First impression: The Chase at PGA Golf Club Coyote Springs near Vegas a hit with Golf World readers

By Mike Bailey,
Senior Staff Writer

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Water is a concern on the 18th hole on The Chase at PGA Golf Club Coyote Springs in Nevada. (Jeff Dow/Courtesy of coyotesprings.com)

Finding a western home of the PGA of America was a long time in the making, but it's apparently well worth it, if The Chase at PGA Golf Club Coyote Springs, Nev., is any indication.

The Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, which is the first of many that are planned for the western PGA Golf Club and Village, opened last year to rave reviews. It also impressed readers of Golf World and Golf Digest magazines.

So much so, in fact, that it made its debut on the second annual Golf World/Golf Digest "Readers' Choice Awards" as the highest rated public course in Nevada. The list, which recognizes the 50 best private, public and resort golf facilities in the country, has The Chase at No. 7. It is one of five Nevada golf facilities on the public list. Nevada is second behind Michigan, which has seven on the list.

The Chase was also one of three Nevada golf courses to make its debut on the 2010 list. Cascata Golf Club in the Las Vegas area as well as Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, also made the list for the first time.

Coyote Springs: Worth the wait

The PGA of America originally attempted to locate its "western" golf home in San Antonio several years back, but environmentalists as well as political opposition made it difficult for the PGA, which eventually looked toward the Las Vegas area.

If the Chase Course is any indication, the failure in San Antonio just might be the PGA of America's good fortune. The 7,471-yard par 72, located about 50 miles north of Las Vegas, is stunning. It's also in perfect condition. Readers gave that part (there are 12 categories) a score of 9.75 on a scale of 10, which ranked it tops among all courses in the survey. In fact, had the course, which opened in 2008, ranked higher in categories such as clubhouse, off-course activities and dining, it could have challenged for the top spot.

As it is, some consider the Chase at PGA Golf Club Nicklaus' finest desert course to date, which is saying a lot since he has several top courses not only in Nevada but Arizona as well. The Chase Course features undulating greens, white sand bunkers, dazzling water hazards and a top-notch caddie program.

Cascata Golf Club shines as well

Cascata Golf Club, a Rees Jones design generally reserved for high rollers, also ranks high on the spectacular meter. Coming in at No. 14 on the list, Cascata is an exclusive experience from the time of arrival. Guests, who are given a locker for the day, often don't see another group on the entire course, which was cut out of the rocks of hillsides just outside of Boulder City.

Each group also gets a forecaddie when it arrives at Cascata's Tuscany-style clubhouse, which, with its indoor waterfall, rated highest among all golf courses on the list. Cascata also features some of the best holes in the area and dramatic elevation changes. Practice facilities and course conditions are also impeccable.

Wolf Creek Golf Club in Mesquite was next at No. 35 on the list. Designed by Dennis and John Rider, the club is known for its amazing views, great clubhouse and challenging course.

Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, which came in at No. 39 on the list, is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Located in Stateline on beautiful Lake Tahoe and the California border, this George Fazio design hosts the American Century Celebrity Championship each summer. Brook's Bar & Deck at the clubhouse has also been named one of Golf Digest's "Best 19th Holes in America."

And, finally, there's Bali Hai Golf Club in Las Vegas at No. 47. This Walters Golf property, which sits next to Mandalay Bay on the Vegas Strip, is a Pacific-themed break from typical desert golf. With plenty of water, thousands of palm trees and imported white sand, it's right in line with Sin City's themed escapes. Bali Hai is also complemented by a great caddie program and excellent dining.

For more, click here to see the complete list.

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October 27, 2009

Mike Bailey is a senior staff writer based in the Houston area. Focusing primarily on golf in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, 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. Read Mike's golf blog here and follow him on Twitter here.