Golf Vacation Destination

Sometimes the middle of nowhere is pretty good place to be. Just ask the developers who in the last decade have put little Mesquite, Nevada on the map as a refreshing getaway from the bustle of raging civilization. Situated near the borders of Nevada, Utah and Arizona, just 37 miles south of St. George and 80 miles north of Las Vegas, Mesquite has in the last decade become one of the fastest growing cities in the country and an irresistible lure for golfers, hikers and endless sightseers.

Casablanca Golf Club This may be a desert course, but don't expect to find stranded gofers holding out canteens and hallucinating mirages. That's because on less than 13 of the 18 holes at CasaBlanca have water on them, which in addition to challenging golfers, provides a habitable wetland for the desert fowl. The Cal Olsen designed course meanders naturally through and around the Virgin River, and is accommodating to golfers of all skill levels, with its modestly sloping mounds and fairways and five sets of tee markers. The signature hole at CasaBlanca is number 17, which is a lengthy par-four requiring a precise tee shot and an equally accurate long-iron second to a green which narrows in the front. Par-shooters won't stop smiling all the way to the 18th tee. CasaBlanca also has an attractive new clubhouse and electronic carts. Phone: 1-888-711-GOLF Website: www.casablancaresort.com Address: Off I-15 at exit 120 Stats: 18 holes, par 72, 7,011 yards Reservations: Guests may make reservations up to 60 days in advance, and groups may make reservations up to a year in advance. Special rates are also available. Rates: Are seasonal and varying rates are available for resort guests, non-hotel guests, residents of Clark and Washington counties, groups and get-away packages.
Palms Golf Club The Palms was the first course built in Mesquite and gets credit for igniting the fuse that created the golf explosion here. Set amidst a desert landscape of sagebrush and tumble weeds, the course offers an island of palm trees and lush green fairways with a number of daunting water hazards. The Palms provides a golfers with two contrasting nines: the front nine has fairly flat wide fairways with small lakes providing a precision challenge. The back nine takes full advantage of dramatic elevation changes, offering incredible vistas, but the serendipity must be occasionally interrupted by forced carries over unforgiving canyons. Most memorable is the 507-yard 15th hole, a par-five that present a 114-foot drop to the fairway below. Phone: 1-888-711-GOLF Website: www.oasisresort.com Address: Off I-15 at exit 122 Stats: 18 holes, par 72, 7,022 yards Reservations: Owned by Oasis Resort, hotel guests can make golf reservations 60 days in advance; non-guests can make reservations 14 days in advance. Rates: Seasonal. Call for details.
The Palmer Course at the Oasis Golf Club Golfers playing the Palmer won't be surprised to hear that this challenging and scenic wonder was created by Arnold Palmer. And the best advice is vintage Arnie: hitch up your trousers - or skirt-and go for it. The Palmer has several elevated tee boxes with dramatic shots to slot canyon fairways that meander through the foothills surrounding northern Mesquite. The narrow fairways are accented with many bunkers, water hazards, and undulations that leave the golfer with few level lies. But nothing looks or feels artificial here as Palmer used the natural landscape to provide all the drama. The 363-yard sixth hole is representative: the green is set deep within a box canyon that looms over all approach shots. And only the brave need venture to the back tee at the 517-yard eighth hole, which requires a 250-yard drive to clear rugged country. Phone: 1-888-367-3386 Website: www.theoasisgolfclub.com Address: Off I-15 at exit 122, 100 Palmer Lane Stats: 18 holes, par 71, 6,633 yards Reservations: Owned by Oasis Golf Club. Golfers can make tee times 60 days in advance. Rates: Seasonal. Call for details.
The Canyons Course at the Oasis Golf Club The Canyons course is 18-hole of spectacular golf, designed to compliment the already challenging and scenic Palmer course. This is a rugged, meticulously designed course, complimenting the character and charm of its natural setting. The large fairways and Bermuda greens make the course player friendly and a refreshing change of pace. Phone: 1-888-367-3386 Website: www.theoasisgolfclub.com Address: Off I-15 at exit 122, 100 Palmer Lane Stats: 18 holes, par 71, 6,533 yards Reservations: Owned by Oasis Golf Club. Golfers can make tee times 60 days in advance. Rates: Seasonal. Call for details.
Wolf Creek at Paradise Canyon The new jewel in the Mesquite Crown of golfing excellence is Wolf Creek, which was named by Golf Digest as one of the top three new upscale public courses in the United States for 2001. Wolf Creek honors the canyon country it inhabits, with fairways which wind naturally like ribbons of green through the brown rock walls to the north of town. Its slope rating of 154 from the very back tee placements is just one point from the maximum rating ever given by the U.s. Golf Association. But developers didn't want to exclude any level golfers from the magnificent vistas that are offered on tee shot, so they built five separate tee placements and encourage every golfer to consult with the starter before choosing which tee to play. With huge elevation drops, beautifully placed lakes and creeks, greens and fairways that are neatly clipped, Wolf Creek has enhanced the reputation of the entire Mesquite area. Phone: 1-888-252-4653 Website: www.golfwolfcreek.com Address: Off I-15 at exit 122, 403 Paradise Parkway Stats: 18 holes, par 72, 6,436 yards Reservations/Rates: Call for seasonal rates and reservations.
Falcon Ridge Winding through the hills and canyons of Northwest Mesquite lays one of the most picturesque golf venues in all of Nevada, Falcon Ridge Golf Course. Designed by Kelby Hughes and Cresent Hardy, this 6550 yard par 71 desert layout boast some of the most beautiful landscapes one has ever seen. Spectacular elevation changes. numerous water features and high mesa views along with a track that is playable for all classes of golfers makes Falcon Ridge Golf Course a must on anyone's golf outing. Phone: 1-888-270-GOLF Website: www.golffalcon.com Address: 645 Calais Drive Stats: 18 holes, par 71, 6,550 yards Reservations/Rates: Seasonal, call for rates.
Coyote Willows This local course is currently being rejuvenated, but is open for play. Call for details. Phone: 702-345-3222