Perfect Weather, Perfect Golf Await in Mesquite, Nevada

By Chris Duthie

With cold, snowy weather coming fast and furious, it’s time to plan a golf trip to one of my favorite amazing-autumn destinations. Because when you factor in this Nevada desert destination’s considerable temptations — sun-splashed temperatures in the 80s, ethereal scenics, high value stay-and-play packages and some of the more challenging and visually stunning courses imaginable — there is simply no disputing the palpable delights of Mesquite.

Mesquite began in 1879 as a Mormon settlement, but today the town — located about a day’s drive southwest of Denver and just 80 miles north of Las Vegas — has grown up to offer some big-city entertainment. Consider the following:

1) Mesquite’s Wolf Creek Golf Club (pictured atop), crafted by John and Dennis Rider, is ranked the 48^th best public course in America by Golf Digest, and it again tallied top votes in the 2017 CAGGY Travel Awards (Best Golf Experience, Nevada and Utah). Also earning must-play attention: Troon-managed Conestoga (Gary Panks), Falcon Ridge (Kelby Hughes/Cresent Hardy), 36-hole Oasis Golf Club (Arnold Palmer), Coyote Springs (Jack Nicklaus) and 27-hole Sand Hollow Resort (John Fought) in nearby Hurricane, Utah.

2) Fun on the area’s golf courses is decidedly pure and exceptional, but so are the thrills at Mesquite’s gaming properties. Centrally located Eureka Casino Resort pampers with luxurious accommodations, four restaurants, signature spa treatments, spacious meeting facilities and a heated outdoor pool with private cabanas. Recently remodeled CasaBlanca Hotel & Casino tempts with fine and casual dining, spa services and Cal Olsen-crafted golf. Plus, it schedules top-shelf live entertainment like Crossroad Station, John Brooks’ Tribute to Elvis, The Shady Eighties, The Comedy Machine and Bee Gees Gold—The Tribute.

3) Go explore southeast Nevada’s splendid outdoors. Within a few hours’ drive are astonishing natural wonders like the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Lehman Caves at Great Basin National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park.

4) If recent snows are any indication, you might want to pack your skis or ‘boards along with your golf clubs. Brian Head Ski Resort is situated above 9,600 feet in St. George, Utah — only 40 miles to the northeast — and that translates into a superlative, double-your-pleasure opportunity to also go play Coral Canyon’s exceptional Keith Foster-designed golf course.

For more about Mesquite go online to visitmesquite.com. For one-stop vacation planning and assistance including individualized golf packages at Mesquite’s more popular courses, visit golfmesquitenevada.com.

RELATED LINKS

Build Your Mesquite Golf Getaway

Mesquite’s Conestoga is Magical

2017 CAGGY Awards: Travel

VOTE IN THE 2018 CAGGY AWARDS

Chris Duthie is a Durango-based contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer. Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.