Las Vegas, Nevada (August 19, 2010)–Even on the golf course, there’s no place like home. Just ask Boulder Creek’s Troy Helseth. An assistant pro at the Las Vegas golf course since it opened in 2003, Helseth won the recent PGA Southwest Section’s Southern Nevada Chapter Championship by three strokes. It was the third time Helseth won the crown, adding to his 2005 and 2009 titles. Last year’s event was also at Boulder Creek Golf Club.—by Bill Bowman
“I played very well,” Helseth said. “The second day, when the wind was blowing, I hit the first 17 greens in regulation and that made it a lot easier.” The assistant golf professional was quick to point out that just because he’s working at the course, he’s not out there every day teeing it up. “I’ve probably only played the course about a dozen times in the last year,” he said. But, being an employee since day one, Helseth admitted he does have an edge. “I definitely know where not to miss shots,” he said. Helseth carded a two-day total of 68-71—139 to beat Anthem Country Club’s Travis Long, second at 71-71—142. Third place went to Kim Dolan from Siena with 72-71—143. Click now for more stories about Las Vegas golf pros. Helseth said his tee shot on the par-4 15th (the 6th hole on Coyote Run) was the key to his victory. “The tees were moved up and it played 295 yards,” he said. “I hit a 3-wood to the back fringe and two-putted for birdie. I played it smart the rest of the way in.”
Boulder Creek, a 27-hole Mark Rathert design and one of more than 50 golf courses in Las Vegas, is a desert golf experience with a resort-style feel. Stunning flowers and desert terrain add to the beauty and challenge. And if you’re looking for a challenge, the combined 18 holes of all three 9-hole layouts—Desert Hawk, Coyote Run and Eldorado Valley—can stretch out to more than 7,500 yards to test even the best players. Each of the nines feature its own signature holes that are both stunning to view and challenging to play. On the Desert Hawk, it’s the 9th hole that will take players’ breath away. The par-4 stretches to 480 yards and water comes into play twice…once off the tee in the form of a huge pond to the right and the second time from a stream that cuts in front of the green and feeds into the pond. A huge bunker to the right of the green makes pulling a club for that second shot even tougher. It’s a great finishing hole to a great nine holes.
On Coyote Run, the 8th hole will tantalize players with its design. The par-3 plays to 179 yards from the tips, but it’s all carry over a huge pond. The green, nestled at the base of a huge hill, is also fronted by a brilliant white-sand bunker. Choosing the right club is the key…being able to pull the trigger is another story. Over at the Eldorado Valley, the 442-yard, par-4 7th is one tough hole. Seven bunkers provide the trouble on this hole (there are no ponds, streams, etc. on this nine) and the bunkers are placed to force the player to take an extra second in choosing a club. Helseth admits he’s looked into head professional jobs, but for now, he’s happy with being at Boulder Creek—and also with the word getting out about the value and beauty of the course. “It’s a fun place to work,” he said. “And once we get people out here…to a person, they are going to come back again.” Click now for more news from Las Vegas golf courses.