Steven Fink would like to play more golf, but when he does, he normally wins.
Fink has resigned to a weekend golfer with the ability to play in Senior Tournaments with the SNGA and he is fine with that, especially when he shoots 144 for two days. This is Fink’s third win of the season. John Turk finished in second place with a two day total of 152.
The 2016 Nye County Amateur Championship was played at Mountain Falls Golf Club in Pahrump, Nevada.
This is the Southern Nevada Golf Association’s fifth championship series event of the year. There are a total of 12 championship events, including 4 majors.
In the Championship division, former USC Tennis player Nick Rainey shot 146 for two days to secure his first SNGA Championship Series Title. Rainey clipped Darrell Lutey by one shot after Lutey shot a strong final round 71. Jeremy May and Joey Leonard rounded out the Top with scores of 148 and 150, respectively.
In the Senior Net Division, SNGA regular Michael Campbell put together two quality rounds of Net 69-72 to hold off the Mountain Falls member Randy Pollack.
New to the Super Senior Division, “youngster” John Garrett closed out the event strong with an even par 72 to win by 2 shots. Kevin Parrish gave Garrett a run the over the two-days, but in the end just couldn’t quite get over the hump. With these two additions to the division, the Player of the Year race may be closer than in years past. It was more of the same in the Super Senior Net as Tom Richardson collected some more Net hardware with two quality rounds (73-69).
Ken Paul took the Net division by storm this weekend. He backed up a first round 73 with a Net 66 on day 2. Paul used the strong play to win the division by 9 shots. John Thompson took home the second place crown. The highlight of the tournament came out of the Net division as Gary McCollum aced the Par 3, 4th hole in round 1!
CLICK HERE to see an updated look at our 2016 Points Race for each Division!
CLICK HERE for information on our next championship series event, The Laughlin Amateur, on May 21-22.
The Southern Nevada Golf Association would like to thank Randy Mudge and the Par 4 Golf Management Family for their continued support of the SNGA Championship Series.
The Mesquite Amateur, held annually in the golf destination of Mesquite, Nev., conveniently located 77 miles north of Las Vegas, is one of the top and most enjoyable amateur tournaments on the schedule. This year, the event will be held May 30-June 3 and marks the 14th rendition of the tournament, which will feature the same quality golf and off-the-course excitement, but with some new twists.
For the first time, each golfer will receive a $100 credit to use at the TaylorMade Golf/adidas mobile pro shop that will be set up at registration. Mesquite Amateur organizers are excited about the new benefit.
“We are thrilled to enter this new partnership with TaylorMade Golf and adidas, and can’t wait for our competitors to enjoy this opportunity as part of our check-in process,” says Christian Adderson, tournament director and corporate sales manager for Mesquite Gaming. “There will be tournament pricing for equipment so there will be plenty of deals for players to take advantage of. The Mesquite Amateur has always had great tee gifts that the players love but we feel this partnership will take our tee gift to the next level. This is the perfect way to kick off a wonderful week of golf and other parties and events. We look forward to our 14th year and we try to make each year even better than the others.”
The Mesquite Amateur entry fee is $575 and guests are $160 if they wish to attend all of the off-the-course parties and events. Visit www.MesquiteAmateur.com to register.
Entry fee includes:
$100 credit for Taylor Made/Adidas mobile proshop at registration
3 tournament rounds of golf
4 nightly dinner parties that include a complimentary drink of the night
First Class stroke play event that is flighted by age and handicap
Top 10 in each flight will have their choice of a Taylor Made or Callaway Gift Card
Top 4 in each flight move onto the Championship round at the CasaBlanca Golf Club to decide the overall Mesquite Amateur Champion
Nightly raffle prizes at the dinner parties
Courses in the rotation are the Palmer Course at Oasis Golf Club, The Palms, Falcon Ridge, Conestoga, CasaBlanca, Jack Nicklaus’ Coyote Springs and The Canyons at the Oasis Golf Club. Hotel rooms are available at CasaBlanca Resort, Eureka Resort and Virgin River.
TaylorMade Golf Experience, located conveniently across from Town Square on the Las Vegas Strip, is billed as the #1 authentic golf destination in Las Vegas. The facility features a lighted 9-hole course, lighted two-tiered driving range with natural grass and synthetic turf stalls, the state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor Flight Deck Performance fitting area, a large pro shop featuring most major club brands and apparel, and the new Flight Deck Bar & Grill.
