Mesquite Gaming hosts Mesquite Amateur
By Tara Trovato
Next week, more than 600 golfers will descend on Mesquite for the second largest handicapped amateur tournament in the nation, the Mesquite Amateur. Every year since 2002, Mesquite Gaming, owner of the Casablanca Resort and Virgin River Hotel, has hosted the Mesquite Amateur, which serves as a summer getaway for hundreds of amateur golfers, not only around the United States but around the world. The 16th annual Mesquite Amateur — a five-day, 54-hole, net, stroke-play tournament — takes place from May 28 through June 1.
Thirty-eight U.S. states are represented in this year’s tournament, and there are 12 foreign competitors traveling from as far as Thailand. The tournament continues to attract a wide range of players, from the oldest male participant at 90 years old to the 130 female participants, including last year’s champion Gigi Higgins of Cape Coral, Florida. This unique golf tournament is an essential destination in golfers’ travel plans each year with intense competition, pristine courses, and after-hours events including a Texas Hold’em championship, Cigars Under the Stars, and multiple player dinners with raffle giveaways from participating sponsors including Mesquite Resort Association, Taylor Made, Adidas, Callaway, and Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits of Nevada.
As hundreds of amateur golfers prepare for their travels, one Mesquite local is getting ready to depart from Mesquite as she leaves for college, and thanks to the Bruce King Memorial scholarship, she will be rewarded for her hard work.
Sicne 2013, Mesquite Gaming and the Bruce King Memorial Board have been rewarding one Virgin Valley High School senior in memory of King, who participated in the first 10 years of the Mesquite Amateur before passing away of cancer in 2012. The board is made up of Mesquite Amateur participants who played alongside King and wish to carry out his passion for education.
This year’s Bruce King Memorial Scholarship winner, Makenzie Leishman, will receive a check for $6,500 during the Mesquite Amateur tournament. Leishman has gone above and beyond throughout her high school career and is on track to be valedictorian of her class. She is also the vice president of the National Honor Society and the senior class treasurer and plans to continue her education and earn a degree in business with an emphasis in entrepreneurship.
“Bruce was a huge advocate for education, and it’s truly a privilege to award a special and deserving student like Makenzie,” said George Salcedo, president of the Bruce King Memorial Board. “We are very proud to award another student, and we couldn’t do it without the help of Mesquite Gaming, who goes far and above for the community and youth education.”
Community involvement is essential each year for the Mesquite Amateur, and this year more than 60 local Mesquite volunteers will be assisting with tournament. Their work and dedication during the week of this tournament help create an amazing experience for all participants.
For more information about the upcoming Mesquite Amateur, visit casablancaresort.com/golf, or follow Mesquite Gaming on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
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