The Lowdown: It has been called one of the most remarkable and most visually spectacular courses in the world. And from the very first glance, every thoroughly pampered visitor to Wolf Creek Golf Club understands why. An easy one hour drive northeast of Las Vegas in Mesquite, Nev., this amazing facility was called the “Most Spectacular New Course in America” by Affluent Golfer magazine when it opened for play in 2000. It’s also ranked 22nd on Golf Digest’s list of the country’s top 100 public facilities. The course winds up, down and through dramatic red rock canyons, and from the back tees requires generous quantities of both power and precision. One of those back tees stands as tall as an 11-story building! Yet even the novice player can have a round chock full of smiles by selecting the front set of tees where forced carries are few and far between. Perhaps the ultimate challenge for any and all players is focusing on each and every shot while constantly surrounded by breathtaking vistas that are a photo op waiting to happen.
Those vistas are equally mesmerizing from the Terrace at Wolf Creek, the club’s new restaurant and banquet facility that was designed to accommodate the foursome as well as all varieties of formal and casual events.
FYI: Golf at Wolf Creek is always an extraordinary experience and a must play for any golfer. Now, Wolf Creek’s Red Carpet Packages make it even more attractive to tee it up at this highly-rated layout as well as other popular nearby courses. The one-night package includes an advance tee time at Wolf Creek along with lodging at the Eureka Casino Hotel where the players win. The two-night package adds a round at Falcon Ridge Golf Club while the three-night includes The Palmer course at Oasis. Golfers will experience superb course conditions at all venues throughout the year and intoxicating mountain vistas in every direction. Then also enjoy exceptional dining options before and after your round at the Terrace at Wolf Creek.
Contact: (866) 252-4653; www.golfwolfcreek.com
Wolf Creek Golf Club
This desert course was named one of America’s best golf courses in 2001 and 2002 by Golf Digest and was ranked No. 48 in Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 You Can Play” in 2002. Set amid dramatic sandstone canyon cliffs. Dress code enforced: shirts with collars, no denim. Driving range (irons only) included in green fee.
Architect: Dennis Rider.
Daily fee, 18 holes, estab. 2000
Location: 401 Paradise Pkwy., Mesquite, NV 89027.
702-346-1670, fax 702-345-6729, www.golfwolfcreek.com
Back tees: 7,018 yards, par 72. Green fees include cart
For more information, log on to www.golfmesquitenevada.com.
Centennial Golf Course
The Lowdown: Considered by many as the little brother of Ridgecrest (pictured here), this 6500-yard course in Nampa, Idaho, offers a nice blend of well-manicured fairways, moderate rough, open terrain and water features for a pleasant day on the links. With its par-72, the course rating is 68.5 and its slope rating is 97.
FYI: As of winter-spring 2010 it is heading into its 12th season. Contact the course for specials and 2010 rates.
Contact: (208) 468-5889; www.centennialgolf.net
Courtyard by Marriott
The Lowdown: A mainstay (literally) lodging facility for MWG staffers during our winter season adventures, we can vouch for the Courtyard. The rooms are clean, stylish and new. The service is impeccable and the location is perfect—within walking distance of numerous restaurants and stores.
FYI: It has two pools and hot tubs! Also, be on the lookout for special package deals between the Courtyard and a number of courses throughout the St. George area. This facility is the perfect gateway to Zion National Park and just 120 miles north of Las Vegas.
Contact: (800) 290-4387; www.marriott.com
Elko, Nev., Golf Oppurtunities
The Lowdown: Perfect for a mid-spring vacation, now is the time to start planning your post-winter travels to one of Nevada’s most under-rated recreational areas. Two excellent courses beckon you—Ruby View and Spring Creek. As of late summer 2009, Golf Pass Gift Certificates were available for the former.
FYI: Area old-timers may remember a day when Elko’s Ruby View Golf Course was located north of I-80 between College Parkway and Skyline Drive. A new 9 hole course was opened for play in 1968 at the now existing Ruby View Golf Course site. In May of 1972 an additional 9-holes opened for play. The course consists of approximately 160 original acres with an additional 100 acres being acquired for future expansion.
