Enjoy Las Vegas' Treasured, Plush Greens

Known throughout the world for the unprecedentedglitz, glamour, and imagination of itscasinos, Las Vegas, Nev, has quietly emerged as1 of the United States' fastest-growing golf destinations.With temperatures dropping across the country, a wintervacation to Vegas is appealing. Visitors can explore thewarm beauty and splendor of the Nevada desert, alongwith its unique golf opportunities.

Walters Golf (www.waltersgolf.com) is committedto providing its guests with a memorable golfing experienceat a fair price. It owns and operates 6 of thecity's most unique and challenging golf courses. Thesecourses offer a range of playing experiences for golfersof all abilities and budgets. It has partnered with leadinghotels in Las Vegas to develop special room ratesfor golfing packages. Walters has a number of excellentcourses to play, depending on your budget. Hereare a few from their portfolio:

Royal Links Golf Club

Missed your invitation to play in the British Open?Not to worry. You can play the best 18 holes of theOpen's rotation courses in Las Vegas at Royal Links.Royal Links Golf Club was created to honor the richtradition and history of the game of golf. It is 1 of themost unique playing experiences in the country. TheLinks course faithfully recreates holes inspired by theBritish Open rotation, such as "The Road Hole" and"Hell Bunker" from the old course at St. Andrews and"The Postage Stamp" from Royal Troon.

Other courses in the loop include Carnoustie,Turnberry, Royal Liverpool, Prestwick, Royal Lytham,Muirfield, and Royal Birkdale. Forecaddies are availableand recommended, as many of the holes are trulyScottish in design and flair, with deep, hidden bunkersand hazards. Monuments were erected at various pointsthroughout the course to indicate spots where greatmoments in British Open history took place. This isn'tyour typical round of golf, and whether you're into thehistory of the game or just want a shot at Tiger Woods'course record of 67, Royal Links will provide you withsome very memorable golfing.

Bali Hai Golf Club

The only championship course located right on theLas Vegas Strip, Bali Hai is a tropical golfer's paradise.The course is highlighted by 7 acres of water, an islandgreen, and more than 4000 trees, including 2500 standsof towering palms and 100,000 tropical plants and flowers.Transition zones are accented by Augusta white sandand set off with black volcanic rock outcroppings.

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Caddies and forecaddies are available to makeyour round more enjoyable. Using 1 of the professionalcaddies, a foursome can complete play in lessthan 4 hours, even though this is a championship golfcourse that will test every golfing skill. Recognized as1 of "America's Top 40 Resort Courses" by magazine and the "Best Course in Las Vegas" by magazine, Bali Hai is a unique experienceand a must-play for golfers of all abilities.

Stallion Mountain Country Club

Secretariat (also known as the West Course) is themost challenging of the 3 distinctive courses atStallion Mountain Country Club. Like its namesake,Secretariat is not for the faint of heart. It requires longand accurate drives, precise iron shots, and a deftputting touch when played from the championshiptees. For those looking for less challenge, Secretariatplays very friendly from the middle tees.

Strategically placed bunkers protect tiered fairwaysand greens. Water plays an important role in the overallaesthetics of the course. In 2001, new greens wereadded that feature Tiff-Eagle putting surfaces.

Stallion Mountain Country Club is a private, guard-gatedfacility accessible through preferred hotel partnersand private and corporate members. It offers a reciprocalprogram with other private country clubs. The clubhousefeatures the Squires Grill and a fully stocked proshop, which carries name brand golf apparel and offersCallaway Club and FootJoy shoe rentals.

Adrian Davies is a former European Tourplayer who is hired by Fortune 500 companies,such as IBM, American Express, and Nike, forcorporate events. He welcomes questions orcomments at adrian_leeds_utd@hotmail.com.