finale. The 18th, a par-5, is one of those holes that leave a lasting impression. “It would definitely be my favorite hole,” Brockelman says. “It’s well designed. It’s just beautiful. It’s a fun hole and a great photo opportunity. And it’s also a great risk/reward hole.”
That’s an understatement. The 18th is a dogleg right that reaches 561 yards from the tips. The risk/reward aspect comes into play when players decide how much of the dogleg they want to cut off. Then, the second shot dilemma comes into play. Do I go for it? The green is perched on the edge of the lake with four bunkers, also adding to the challenge.
Before or after the round, check out the menu or drinks in the 32,000 square-foot clubhouse. It’s been redone from top to bottom. And that includes glass, glass and more glass. “The clubhouse is just a great place,” Brockelman says. “The locker rooms are amazing and the restaurant, VIP lounge and golf shop all have floor to ceiling glass. That adds to the ambience and offers great lake views.”
Overall, Brockelman said whether people have played the course before or it’s their first time, it’s a layout they need to take on. “Word has gotten out,” he says. “The reviews and our surveys show people are excited about the course. The course conditions and great and it’s just a great course for everyone to play.”
Reflection Bay Golf Club
75 Monte Lago Blvd., Henderson
702-740-4653
www.reflectionbaygolf.com