On Friday and Saturday, May 6-7, the TaylorMade Golf Experience will be the site of the annual Golf Fest Vegas consumer golf show. The show features a free round of golf, a $10 Las Vegas Golf and Tennis gift card, and a 2 for 1 round of golf at TaylorMade Golf Experience with each $10 paid admission.
Other show highlights include epic blowout golf deals including AeroBurner woods starting at $88.88, a dozen TaylorMade Golf Distance balls at only $8.88, plus amazing apparel items starting at $19.88 plus many, many more club deals.
Also, the major club equipment companies are scheduled to be at the show with special demo opportunities. The club companies include TaylorMade Golf, Adams Golf, Nike, Mizuno, Callaway Glf and others. For all show info, visit GolfFestShows.com or TaylorMadeGolfExperience.com. Other consumer booths and food and drink specials in the Flight Deck Bar & Grill will also be available.
TaylorMade Golf Experience is an excellent spot for Golf Fest Vegas or to visit at any time. Every day is demo day at the facility, and the new Flight Deck Bar & Grill features a nice vibe and offers amazing views of the Las Vegas Strip. It is all day happy hour every day in the Flight Deck with food and drink deals.
There are also special golf deals always available at TaylorMade Golf Experience. The $29.95 Golf Happy Hour every day and night after 4 pm includes 9 holes of golf, a small bucket and free drink. There is also a $39.95 Unlimited Golf Deal ($49.95 w/cart) when golfers can play all day and night for the one low price. All day and night practice is only $15 per person.
TaylorMade Golf Experience is also the home to only state-of-the-art outdoor club fitting area in this area. Fitting experts are available every day for private fittings. The fittings are always free with a purchase and can be for any major brand carried in the pro shop. Call 702.897.9500 to set your appointment. For a limited time, SNGA members can receive a free round of golf when you set a custom-fitting appointment when you mention this SNGA article.
A common theme seems to be taking shape with our spotlight series about members of the Southern Nevada Golf Association. When interviewed, they spend most of the time discussing the game of golf and little about themselves.
Such is the case again this month as we feature Bob Orgill, a longtime member who currently serves on the executive board. Orgill was put on the spot very quickly by this writer when asked what his message to his fellow members would be. The answer was easy and readily came to him.
“As golfers, we need to support the organizations that help us, specifically the SNGA, PGA of America and United States Golf Association,” says Orgill, a 15.4 handicap who admits he might soon be down in the 14s. “Golfers need to understand why supporting these groups is important, but also understand why keeping an established handicap is important. I know this newsletter is for the members who have a GHIN handicap, but we should all be reminded to help promote the importance of the handicap to our fellow golfers. Unfortunately, a lot of golfers underestimate the reason for a handicap and that is a shame. This is a game of honor and integrity, and we all need to do our part to help spread the message.”
Orgill is a latecomer to the game of golf, taking up the sport in his 30s but soon becoming hooked, well, addicted, as Orgill described it. Orgill was a member of the old Sunrise Country Club developed by Chuck Ruthe and Jim Colbert, and then stayed on when it morphed into Stallion Mountain Country Club. These days he keeps his membership at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, but is also thinking about joining another private club.
He is now retired following a long business career, which included the co-founding and operating of Orgill/Singer and Associates Insurance Agency. His retirement will include plenty of golf and a continuation of his volunteer efforts for the SNGA and the Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association. His plans are to actually become more involved, other than solely serving on the board.
“The dedication of our volunteers is truly remarkable,” says Orgill. “The men and ladies give selflessly of their time to help the game, never asking for anything in return. They are rules officials and course raters. They provide so many services that we don’t really even know about. They love the game unconditionally.”
Orgill’s final message is to urge more of the membership to get involved with the SNGA, and to become the next wave of people who will help the SNGA and the game of golf thrive in Southern Nevada.
That, it appears, will be a tough act to follow in regards to Bob Orgill and his years of service.
The 2016 SNGA Four-Ball Championship took place at Revere Golf Club on the weekend of April 2-3, where 22 teams will take on Concord and Lexington Courses for the chance to claim champions in their respective divisions!
The SNGA has 6 flights for this Four-Ball – Championship, Net, Senior, Senior Net, Super Senior, Super Senior Net.
In the Championship Division, Ed Fryatt and Terry Byrnes were tied with Darrell Lutey and Miguel Macias after round one. Round two was more of the same, but Fryatt and Byrnes pulled away for good after a birdie on the difficult Hole 10 on Lexington. Rounding out the top three was Kenny Ebalo and his senior partner, Todd Roberts.
