Cut to the Chase

Jack Nicklaus has created an ideal retreat near Sin City

 

The Desert Inn Golf Club, which opened on the Las Vegas Strip in 1952 and became known as a Rat Pack favorite, swallowed its last putt in 2001 to make way for a new development. Since then, golf in Vegas has served as an escape from the hurly-burly of Sin City, giving rise to world-class courses distant enough to provide respite from the din of the casinos, but close enough to the Strip to allow for a post-round night at the tables.

The latest course to follow this trend is a new Jack Nicklaus layout 50 miles outside Las Vegas. The Chase at PGA Golf Club Coyote Springs opened in early 2008 and quickly attracted attention, earning No. 2 and No. 3 rankings, respectively, on Golf Digest and Golf magazines' lists of the top new public courses. The Chase is impressive not only for its superb shot values but also for its expansive location and scenery, with views of saw-toothed mountains in the distance. It feels exhilarating — and odd, in a good way — to knock the ball around manicured fairways and greens surrounded by the parched, brown landscape.

“It's like playing links golf in the middle of the desert,” says Todd Michaelsen, head pro at the Chase. “It's a traditional course in an untraditional place.”

Considering its arid surroundings, the Chase course is also unusual for an abundance of water, drawn from a natural aquifer. Water hazards come into play on 11 holes, guarding several greens and cutting a dramatic swath — replete with waterfalls — between the ninth and 18th holes. Some of the rock formations are actually concrete sculptures mimicking the nearby mountain ridges. You can't blame Nicklaus for the faux touches, though. This is Las Vegas, after all. In fact, with its rippled fairways and sweeping elevation changes, the whole course has a sculpted quality that makes for a transporting round.

 

Local Favorites

Stay

The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino. This posh, AAA five-diamond property on the Las Vegas Strip is the Chase's hotel partner, offering preferred tee times for guests. 702.414.1000, venetian.com

Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa. This chic hideaway northwest of the Strip recalls 1950s Vegas, with a bowling alley complementing the huge spa and lavishly appointed rooms. The location offers easy access to golf courses. 702.797.7777, redrocklasvegas.com

Aliante Station Casino + Hotel. With its off-Strip location, earth-toned décor, and just 220 rooms, the Aliante provides a soothing break from Sin City's flash. 702.692.7777, aliantecasinohotel.com

Eat

Lavo. Enjoy Mediterranean fare such as braised lamb on flatbread while the DJ spins music. 702.791.1800, palazzolasvegas.com/lavo.aspx

MRKT Sea & Land. Bright and upbeat, this new steak and seafood restaurant is perfect for a post-round meal. At the Aliante Station Casino + Hotel.

Robuchon at MGM Grand. The only Michelin three-star chef in Vegas, Joël Robuchon, presents refined French fare such as langoustine ravioli with truffles — and a 16 -course, $385 tasting menu. 702.891.7358, mgmgrand.com/dining

Other Courses

Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort. The par-3 15th hole on the Wolf layout — one of three breathtaking Pete Dye–designed courses here — features an island green like Dye's famous 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. 800.711.2833, lvpaiutegolf.com

Shadow Creek. A must-play course designed by Tom Fazio. 866.260.0069, shadowcreek.com

— J.B.

 

Deals & Discounts

The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt
Sixteen miles south of Dublin, Power s-court offers a stay-and-play package for twosomes, including a room or suite for two, a round of golf on one of two courses, and breakfast and dinner. From 485 euros (about $660) per night. Valid through April 30, 2009. 353.1.274.8888, ritzcarlton.com/powerscourt

The Broadmoor
The original course at the Broadmoor, in Colorado Springs, was designed by Donald Ross in 1918 and renovated by Nicklaus Design in 2005. In 2011, the U.S. Women's Open returns to the Broadmoor. The Five Star Golf Getaway includes a round of golf, and 15 percent off suite rates. From $233 per night, double occupancy; through April 30. 719.634.7711, broadmoor.com

Hammock Beach Resort
The golf and spa package at the Hammock Beach Resort — home to the highly regarded Ocean and Conservatory courses — includes daily breakfast and the choice of a round of golf or a spa treatment. The Palm Coast, Fla., resort is 80 minutes from Jacksonville. From $508 per person, per night; no expiration. 386.246.5500, hammockbeach.com

Augusta National
The Masters is the toughest ticket in town, but it's worth the price to walk the grounds of Augusta National, an hour from Columbia , S.C. Luxe travel agency Virtuoso offers a Masters package for the weekend (April 10–12) that includes two nights' accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner buffets, and Saturday and Sunday tournament admission. From $3,695 per person, double occupancy. 817.870.0300, virtuoso.com

St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach
The golf and spa package at the St. Regis in Dana Point, Calif. (28 miles from Orange County ), is ideal for golfing couples. Choose unlimited golf for two on the oceanfront Robert Trent Jones Jr. course, a $150 spa credit per person, or unlimited golf for one and one $150 spa credit. From $745 per couple, per night; valid until January 1, 2010. 949.234.3200, stregismonarchbeach.com

Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club
The Classic Golf Package at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, in Tampa, Fla., offers rounds on the famous Copperhead Course — site of the PGA Tour's Transitions Championship, March 16–22 — and three other courses at the resort. Book three nights at $249 per person and receive accommodation in a spacious suite, plus a daily round of golf. Valid through April 29. 800.456.2000, innisbrookgolfresort.com

Rancho Bernardo Inn
Guests who book the stay-and-play package at the 287-room Rancho Bernardo Inn, in San Diego, have a daily choice of unlimited golf on the resort's recently renovated championship course (or two other nearby courses) or a spa treatment. From $349; no expiration date. 877.517.9340, ranchobernardoinn.com

Barton Creek
Barton Creek set the standard for upscale golf in the Texas Hill Country when it opened 22 years ago, and recent renovations have restored the luster to the Austin property. The Fazio Unlimited package includes a deluxe room and unlimited play on the Fazio Foothills or Fazio Canyons course. Rates in March from $254 per person, per night, double occupancy, taxes and fees included. 866.572.7369, bartoncreek.com

— J.B.

Editor's note: Some Deals & Discounts are subject to availability and restrictions.

Getting There: All the destinations covered in “Golf” can be reached by flying Continental Airlines. To book your trip, visit Continental Airlines Vacations at covacations.com.

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