Wynn Golf Club is more than just a pretty face

LAS VEGAS – When you play a golf course as pristine as Wynn Golf Club, it’s easy to overlook the other elements that make it a premium golf experience. In this case, it’s the golf shop, which is laid out in such a manner to complement the golf course, the unique locker room setting and shops that are part of the Wynn Las Vegas and Encore resorts.

So it’s no surprise that Wynn’s director of golf, Brian Hawthorne, has been named the Southwest Section PGA’s Merchandiser of the Year in the resort category. Each year the award recognizes a PGA member from a resort who has demonstrated superior skills as a golf merchandiser with a focus on golf promotion, inventory, shop display, staff and merchandising techniques.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the PGA and to be a part of the Las Vegas golf community,” Hawthorne said. “At Wynn, we have an incredible retail team who are committed to offering the finest products for our guests. Our products coupled with a world-class golf experience make Wynn Golf Club a very special place.”

Everything at Wynn is first class, including the golf, of course. The 7,000-yard Tom Fazio/Steve Wynn course, which features bentgrass greens (you can read my review here), is almost always in absolutely perfect condition. You play with a caddies, many of whom are PGA Professionals themselves. And whether the $500 green fee during peak season is a drop in the bucket for you or you had to empty your piggy bank to play there, they make you feel like a high roller from start to finish.

Hawthorne, a graduate of the University of Florida, has also had stints at the TPC Sawgrass, TPC Summerlin and Cascata. He is in charge of making sure everyone has a great experience, from the lounge, men’s and women’s full-service locker rooms, pro shop, practice facility all the way to the course. Guests can also get loaner Callaway golf clubs and FootJoy shoes at no additional cost as well as free non-alcoholic beverages. All you have to do is ask.