In the Senior Division, the team of Steven Fink and Gary Carpendale topped John Turk and Brian McShane for the top honors in the scratch division by 2 strokes. Fink and Carpendale lead by 2 strokes after round one before both teams finished with a score of 70 during the final round.
After failing to win the Senior Scratch Division, Turk and McShane ended up in first place for the Senior Net Division.
The Super Senior Championship went into a playoff with the team of Frank Abbott and Jeffrey English facing off against Kevin Parrish and John Garrett. The team of Parrish and Garrett made a par on the first playoff hole to win. The team of Abbott and English had to settle for first place in the Super Senior Net Division.
In Net Division, the team of Rob Taber and Stephen Whittlesy outlasted Paul Kulon and Brandon Holly to win the title.
CLICK HERE to see Final Round Results and Course Statistics!
CLICK HERE for information on our next event, SNGA Tour at Reflection Bay!
CLICK HERE for an updated look at our Points Races!
The SNGA would like to thank Bill Klemke and his team at Revere Golf Club for their help in making the Four-Ball Championship special!
SNGA Four-Ball Champions SNGA Four-Ball Champions – Net
SNGA Four-Ball Champions – Senior SNGA Four-Ball Champions – Senior Net
SNGA Four-Ball Champions – Super SNGA Four-Ball Champions – SS Net
The SNGA Tour was at Wildhorse on Wednesday, March 23rd for its second one day event of the year.
This tournament also marked the first qualifier of the season for the Nevada State Amateur, which is July 8-11 at Cascata Golf Club in Boulder City, Nevada.
Here are the results for the event:
Championship Division
1st Place – Nick Rainey – 72 (Qualifier)
2nd Place – John Turk – 73 (Qualifier)
3rd Place – Jason Cordon – 74 (Qualifier)
4th Place – Jason Margetts – 74
5th Place – Mark Bowen – 75 (Qualifier)
6th Place – Hoon Yung – 76 (Qualifier)
7th Place – Jayrick Cadelina – 76 (Qualifier)
1st Alternate – Brady Exber
2nd Alternate – Zac Frazier
Net Division
1st Place – Roger Vega – 75 Net
2nd Place – Paul Kulon – 77 Net (Won in a Scorecard Playoff)
Not to get overly political in an association newsletter, but when you take a moment to reflect on the current political landscape and the United States of America presidential election, it seems that it can become more about the individual candidates that what is in the best interest of this wonderful country. No matter your party affiliation, that’s probably something that most reading this article could agree upon if CNN or Fox News offered a poll about it.
However, members of the Southern Nevada Golf Association can rest easy knowing that isn’t the case for the leadership of this organization, the founding of which dates back to 1967. Current SNGA president Tim Quinn wants it known that the office isn’t about him, but completely about the association and how to best position the sport in Southern Nevada.
“I would expect most people reading this don’t really want to learn a lot about me, but probably want to hear about what we are accomplishing as an organization and what our future plans are,” says Quinn, a seven handicap who grew up playing the game in Wisconsin, developing a deep love of the sport even without playing competitively. “I am committed to helping the Southern Nevada Golf Association, and golf in general in this area, be sustainable for years and generations to come. The game has meant so much to me and so many others that I feel a responsibility to do what I can to make a positive difference.”
Quinn, who is in the insurance industry, moved to Las Vegas in 2001 to escape the epic Midwest winters and in search of year round golf. He found exactly what he was looking for in Las Vegas and the Southern Nevada golf community.
Shortly after the move to the west, Quinn became involved with the handicapping process at SilverStone Golf Club. He got involved with the SNGA because of that and soon became interested in the course rating process. Before he knew it, he was rating courses in addition to attending United States Golf Association rules of golf seminars. After qualifying and a lot of study, he became a rules official and started working tournaments.
From that on-the-course involvement, he became interested in the off-the-course processes of the SNGA. He was elected to the executive board in 2012 and was serving as the treasurer for the organization prior to taking over as the president April of last year.
Quinn is excited about the future of both the SNGA and golf, even while admitting there are challenges.