Contact: (775) 777-7120; ask for Dawn
Falcon Crest Golf Club
The Lowdown: One of our perennial favorites, this championship track outside of Boise, Idaho, is usually a sure bet for early-season specials.
FYI: Construction on the new 9 hole South Course has begun and course and was scheduled to open as of press time in late summer 2009. One of the unique features about this course is that it will have the longest hole in the Northwest, with a par 5 stretching over 700 yards from the Championship tees. (Don’t let that scare you, however, there are five or more teeing areas on every hole including very forward junior/new golfer tee boxes.)
Contact: (208) 362-8897
Plantation Country Club
The Lowdown: Nestled in the heart of Boise, this private course is a traditional 18-hole track with wide fairways lined with 80-year-old cottonwood and spruce trees. The Boise River runs alongside the course providing some of the most demanding par 3s in the Treasure Valley.
And of course, as a true country club, Plantation has all the trappings you would expect—and more. The club’s cocktail bar feature a 50-inch HD television, and there is also formal and casual dining areas. Other noteworthy amenities include luxurious locker rooms, a Junior Olympic-size swimming pool, a trio of lighted tennis courts and a full complement of practice bunkers and greens.
FYI: When not on the course, you can serve up a game on one of the tennis courts, relax by the pool or dine in the clubhouse. For a country club experience, this one is definitely one to consider.
Contact: (208) 853-4793;
Headwaters Club at Teton Springs
The Lowdown: Upscale course for an upscale community in the heart of Yellowstone Country. Designed by Steve Jones, Gary Stephenson and—get this—Byron Nelson. Needless to say, the layout is championship quality.
FYI: Teton Springs provides access to many of the west’s most enjoyable attractions, and is located 20 miles to the west of Jackson Hole with year-round access. The south entrance to Yellowstone National Park is 76 miles from the first tee, and the Grand Teton National Park Visitor Center is only 39 miles away.
Contact: (866) 445-3328
RidgeCrest Golf Club
The Lowdown: A true favorite for golfers in western Idaho. High-caliber yet affordable, this links-style course has vast areas of water and a few dramatic elevation changes.
FYI: This course is a perfect option for winter-bound players in eastern Idaho and central Oregon, especially around mid February. Hit it just right and you’ll be in golf heaven just a few hours from your snow-covered driveway!
Contact: (208) 468-9073
Shadow Valley Golf Course
The Lowdown: One of the Treasure Valley’s often-overlooked gems, this upland course north of Eagle is yet another fine option for spring golf. The aesthetics are unmatched with its rock formations, blooming flower beds, ponds and waterfall.
FYI: Built a quarter century ago along the Boise front, the front nine alone features a dozen elevation changes, including the relatively new No. 6 hole, a challenging par-3 cut from the side of the foothills.
Contact: (800) 936-7035; www.shadowvalley.com
Wildhorse Resort & Casino
The Lowdown: Nestled in the foothills of Oregon’s Blue Mountains, this course harbors 18 holes of spectacular golf, featuring beautiful lakes, long fairways and deep bunkers. Designed by legendary golf architect, John Steidel, the course can play long or short with four sets of tees ranging from 5,718 yards at the front to 7,128 yards from the championship tees.
FYI: Hitting the Clubhouse Grill on the 18th hole is a great way to unwind after a challenging day on the links. Surrounded by the beautiful vistas of the nearby Blue Mountains, the Grill includes cold beverages, beer and wine, sandwiches, soups, salads and more.
Contact: (800) 654-WILD
Whitetail Club and Resort
The Lowdown: Once considered just as exclusive as it was outstanding, the Whitetail Club has become more accessible as a luxury resort course due to recent changes in ownership. This top-tier facility features a 3,500 sq. ft. lodge-style clubhouse and expansive practice facilities round out your golf experience. The clubhouse includes a full-service bar and grill, well stocked pro shop, locker rooms and a sunny outdoor patio overlooking the course.
FYI: The resort has launched a completely revamped website that offers a wealth of information on club amenities, including the 18-hole Whitetail Golf Course, member clubhouse, athletic complex, lake recreation and use of facilities at Shore Lodge.
Contact: (208) 634-1725; www.whitetailclub.com