FEATURE STORY

Celebrate 20 years of The Mirage with a special stay-and-play Las Vegas golf package

By Mike Bailey,
Senior Writer

In a city where time generally has no meaning, The Mirage Hotel and Casino and three top Las Vegas golf courses are marking two decades in action with a special value package for golfers.

Nov. 22, 2009 is the 20th anniversary of The Mirage, but this hotel and casino that signaled the transition into the new Las Vegas has dedicated the entire year to celebrating the milestone. All year, The Mirage, famous for its volcanic eruptions on the Strip, is offering special deals and events to mark the occasion.

As part of the festivities, golfers are invited to stay at The Mirage and play three Walters Golf courses at special stay-and-play rates. The courses are Bali Hai Golf Club, which is located just down the Strip from The Mirage; Desert Pines Golf Club; and Royal Links Golf Club.

"In celebration of The Mirage's 20th anniversary this year, we are offering a variety of exciting activities so that our guests may join us in celebrating," said Scott Sibella, president and COO of The Mirage. "Our special anniversary golf package combines a great room rate with fantastic deals on green fees at some of the city's best courses. We also are offering specials at a number of our restaurants and shows, including The Beatles' Love, making for the perfect opportunity to take a summer break and come to Vegas."

Green fees on courses like the Pacific-themed Bali Hai Golf Club can easily run around $300 or more, but guests who prepay for room and green fees 30 days in advance can play a round at Bali Hai for as little as $123 during the summer. Likewise, rates at Desert Pines Golf Club and Royal Links Golf Club are as low as $60 and $54.

"We are honored to be selected as one of The Mirage's premier golf partners," said Josh Hill, marketing director for Walters Golf. "And given the current state of the economy we understand that golfers are extremely value conscious. This golf package was created with that in mind. With these unprecedented low rates and hotel specific package bonuses, there has never been a better time to play golf in Las Vegas."

Play Bali Hai or all three Walters Golf venues

Bali Hai Golf Club is the only championship-caliber course located right on the Strip. The course has seven acres of water features accented by bright white bunkering and hundreds of tropical palms. With its signature island green, Bali Hai is a must-play for any golfer visiting Las Vegas. Forecaddies are available at Bali Hai as well.

With thousands of imported Carolina pine trees, Desert Pines offers a Carolina sandhills experience in Las Vegas. Located just 10 minutes from the Strip and 15 minutes from the airport, the Pete Dye-designed Desert Pines also features a full-service grill and a two-tiered climate controlled driving range that stays open late at night.

Playing Royal Links Golf Club will give you a feel for the history of British Open golf. The holes are inspired by great British Isle courses like Prestwick, Turnberry, Royal Troon and St. Andrews. To really get a feel for playing across the pond, caddies and forecaddies are also available. After the round, players can enjoy authentic ales and draughts on tap as well as an extensive selection of scotches and blends at Stymie's Pub, located in the castle-like clubhouse.

The Mirage already has a great legacy

When The Mirage went up in 1989, there wasn't anything like it on the Strip. It was the first resort to open in Las Vegas in 15 years, and it spurred a multi-billion dollar building boom on the Strip, paving the way for a new breed of destination resorts such as the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, Wynn Las Vegas and the giant CityCenter, which is scheduled to open later this year.

Las Vegas resorts make magazine's top 500 world list Bali Hai Golf Club shines on public rankings list A guide to Las Vegas hotels and resorts Bringing a large golf group to Las Vegas?

For the past 20 years, The Mirage has remained a top destination with its iconic volcano, front-desk aquarium, stunning atrium and Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.

Over the past three years, The Mirage hasn't rested on its laurels. It introduced The Beatles' Love by Cirque du Soleil, opened JET Nightclub and The Beatles Revolution Lounge, debuted several new restaurants and completely redesigned the famous volcano.

There's even a relatively new dipping pool reserved exclusively for adults called the Bare Pool, which is defined by its distinctive contemporary ambiance and ultra-VIP service. The DJ-spun music mix sets a lively mood as guests enjoy European-style sun bathing secluded by towering palms.

Feel free to use your imagination.

April 29, 2009

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.