“I want to do everything in my power to make sure golf and golf courses are here forever,” said Quinn, noting that the recent closing of SilverStone was a “tragedy” for the homeowners surrounding the course and a huge disappointment for golfers. “I realize that the world is evolving and we need to create new initiatives to bring people to the game and entice current golfers to remain active, but we also need to balance that with the traditions of golf that are so important to many people. I think we can find a balance of both, and the USGA is doing a good job of getting creative by championing playing 9-holes instead of 18, at times, and also by understanding that a loosening of the rules for newer players can help welcome them to the sport. It’s important that the golf establishment be flexible when trying to bring new golfers to the sport. I am exciting about what we can do to grow the game.”
Quinn also stands firmly behind the role the SNGA can play in the future of junior golf in Southern Nevada. The association recently launched the Las Vegas Junior Golf Association and is assisting with the re-launch of the historic Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association. The SNGA staff and board are working cohesively with other local organizations, including the Southern Nevada Chapter, Southwest Section, PGA of America and the Professional Golf Management Program at UNLV, to help steward the next generation of golfers.
“I am very much committed to junior golf in Southern Nevada, and the people involved in creating a vibrant future for young golfers in this area are very dedicated to the cause,” says Quinn. “It is important to give as many kids opportunities in golf as possible, and to also identify the top players and help them reach their potential, whether it is playing in high school, earning a college scholarship or having a chance to live the dream of playing professional. Plus the game teaches so many life lessons and offers other opportunities off the course.”
Arnold Palmer, the King, has made an indelible impact on golf in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada. He was won a few tournaments here, including the legendary Tournament of Champions played at the old Desert Inn Country Club. He has also designed several Las Vegas golf courses.
Quick Tip
Arroyo at Red Rock is now the home of dynamic pricing. This concept—long used in the hotel and airline industry—rewards golfers who make reservations well in advance or at slower times of the year or specific days. The dynamic pricing is available to all Clark County residents and members of the Southern Nevada Golf Association. Check www.thearroyogolfclub.com for all details and reservations.
Among the courses in Southern Nevada that Palmer has designed is the Arroyo Course at Red Rock Country Club. Red Rock Country Club also features a private course, and the overall feel and vibe of the semi-private Arroyo is that anyone who plays it is a member for a day. The experience begins when golfers drive in through a gated entrance and continues when spending time in a beautiful clubhouse and culminates by playing the Palmer signature course.
The course is nestled alongside the breathtaking Red Rock Canyon and runs throughout the master planned community of Summerlin.
Arroyo is the sister course to Siena Golf Club and offers a special Players Card and loyalty program in addition to the ability to upgrade to the private membership at Red Rock Country Club.
In the clubhouse is the Arroyo Grill with private patio. The setting offers dramatic vibes of the Red Rock mountains while eating lunch or dinner, or enjoy a cool beverage.
Tournaments and group outings are always welcome at Arroyo Golf Club at Red Rock Country Club. Click to the following link for all group sales information: Arroyo Golf Club Group Outings.
The SNGA hosted the 2016 Summerlin Amateur Championship, one of the Southern Nevada Golf Association’s finest events of the year over the weekend.
95 players set out to battle Highland Falls on Saturday and Palm Valley on Sunday. Players faced a daunting task of not only the golf course, but some of the strangest weather in recent memory.
Brady Exber hasn’t played much competition these days, which is strange considering that is what he is known for. The man known around golf circles in Vegas as “The Godfather”, buried the weather along with the competition in the Summerlin terrain with an impressive 71-74, +2 tournament total. Giving him chase the entire tournament was the 2014 SNGA Player of the Year and current LVJGA President Kenny Ebalo (73-75, +4). Rounding out the top 3 was Las Vegas Junior Golf Association talent Charlie Magruder (75-74, +5).
The Senior Division Championship went to Peter Dunlap, who shot a final round 73 to beat the likes of Steven Fink, Cyrus Whitney and Gary Carpendale by four strokes. Dunlap, who normal plays in the Championship division, has made it clear that he is gunning for the 2016 SNGA Senior Player of the Year.
The Senior Net Winner went to Brian McShane, who shot an impressive 68 Net to claim his first trophy of the 2016 season.
In the Super Senior Division, we crown two different winners; Super Senior Scratch and Super Senior Net. The Scratch winner this weekend went to John Kelley, who shot 74 the final day in ridiculous wind. Kelley’s round was highlighted by a Eagle 2 on the par 4 5th Hole. Frank Abbott, the two time Super Senior Player of the Year, finished in second place, three shots back.
The Super Senior Net Winner was captured by Al Kueker, who shot 75-75 Net for a two day total of 150.
