NEWS

Siena Golf Club in Summerlin wows Nevada owners group

By Mike Bailey,
Senior Writer

LAS VEGAS - Siena Golf Club is one of those golf facilities that feels like a resort but caters to both the local community and visitors. Perhaps that's why this Summerlin golf property overlooking Las Vegas has been named the 2009 Golf Course of the Year by the Nevada Chapter of the National Golf Course Owners Association.

Review: Siena Golf Club in Las Vegas Photo gallery: Siena Golf Club Review: Arroyo at Red Rock, Siena's sister course

The Lee Schmidt/Brian Curley-designed layout features a strong combination of individual holes and terrific views of the Strip below. But perhaps, more importantly, playing there is always a first-class experience, and the facility has taken a number of pro-active steps in the community.

"Considering the high quality golf facilities in the state of Nevada, we feel very honored to have been selected," said Siena General Manager and Director of Golf Tony Lenzie. "It helps show the dedication and hard work of every employee of Siena Golf Club. I am very proud of my staff and facility."

John DeMarco, director of travel tourism for LasVegasGolf.com/Golf Channel, said the owners made a great choice in honoring Siena Golf Club, which in addition to a well-designed course has an outstanding Tuscan-style clubhouse and restaurant.

"Siena is a great course offering close proximity to the Strip and a spectacular city view from some vantage points," he said. "The staff at Siena is very attentive and offer a country club feel"

What makes Siena Golf Club outstanding

The award was based on several criteria: exceptional quality of the golf course, exceptional quality of ownership and management, outstanding contributions to the community, and significant contributions to the game.

Siena obviously excelled in all areas. For example, you'd be hard pressed to find better course conditions anywhere. The course, which is highlighted by 97 white-sand bunkers, also got some improvements recently. The second and 10th holes were renovated in the last 12 months, including improvements to the desert arroyo landscape that split the fairways.

In addition, Siena Golf Club's management has made a commitment to turf reduction to assist the Las Vegas Valley Water District in conserving water. Siena was the first golf course in Las Vegas to begin this process several years ago and has since removed more than 50 acres of unnecessary turf and reduced its water use by more than 30 percent.

Also cited were Siena Golf Club's contributions to the community and the game. It annually donates more than 400 rounds of golf to local charities and businesses for fundraising. And the club also has a very successful monthly player improvement program and golf academy. Siena also sponsors two to three local high school boys and girls golf teams, which are allowed to use the practice facilities and course at no charge.

October 16, 2009

Mike Bailey is a senior staff writer based in the Houston area. Focusing primarily on golf west of the Mississippi, he contributes course reviews, travel stories and features as well as the occasional equipment review. An award-winning writer and past president of Texas Golf Writers Association, he has more than 15 years in the golf industry. Before joining the WorldGolf.com team in 2008, he held positions at PGA Magazine, The Golfweek Group and AvidGolfer Magazine.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management.