Las Vegas, Nevada (May 18, 2010)–The term hidden gem is used to describe many golf courses. But when players find their way to play the Jack Nicklaus design at Coyote Springs (located an hour north of Vegas)–the term ‘hidden gem’ will immediately come to mind. And with good reason as this world-class golf course has to be seen to be believed.–By Bill Bowman
The Chase opened to rave reviews everywhere in May 2008. The Nicklaus Signature Course plays from 5,349 yards to a jaw-dropping, pulse-pounding 7,471 yards. And it does so beautifully as Nicklaus and his design team worked wonders on turf that will eventually become the Coyote Springs community. Eleven lakes add to the challenges and brilliant white-sand bunkers seemingly come into the equation on every shot. Coyote Springs is one of 50 Las Vegas area golf courses.
The opening hole, playing just 374 yards from the blue tees, sees Nicklaus give players a great chance to score early. Better take advantage while you can. The landing area is huge, but rolling fairways add to the test as players will seldom find a level lie. A good drive will leave players with a short-to-mid-iron into an undulating green (Be prepared: Most of these greens, though very smooth, are tough to read and challenging to putt. Just because you’re on in regulation doesn’t guarantee a par by any stretch of the imagination.)
One of the most daring holes on the course is the par-5 5th. Playing 539 yards, there are two ways to take on the hole after the tee shot as there are two ‘islands’ of fairway players can hit to. Go left and it’s a shorter carry, but the third shot into the green will then have to be hit over an intimidating bunker. Go to the right side (if you’re a big hitter) and the approach shot becomes much easier as players will hit to a deep green, but they won’t have to deal with bunkers. Both nines end with stunning par 4s as bunkers and a huge pond (guarding both greens) combine with the beauty of the plant-life to create a visual masterpiece.
And it’s not just the course that will impress players. The practice facility covers more than 100,000 square feet with 13 target greens. There’s also a green to work on the short game and bunker practice and a putting green of 10,000 square feet to work on the flat stick. (And don’t be afraid to hit a couple of extra practice putts…they will come in handy on the course). In the end, players will view the hour drive to Coyote Springs as a chance to prepare to take on one of Nicklaus’ finest tests. They will use the hour drive back to Vegas to plan their next trip as they reminisce about what could have—or should have—happened during their round.