In the Net division, Roger Vega showed grit and tenacity to battle the course and the elements for an impressive +13 over Net total. The Net division was a nail-bitter all the way down to the wire thanks to Nate Behrendt following close behind with a +14 Net tournament total. Completing the podium was Gary McCollum who battled hard and finished with a +16 Net total.
The SNGA would like to thank the great staff at both courses for making the tournament possible! The SNGA would recommend all members to check out the home courses of the SNGA!
CLICK HERE to see Full Tournament Results and Course Statistics.
CLICK HERE to see the SNGA’s updated Points Race Information.
CLICK HERE to register for the SNGA Four Ball Championship, April 2-3, at Revere Golf Club in Henderson, Nevada.
There are big things happening at the UNLV Professional Golf Management program. The nationally-respected program, under the direction of PGA of America professional Chris Cain, is about to move into a world-class building—which breaks ground at the end of March—and students from the program are taking big jobs across the country.
On April 11, the golf community is invited to support the annual PGM fundraiser that will be played at TPC Summerlin, the host course of the PGA TOUR’s Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. Teams of four will be paired with either a current PGM student or an alumnus of the program as part of the new PGM/Am format. And you can walk the same fairways as the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ryan Moore and other legends.
Individual spots begin at $250, teams of four are $1000 and other sponsorship levels are available.
Proceeds from the special event benefit three scholarship endowments that assist current students with tuition.
“Our students benefit from financial assistance programs like scholarships received during their studies in the PGM program,” says Cain. “Scholarship funding is critical to some of our students who need these funds to continue with their education. The Matthew S. Anderson Scholarship Endowment Fundraising Event will benefit all three scholarship endowments directed toward students in the PGM program. Supporters of our event on Monday, April 11 will be able to choose which endowment they wish their proceeds to be directed. Choices include the Matthew S. Anderson Memorial PGM Scholarship Endowment, the SusanAnn Sky Holmes Scholarship Endowment, and the Southwest Section PGA of America Scholarship Endowment.”
Since 2002, the PGM program has been educating students in the Art, Science, and Business of the game of golf by offering a concentration in PGA education within the UNLV Hotel College hospitality management major. The combination of these two rigorous academic programs with the requirement of 16 months of hands on internship experience and completion of the PGA’s playing ability test produces a professionally prepared and passionate graduate who aspires excellence in the golf and hospitality industry.
Look for more details about the new home of the PGM program in future newsletters.
The Southern Nevada Golf Association is a proud supporter and partner of the UNLV PGM program, and thank them for all of their work in the Las Vegas community and beyond.
The 2016 Primm Amateur Championship is in the books in Nipton, California.
46 players took on the Desert course Saturday, with the final round being on the Lakes course on Sunday.
Ed Fryatt, fresh off winning the 2015 SNGA Player of the Year, shot 65 in the first round to take a commanding lead in the event he won last year. Round 2 wasn’t much different for the former PGA Tour player, who finished off the tournament with a 68 for a two day total of 133 (-10).
Christian James finished in second place with a two day total of 141. James recently committed to play Division 1 golf at University of Utah. Rounding out the Top 3 was Darrell Lutey with a two day total of 143.
In the Senior Division, Steven Fink and John Turk were tied after Round 1 with a pair of 71’s. At the Tournament of Champions, Turk got the best of Fink, but it was a different story in Primm. Fink played a stellar final round, firing a 69 to capture the championship. This Fink vs Turk battle seems to be a story line for the Senior Division in 2016.
The Senior Net Division Winner was Michael Campbell, a new player to the SNGA’s events. Campbell finished with a two day total of 137 Net.
The Super Senior Division continues to belong to Frank Abbott, but not at Primm on Sunday. Kevin Parrish shot 70 in the final round to win his first championship in the Super Senior Division. Parrish is excited about the chance to dethrone Mr. Abbott in 2016. Abbott, with a two day total of 146, finished one shot back.
The Super Senior Net Division Winner was John Kelley, a player starting to come out of his shell in the championship series events. Kelley shot an impressive first round score of 64 net and held on day two for the win.
In the Net Division, Andy Sessa jumped out to a first round lead with a impressive net 65 on the Desert Course, but Brandon Holly caught him on day two for a three shot victory. John Thompson ended up in second place, beating Sessa in a tie breaker.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the SNGA’s next event, The Summerlin Amateur Championship, on March 5 & 6.
