Andy Elliott understands how important it is to support amateur golf at all levels. And he and his team at the world-renowned Cascata annually step up to host Southern Nevada Golf Association events and find ways to give back to junior golf. –By Brian Hurlburt, LasVegasGolfInsider.com
“I started playing golf when I was five years old with my dad and my older brother and fell in love with the game where I grew up in the corn fields of Michigan,” Elliott said. “We didn’t have any consistent junior programs, but I knew as I got older, I wanted to make sure that I would support junior golf wherever I was. I grew up with basically nothing, and it is now inspiring to see some of these kids and how good they are becoming. it’s exciting for the game.”
Cascata has previously held Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association fundraiser play days, and in 2024 allowed the organization to sell tee times and keep some of the proceeds. Plus, Elliott is always willing to donate foursomes to other fundraisers to help the cause. He is a member of the Southern Nevada Chapter, Southwest Section, PGA of America, and in 2022, earned the prestigious Bill Strausbaugh Award that recognizes members who inspire and mentor their fellow PGA professionals. He is the 2024 chapter vice president and will assume the role of president in 2025.
As for hosting two events annually on the SNGA schedule, the foundation was laid prior to Elliott taking over as Cascata general manager, but he has continued to make it a point of emphasis to welcome the events to the Rees Jones-designed masterpiece.
“Eric Dutt had already brought the SNGA to Cascata, and I think that maybe the SNGA was afraid once he left our facility that we wouldn’t continue to host the tournaments, but it is very important to make sure that our amateur body members have access to the facility,” Elliott said. “Word of mouth is always important, and having those amateurs tell their friends around the country about Cascata is terrific. Plus, the golfers are very appreciative. More than half of those people who come through our clubhouse during the tournaments stop and thank our staff every time. It is very rewarding for everyone to hear those comments and also how we are championing the game at the grass roots level.”
As a teenager, Elliott worked at Centennial Acres Golf Club in his hometown of Sunfield, Michigan, and knew he wanted a career in the game. After playing golf at Lansing Junior College, he enrolled and then graduated from the Ferris State Professional Golf Management program. He first came to Las Vegas as an intern under highly-respected PGA of America Professional Thom Blinkinsop at Siena Golf Club.
“Without going to Ferris State and getting the internship opportunity, I probably wouldn’t be here in Las Vegas right now,” Elliott said. “I have worked in golf since I was 14-years old and always wanted to be around the game, but coming to Las Vegas and working under Thom changed my perspective. It was the first time I was around year-round golf and courses not closing during the long winter. I had also never been West of Michigan. Thom brought in three or four students each year and that is how I learned the business. I worked hard, asked the right questions, and he created a position for me when I graduated. It was awesome.”
Elliott now inspires PGA students at UNLV by speaking to them and in other ways including hosting the annual Friends and Family golf tournament at Cascata.
“I stress to the PGM kids that when you do an internship, you have to ask good questions and work hard,” Elliott said. “Make sure that the leadership understands that you want to get into golf and learn the business. It is very important to establish a foundation for your career.”
From those corn fields in Michigan to the bright lights of Vegas, it has been quite the journey. He still is slightly stunned that he oversees one of the best golf courses in the United States.
“Cascata is not just a golf experience, it’s an entire property experience from the time you come through the gate,” Elliott said. “We greet every guest at the front door and we walk them through the majestic clubhouse and reveal the waterfall and then assign them a locker. When a guest exits to the outside through the grotto doors, their eyes get wide and it is very cool to see. Our stunning golf course plays in the mountain and each hole is a separate, secluded journey. There are no homes or structures on the course and our expert caddies guide players throughout the day. Combine that with our world class food and beverage, and Cascata is a must play–and experience.”
NOTE – Cascata is open to resort play and also welcomes non-golfers to enjoy lunch in the clubhouse, where views feature the course, mountains and many times Big Horn Sheep. Call the course for tee times or reservations or visit CascataGolf.com.
