Written by Scott Dunford
Last month, I had the rare opportunity to play golf with two fun and accomplished golf professionals at the Palms in Mesquite. I say rare because, as you may know, golf pros and directors rarely get to play golf on a regular basis. It’s all business most of the time, but this day was mostly just plain fun!
Scott Sullivan is the golf course director and Tom Winchester the head pro for both the Palms and the CasaBlanca Golf Club, both owned and operated by Mesquite Gaming. I’ve played CasaBlanca several times, but this day I choose to play the Palms. Why? Because I’ve started hearing good things about the Palms, and today was no exception.
As I listened to Sullivan expound on what he’s been able to accomplish in his short four-year term there, I was not only impressed with the results, but mostly by his vision for the future. For those who haven’t played the Palms in the past two or three years, you really need to give this course a second — and third — look. It’s in much better condition, and as Sullivan put it, “I try to improve on something every year that’s a noticeable improvement.”
His focus now is on conditioning and improving the golf experience, making it a memorable one as you complete your round. I would have to agree. The back nine is a great test for accurate shot-making, while providing a lasting impression on those last five spectacular holes! It’s a great value when everyone else in the area is charging twice as much to play during peak season.
The Palms was the first course created in Mesquite, and has that traditional look and feel to it. It’s not all tricked out with contoured fairways, blind dog legs, and surrounding vacation homes. It’s desert golf and desert hazards. It’s long and intimidating from the back tees, yet provides plenty of risk reward for all levels of play, with multiple tee positions.
I also played the CasaBlanca Golf Club the week before. Like I wrote in last month’s issue, August is a great time of the year to play golf for so many reasons, but I didn’t know that it’s also when Bermuda grass thrives best — in the heat and early morning humidity. These conditions create the perfect storm for great putting conditions throughout Southern Utah and Mesquite. It’s a similar climate to what South Carolina golfers have known for decades, and another reason to get out and roll a putt on greens that are superb.
Sure, it’s hot and humid in August here, but don’t sell yourself or your game short. Play summer golf! September is the month when most courses overseed, so remember my advice for next year if you’re still not convinced!
The CasaBlanca and Palms are all about enhancing the stay-and-play experience. It’s what a golf resort is all about. You come to gamble and win — or lose — some money, hang out at their huge pool with a kiddy water slide, and as a perk, play two well-maintained, well-designed layouts. Water is in play on well over 50% of these holes. It plays a big role throughout your round, so take a moment or two to select a club that keeps you in play. It’s not always about “grip it and rip it” here, although there are plenty of holes where that’s exactly what you need.
For me, I think the best part about the Palms and CasaBlanca was the condition of their greens! Every bit as nice as the priciest golf clubs in the area, and in some cases, better. It’s a fair price for this quality of golf year-round, and if you purchase a Mesquite Gaming member card, that price gets even better on either course.
Check out their website and become a member of their loyalty program and email alerts. Choose a complete vacation package or a full day of fun, with stunning desert views of the Virgin River Valley, accented by spectacular mountain views, sweeping up from the valley floor to over 10,000 feet! Enjoy the view with a deli sandwich and cold brew on the spacious deck of the Palms restaurant, or save that appetite for one of the casinos’ three totally different dining experiences: Katherine’s fine dining, The Casa for exceptional Chinese and traditional American, and their Friday/Saturday buffet, featuring the freshest seafood within 100 miles!
If you’re feeling lucky, the golf gods and Lady Luck will be there to make certain you have a memorable experience. Whether you live out of state, in Southern Utah, or call Mesquite home, it’s a total entertainment experience!
See you on the links!
