(June 2009) So, you're thinking about heading out to Vegas with some friends to have some fun and play some golf. If it's fun you're looking for then, by all means head to Vegas. After all, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! If the basis of your destination decision is to play some awe inspiring golf then, when you get to Vegas, call Randy White at Omni Limousine and ask him for a ride to Mesquite NV. The room rates at the local hotels are quite reasonable (downright cheap in fact) and hey, a slot machine is a slot machine. They even have some $2 blackjack tables. But keep focused, you are REALLY here for the golf.

Mesquite has some of the most beautiful golf courses in the US; from the critically acclaimed Wolf Creek (at one point named one of the toughest golf courses in the US by the USGA) to Falcon Ridge or the Oasis Golf Club (36-holes), you are sure to find a course to suit your game. In fact Wolf Creek is the first course I have ever seen that sells cameras in the pro shop, just in case you want to put the clubs away and focus on the surroundings. But remember, you're here for the golf.

Courses

Casablanca Golf Club and Resort. The Cal Olsen-designed Casablanca Golf Club lies in the wetlands of the Mesquite Valley. The course winds in and out of the Virgin River basin and offers a new experience on every tee. The course plays over 7,000 yards from the back tees (rating 72.5, slope 130).

Coyote Springs Golf Course. Tucked between two picturesque mountain ranges in the high desert about an hour from Mesquite, Coyote Springs offers a breathtaking setting accented by native grasses, cacti, sage and other indigenous plants, sweeping views of the mountains and clear sapphire blue skies. This Jack Nicklaus Signature design measures 7,471 yards for the back tees (75.8 rating, 141 slope). Currently, there is limited beverage service available and no food service. They do have beer!

Falcon Ridge. As the newest addition to the Mesquite golf scene, Falcon Ridge winds its way through Northwest Mesquite's hills and canyons. Playing 6,550 yards from the back tees for a par of 71 (70.3 rating, 131 slope), Falcon Ridge's desert layout boasts some beautiful landscapes, spectacular elevation changes, and numerous water hazards.

Oasis Golf Club — Palmer Course. The Arnold Palmer-designed Palmer course has been ranked among the top 10 public courses by Golf Digest. The course is set among scenic desert panoramas. Rugged canyon fairways and contoured greens make this one of Palmer's most distinctive designs. The course plays 6,633 yards from the back tees for a par 71 (rating 71.7, slope 133).

Oasis Golf Club — Canyon Course. The Canyons course offers 18 holes of spectacular golf. This rugged, meticulously designed course, compliments 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. The Canyons Course plays 6,408 yards for a par of 71 (rating 71.3, slope 129).

The Palms Golf Club. The Palms is a challenge for players of all levels. The course features lakes, sand traps and more than 200 palm trees; the 15th hole has a vertical drop of 114 feet from the tee to the fairway and provides a breathtaking view. The front nine offers wide open fairways and plenty of water, while the back nine has dramatic elevation changes and emphasizes shot placement. The course plays 7,008 yards for a par 71 (rating 72.9, slope 125).

Wolf Creek. Wolf Creek has been called one of the most remarkable and most visually spectacular courses in the world. A visit to Wolf Creek proves this statement to be true. 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. Wolf Creek plays 6,995 yards from the back tees for a par of 72 (rating 75.4, slope 154).

Accommodations

Casablanca Resort and Casino. Casablanca is a beautiful, full service Mesquite resort offering over 450 deluxe tower rooms and suites. Casablanca also has a spacious, clean-air, 24-hour casino featuring more than 700 video poker and slot machines, along with Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Three Card Poker, Pai Gow, Let-It-Ride, and Race and Sports Book. The rooms are modest and well worth the money. The resort also offers three restaurants including Katherine's fine dining, The Purple Fez, and a buffet style restaurant. A large lagoon style pool with waterslide is located in back of the resort.

Eureka Casino Hotel. Recently undergoing a multimillion dollar renovation, the Eureka Casino Hotel features 214 beautifully appointed and oversized rooms and suites, a refreshingly cool swimming pool and spa, modern exercise facilities, and in-room dining at our famous Courtyard Cafe. Select the comfort of a luxurious private spa, a spacious two-bedroom suite with a refrigerator, or a poolside garden patio room. All rooms have quiet central heat and air conditioning, cable TV, and a great view. The Casino is a short walk across the parking lot.

Falcon Ridge Hotel. The Falcon Ridge Hotel is the latest addition to Mesquite's hotel scene. This property offers deluxe guest rooms or suites with a European flair. Amenities include complimentary wireless Internet and local calls, voice mail, desk, microwave, refrigerator, coffee-maker, iron/ironing board, hairdryer, 27 in. cable TV with pay-per-view movies, full hot breakfast buffet, pool and spa, state-of-the-art exercise room, guest laundry facility, business center, game room, and a pet friendly environment. The Falcon Ridge hotel specializes in golf, spa, and honeymoon packages.

Transportation

Omni Limousine. Omni Limousine provides Las Vegas visitors (as well as the local community) the finest in luxury transportation services available. Omni features a large selection of the newest models available, ranging from the finest luxury sedans, limousines, and SUV Stretches.

Omni provides the finest in corporate and personal transportation. Every account we service - whether for airport transportation, business, special events, or a night on the town - receives our individual attention and the finest in chauffeured luxury transportation. And, most importantly, they provide transportation to Mesquite!

Mesquite Amateur — Test Your Golf Skills and Have Fun Too!

(June 2009) Are you interested in comparing your mad golf skills to other golfers of the same ability (and handicap)? If so, you may want to check out the Mesquite Amateur Golf Tournament, held each year around Memorial Day. The tournament consists of three days of net stroke play with the top players from each flight advancing to the Championship round.

For the non-golfers, there are activities everyday that highlight all that Southern Nevada and Utah have to offer. Activities have included poker tournaments, a trip to Zion National Park and a wine tasting luncheon. These activities are not included in the player's entry fee.

Golfers and their guests are invited to nightly parties that include a full buffet (salad, entrée, and desert) and nightly entertainment. Golf Mesquite Nevada, the local marketing arm, puts on pre-dinner participation events where guests can win prizes like hats, golf towels and other golf trinkets. There was also a wine tasting event this year, featuring some local vintners.

An awards banquet follows the third round and prizes are awarded to the top-10 finishers in each flight. The top-4 players from each flight advance to the Championship round on Friday, with trophies and prizes being handed out at a Champion's Luncheon immediately following the round. The tournament entry fee is $525 which includes all of you golf, the nightly dinner and entertainment and a goody bag at the time of registration. The guest fee is a mere $125. Lodging is plentiful and relatively inexpensive.

I highly recommend participating in this event. You will be amazed to find that golfers come from all over the country and Canada to play in this event each year. Many of the participants have played all seven years that the tournament has been is existence.