The SNGA would like to thank Jon Waddington and his team at Primm Valley for their commitment to the SNGA Championship Series. Primm Valley is always a favorite stop for the SNGA Players every year!
A big thank you to Bill and Andrew at Revere Golf Club for all they do to make the SNGA feel special. The golf course is in great shape right now and we suggest that every SNGA member experience it!
Another competitive and fun season is officially in the books for the Southern Nevada Golf Association. And, once again, the annual Player of the Year awards have been determined, with each honoree receiving their official recognition at the annual awards dinner held at Rio Secco Golf Club.
As most of you know reading this, the SNGA schedule of events includes something for everyone, from the scratch players in the championship division to the net players looking for a little competition and a lot of fun. Plus age-specific divisions in both net and gross tournaments are available to help the older players feel young again.
Leading the way for the 2015 SNGA Player of the Year award winners was Edward Fryatt, who has embraced his new-found amateur golf career after spending more than a decade playing professional golf. Fryatt, who grew up in Las Vegas and played golf at Chaparral High School then collegiately at UNLV, earned his amateur status back and played a full season of amateur golf in 2015 for the first time since his three years at UNLV in the early 1990s. He earned the Championship Division Player of the Year award.
Among the tournaments Fryatt won in 2015 were the Laughlin Amateur, the Nevada State Mid-Amateur and the Primm Amateur. Fryatt also represented the SNGA at the prestigious Pacific Coast Amateur along with 2014 SNGA Player of the Year Kenny Ebalo and Ryan McCullough, the low amateur at the 2014 Nevada Open.
“Honestly, winning the Player of the Year wasn’t even a goal of mine,” said Fryatt, a member of the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame. “My main goal was to earn enough points to represent the SNGA at the Pacific Coast Amateur. And as a result it helped propel me to the player of the year. The key, I guess, was to have smaller goals along the way. Just try and play my best and give my full attention to each shot in each individual tournament. When you do that, the rest just happens. That was always my approach when I was a pro trying to win tournaments or trying to move up the money list. Just do the small stuff better, hit more fairways, hit more greens, and the big stuff will take care of itself.”
The other 2015 SNGA Player of the Year honorees were:
Rob Zoine, net.
Gary Carpendale, senior.
Jim Licausi, senior net.
Frank Abbott, super senior.
Tom Richardson, super senior net.
Other distinguished honors went to:
Tom Kilmer, volunteer of the year.
Pacific Links, facility of the year for DragonRidge Country Club, Southern Highlands Golf Club and SouthShore Golf Club
Coyote Springs, member club of the year.
Jason Pomroy, professional of the year.
Las Vegas Review-Journal, media partner of the year.
“It was another year of terrific golf and for the growth of the SNGA on and off the course,” said Executive Director Ann Sunstrum. “We have a wonderful and dedicated board of directors plus an amazing group of volunteers and SNGA staff who work to make the tournament schedule possible. Plus we thank all of the players who support our tournaments. Congratulations to each Player of the Year honoree and we look forward to another terrific year in 2016.”
Falcon Ridge Golf Club is a 6,569-yard par 72 course set in the northwest area of Mesquite, Nev., a terrific golf destination. The course features dramatic elevation changes, numerous water features and high mesa views. The Kelby Hughes and Crescent Hardy design is playable for all golfers and makes Falcon Ridge Golf Course a quality option in your Las Vegas or Mesquite golf vacation or weekend getaway plans. And since Mesquite is just a long hour’s drive from Vegas, you can even it make it there and back in the same day following the round if you wish.
“What makes the course unique and special?” asks Brian Wursten, repeating the question back to this writer. “There isn’t just one quality or one over-riding theme at Falcon Ridge. Every hole is different and unique, and I believe there are aspects of a lot of different golf courses all wrapped into one here. There are uphill holes, downhill holes, fairways with rough areas that coax errant shots back into the fairway, and rough areas where the slope is running away from the fairway. There are just a lot of different looks that you see out at Falcon Ridge including undulating greens and other memorable characteristics.
“The different difficulty level from the front nine to the back nine is also unique. If you double the slope rating on the front nine it equals 118. If you double the slope on the back it equals 153 so that is a pretty unique feature for one course. There are a lot of ways to put up a good score on the front, but it is much more risk and reward on the back nine, which leads to the higher degree of difficulty.”
