Vegas

VIVA GOLF VEGAS

Some people think casinos, some libations, some shows and some… other things; but as far as Michael Williams is concerned, Las Vegas is all about a buddies’ golf trip. Let’s hit the road...

Hole #18 at the Summit Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: The Henebrys

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Alternatively called Sin City, Marriage City, Neon City, and the Entertainment Capital of the World, Vegas also holds 70-some golf courses, many of them world-class. Add to that good food and all of the off-course extras, and it’s easy to fill a foursome on a long weekend.

As someone who has navigated Las Vegas through various life stages—as a hard-partying 20-something, a convention-attending 30-something, and now as a dad of two in my 40s—I think it’s safe to say that I’ve grown to appreciate the city’s ability to be many things to many different people. And if your thing is playing golf, eating well and having fun with your friends, then there’s definitely a Las Vegas for you.

It’s incredibly easy (and usually inexpensive) to get to Vegas; almost every fair-sized city in America has a direct flight. What’s more, Vegas was built for visitors, so travel arrangements should go smoothly. Las Vegas has 14 of the 20 largest hotels in the world and more than 150,000 hotel rooms, so it’s not as if it’s going to sell out. Why not go in together on a suite with your buddies and live like kings for a few days? And eat like royalty as well! The restaurant scene here is unrivaled, and there’s every possible vibe and cuisine available. But all of that is for after the golf, and the golf is amazing.

When people think of desert golf, the first places that come to mind are probably Scottsdale or Palm Springs, but Vegas holds its own in the game. There’s an incredible amount of top-notch public golf in Southern Nevada, such as the perfectly manicured Tom Fazio-designed enclave of Shadow Creek. As for private courses, they’re superb: The Summit Club, Southern Highlands and TPC Summerlin are just a few—although getting a tee time at these aspirational clubs is all about knowing the right people. If the idea of a golf buddies’ trip to Las Vegas has your wheels turning, then based on my past experience allow me to offer a suggested itinerary. Just remember to drink/eat/play responsibly, and maybe to limit those “bet you don’t make this putt” wagers to $10 or less—no sense ruining a trip for a friend by emptying his pockets (or your own).

Delano behind Mandalay Bay; Nobu’s incredible Cod Miso

STAY

The options for hotels from vibe to price are nearly limitless, and there is something for everyone. Having stayed at nearly all of the big hotels, my preference is always for the “boutique” experience. I prefer to navigate a smaller hotel attached to the big casino—it’s the best of both worlds. The boutique hotel rooms are also less standard than the main casino hotels and feel more like a cool city hotel. You also get proximity to restaurants and gambling if you want it. A few of my favorite hotels are the NoMad Hotel, which is an MGM property, or the Delano, which is in its own tower behind the Mandalay Bay. If you want to walk to golf you could stay at Encore at the Wynn hotel or in one of the Wynn Fairway Villas, which look out onto the golf course. Other good options are the Cosmopolitan and Aria, which are both modern and have a lot of interesting dining options. Keep in mind, some courses have special requirements—e.g. Shadow Creek requires you to be a guest of an MGM property and a part of the M Life rewards program.

DAY 1

Wynn Golf Club Ease into your Vegas golf trip with the last course on The Strip. Just like everything the Wynn does, the golf course is immaculate and it obviously has incredible proximity to the action. When it comes to this course, Tom Fazio is a worldbuilder. Through sheer genius, imagination and a healthy budget Fazio managed to create an expression of nature and perfectly manicured golf—complete with massive waterfalls— in the shadows of the Wynn towers. There’s no better way to start a golf trip than to play at one of America’s premier resort courses. Afterwards, decompress and relax at the pool or in the Wynn spa.

DINNER: Nobu (Caesars Palace) Go big or go home. Since you spent the day at one of the nicest resorts in Vegas playing a big-ticket golf course, you might as well go for it with dinner. Nobu is featured in rap songs for good reason: it’s a scene and it absolutely delivers. Miso Cod, Rock-Shrimp Tempura and a cold draft beer postround is about as good as it is ever going to get.

Paiute Golf Resort [above]; Carbone restaurant; waterfalls at the Wynn Golf Club [below]

DAY 2

36 Holes at Paiute Golf Resort There are three Pete Dye-designed courses at Paiute: Wolf, Sun Mountain and Snow Mountain. Located in Northwest Las Vegas, about 30 minutes from The Strip, all three golf courses are surrounded by the vast expanse of the desert that makes up the Paiute Tribal lands. Expect some seriously incredible views and, of course, some signature Pete Dye elements—including island greens and intimidation off the tee. All of the courses at Paiute are among my favorites anywhere and they hold up as the ultimate “if you know, then you know” golf courses.

DINNER: Carbone (Aria) Carbone is equal parts dinner and theater. It’s “red sauce” comfort food at its best with an atmosphere that manages to enhance the experience further. Carbone is one of my favorite spots in NYC, so I always make sure to add it to a Vegas trip. Nothing beats a big round table with good wine and even better friends.

DAY 3

18 or 36 at Wolf Creek in Mesquite, NV If you aren’t against venturing a bit further afield, Wolf Creek is a 90-minute drive from The Strip and absolutely worth it for the the pure natural beauty of this golf course. Like many desert golf courses this place is super-pure. At times you might look around at the natural beauty of the place and marvel at just how lucky we are that our species decided to expend a tiny sliver of our ingenuity into the field of golf course design and construction. Just stunning.

DINNER: Bavette’s Steakhouse One of my favorite things about Vegas is the city’s ability to recruit great restaurants like Bavette’s from all over the U.S. to open the only other outpost in Vegas. What could be more appropriate than a good steak and a stiff drink with your golf buddies? I can think of nothing better.

DAY 4

Cascata Located just out of town in Boulder City, Cascata is a complement to Shadow Creek in terms of grandeur and experience. Expect a high-touch first class affair from the minute you set foot on property. When you see the waterfall running through the clubhouse you will know you’re in a different sort of place. Get caddies, prepare to flush irons off grass that feels like the nicest carpet you’ve ever seen and then just soak up the special treatment. This is experiential golf at its finest.

DINNER: Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab Joe’s is one of my favorite restaurant experiences of all time. It’s rare for me to make it to Miami to go to the original Joe’s (pro tip: slip the maître d’ a twenty to jump the line for a table) but since I end up in Vegas often I always go for seafood, steaks and a martini at Joe’s. Don’t miss the namesake stone crabs with mustard sauce.

OLD SCHOOL VEGAS

Fremont Street

Fremont Street is a time machine back to the quaint days of Vegas pre-IPO. Filled with vintage Neon signs and old west references, this is a throwback experience that’s unlike must of the gloss that you find on The Strip. Fremont Street has somehow become equal parts charming and creepy, which I think fits a Vegas experience.

Battista’s Hole in the Wall

This place is an off-the-strip gem and a holdover from another time. Bi-coastal folks would understand a comparison of Dan Tana’s meets 21 Club. Put more simply, this is the type of place where Frank Sinatra would be a regular.

The Peppermill

Walking into the Peppermill is like stepping back in time. Off the strip, this old school lounge is a true Vegas experience. Commandeer a banquette and enjoy a retro Vegas cocktail experience. There aren’t many places like this left in Vegas.