 NEVADA
FEATURE
Secret Golf Meccas:
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"We were going to run an ad campaign," a Chamber of Commerce
member confided over lunch, "promoting Laughlin as what Las Vegas
was say, thirty years ago --- less crime, less traffic, and more bang
for the buck than what exists there today. We were told that casting
Vegas in a negative light was a big no-no. For years now, we've been
in a position where people almost have to discover Laughlin by accident."
During the winter months, tourist traffic is at it's peak. Knowledgeable
golfers will visit the area during the nascent summer and fall months,
when both crowds and pricing are negligible. In the middle of summer,
being out-of-doors in Laughlin can be akin to strolling around the inside
of your oven, with high temperatures soaring into the 120's, so visit
then at your own discretion. I spent a mid-June weekend here and braved
heat that barely crested 100 F., easily bearable in a low-humidity venue.
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Should your schedule allow for an extra day of golf, make the hour-long drive east to Kingman and play Cerbat Cliffs. You won't regret it. (My review of this fine municipal course can be found at GolfArizona.com).
If your confidence has been raised by a lower-than-usual score at Desert Lakes, the surest way to test your ego is to play your next round at Emerald River.
If the slope and rating (73.6/144 from the tips) don't clue you in as
to the course's challenge, ask a local. "We get ninety percent
of our play from the casinos (tourists)," says General Manager
John Duckett. "The locals would rather play someplace easier."
Those who accept the challenge of Emerald River, however, are in for
a real treat. The lush fairways and greens writhe like a bucking bronco;
the layout is akin to a desert version of Hawaii's Ko'olau (the
highest sloped course in North America). Although Emerald River can
undoubtedly be described as a target golf course, it is not as ungodly
penal as its reputation would allow. Hit it crooked here, though, and
you will be dumping some serious sand out of your shoes by round's end.
Desert wildlife thrives on the property, and is easy to spot.
As is often the case, the truest sense one gathers of an area's natural
splendor is obtained by making one's way around a golf course. The stark,
rugged beauty of the mountainous desert landscape that surrounds Laughlin
is evocative of California's
Coachella Valley (Palm
Springs). There is no better spot to soak it all in than during
a round at the area's best track, Mojave Resort Golf Club.
Located on the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation, Mojave Resort is tops not only because of its marvelous setting, but also due to its commitment to conditioning and playability. During the winter, when play is at its peak, the course maintenance staff will widen the fairways and enlarge the greens to ensure an enjoyable round for players of all abilities.
The layout pleases from start to finish. Golfers will find some excellent driving holes on the course, and will experience unpredictable wind patterns which can alter the playing experience from round to round. The front nine's final four holes are the course's best, and the beauty and danger found at the 18th (called "Double Cross" for the dual carries over water one must execute in order to survive) allow Mojave to finish on a high note. Those who have played some of the top courses in Las Vegas will no doubt recognize similarities between this course and one of Vegas' finest, the Paiute Resort. This is no accident. The design team of Schmidt/Haserot, who helped build the first two courses at Paiute (as associates of Pete Dye), also crafted the course at Mojave Resort. There is however, one big difference: the price tag. While Paiute charges in excess of $150 to play during peak months, you can get on Mojave for around half that. This, in a nutshell, is the beauty of the golf experience here. Value lives in Laughlin.
Non-Golf Diversions
As with most aspects of life in Laughlin, recreation activities center around the Colorado River. Visitors can easily arrange to reserve all types of personal watercraft by calling one of the area's many rental companies.
Be alert and cautious when spending time around the fast-flowing river. Even though outside temperatures can soar above 120 F. in the summer, the river stays a shockingly frigid 58 F. year-round (not as refreshing as it sounds).
Fishing, both in the Colorado or in nearby Lake Mohave, is typically excellent. Whether you are a bass, striper, catfish or trout fishing enthusiast, you'll want to be sure to make time to drop a line in when you visit Laughlin.
For those that desire a leisurely tour of the mighty Colorado, a replica Mississippi paddlewheeler is docked right outside the Edgewater Hotel/Casino and offers daily tours (water levels permitting). The "Edgewater Belle" has air conditioned lower decks, open air upper decks, and also offers bar service.
Need that golfing dollar to stretch a little farther in these tough economic times? Check out Laughlin. Never was it so easy to come out ahead in Nevada.
Travel
Recommendations
CLOSEST INTL AIRPORT: LAUGHLIN/BULLHEAD INT'L (IFP)
approx. 40 commercial flights per month (year 2001 data)
AIR SERVICE: AIR LAUGHLIN www.airlaughlin.com
Air Laughlin offers nonstop flights three times a week from San Jose,
Phoenix, Burbank, and Ontario.
Lodging
EDGEWATER HOTEL
The east-west orientation of the Edgewater affords it a copious number
of river view rooms. Over 1,400 rooms are offered at this 26-story hotel.
Chow down at the Grand Buffet, Laughlin's largest.
FLAMINGO
LAUGHLIN
1-866-457-0062(702-577-2220)
There are 1,900 rooms in this twin-towered full-service hotel. Dine
at one of their four restaurants, including the excellent Beef Barron.
Special Services
ANGEL'S MASSAGE
Located onsite at the Flamingo, Angel's provides ethical, licensed massage
therapy, either in their office or in your room. Angel's staff caters
to golfers with aching post-round muscles, or those seeking an invigorating
warmup. Call ahead for an appointment.
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
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