Wursten also says that Clark County residents are always treated like locals at Falcon Ridge and are offered the lowest local rate available. “We love when Clark County residents come out and play,” says Wursten. “We want members of the SNGA to know that we appreciate them. We look forward to seeing them on the course at Falcon Ridge soon.”
Falcon Ridge is a part of the Mesquite Golf Pass, a program where several area courses offer discounts and tournaments for card holders and members throughout the year. Purchase of the Mesquite Golf Pass also earns one free round of golf at Coyote Springs, Canyons at the Oasis, Falcon Ridge Golf Club and Palmer at the Oasis. All info is available at MesquiteGolfPass.com
Falcon Ridge is also a partner in Golf Mesquite Nevada, a one-call-does-it-all official golf packaging partner for six area courses. Mesquite is also home to several quality hotels, spas and other amenities including the Eureka Casino Resort and the Holiday Inn Express and Suites. This is a perfect way to set up a complete Mesquite golf vacation.
The high mesa-top views set the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day at Falcon Ridge. Scotty’s Bar & Grill is a favorite spot to start and/or finish a round at the course. The clubhouse also features a pro shop stocked with top brands and other amenities needed for a nice day of golf. Events are always welcome at Falcon Ridge Golf Club.
The signature hole on the front nine is the sixth hole. The par 4, 410-yard holes offers an amazing view of the Mesquite valley from the tee box. The small lake on the right side of the fairway at about 230 yards out will catch anything that strays to that area. The second shot is uphill to a treacherous undulating green nestled against the base of a plateau.
The signature hole on the back nine is the 12th hole, a 525-yard, par 5. The tee plays 120 feet above the fairway and requires you to hit your ball between two large lakes and a well-placed bunker. Once you manage your tee shot, you have a choice; either go for the green in two, which requires a total carry of at least 200 yards over water, or lay up to a generous landing area with a short pitch shot to a narrow green guarded by a large bunker.
For all information and tee times visit GolfFalcon.com or call 702.346.6363.
Coronado Golf Coach Joe Sawaia has had one of the best coaching careers in the history of Southern Nevada. But not only does he help his teams win on the course he volunteers his time to support junior golf and high school golf. Plus for several years prior to his two sons getting older and taking up the game, Coach Joe was an active amateur and one of the best amateur golfers in Southern Nevada.
In recognition of all of the above, Sawaia was recently awarded the prestigious Southwest Section, Southern Nevada Chapter, PGA of America Person of the Year award during the annual dinner at Las Vegas Country Club. Sawaia was the only non-PGA of America professional honored.
“Receiving the Citizen of the Year award from the Southern Nevada chapter of the PGA southwest section is a great honor and I’m truly humbled,” says Sawaia. “I am really proud of the accomplishments of our golf programs over the years at Coronado as well as my playing career in the SNGA. I am also excited about the direction of high school and junior golf in the valley. I feel fortunate to be in the position to help out.”
The Coronado program is in its 15th year and added the 5th overall Nevada State title to the trophy case in the fall of 2015 when the girls won their second-straight championship. The boys won three-straight titles from 2010-12. In addition, the girls (4) and boys (10) teams have combined for fourteen Sunrise Region titles and dozens of regular match victories. Sawaia has been at the helm from day one.
“I am proud of what our players have accomplished as a team and individually,” Sawaia, who was 2010 Southern Nevada Golf Association Player of the Year, told this writer recently for an article in Las Vegas Golf and Leisure Magazine. “We have been blessed with great players over the years and that’s what it’s all about, but we also have terrific support from the parents, the community and our courses, especially Anthem Country Club and their staff and membership. Also Rio Secco and Revere help us a lot and we couldn’t do what we do without that support.”
In addition to the team success, the program has also helped more than a dozen players move on to play at the Division I college level. Currently AJ McInerney, who was a part of the three state titles, is the captain of the UNLV Men’s Golf team. McInerney recently won his first collegiate event, the LMU Invitational played at Reflection Bay Golf Club at Lake Las Vegas. Several players who are still at Coronado will also play at the collegiate level once their Cougar days are complete.
“The commitment of our players to make playing for their high school team a priority has been huge for us,” says Sawaia. “We have been successful in instilling our philosophy of playing for team first, and the kids have really bought into that over the years. Golf, for the most part, is a selfish game and for a majority of the year the kids are playing for themselves. We’ve been fortunate because our kids and parents understand that the team comes before everything else here at Coronado, and our success on the course is a direct result of our philosophy.”
