Columnist Peter Benton: Primm, Desert Pines good news for local golf fans

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 1997 | 12:04 p.m.

PETER BENTONis a local golfer. His column appears Wednesdays.

I GUESS it is widely accepted here in the valley that we still require more public golf courses to meet the demands of our ever-increasing population.

There is absolutely no question either that the price to play this popular game is becoming astronomical. It is thus becoming increasingly difficult for the average working man and retiree to play with the frequency they once did.

However, despite those negatives, there are positives, and they are that new ventures in our area, such as the Primm Valley Golf Club and the Desert Pines Golf Club, have proved to be superior facilities, well worthy of the national attention they are receiving.

Primm Valley's Lakes Course was ranked in December's Golf Digest as the eighth best new upscale public course in the country, while the state-of-the-art Desert Pines center was named in the Golf Range and Recreation Report magazine as having one of the top 10 new golf ranges in America.

A panel of experts from Golf Digest evaluated the Primm course over a six-month period, with the judging being based on these six criteria: shot values, playability, design, variety, memorability and aesthetics.

Daryl Driscoll, Primm Valley's director of golf, commented on what a great honor it was to receive such a ranking and said it was a credit to the staff which takes such pride in their work.

The 6,975-yard, par-71 Lake Course, which opened to rave reviews last February, will shortly be joined by a sister layout, the Desert Course. This layout will be accented with cacti and palm trees, providing a stark contrast to its tropical sister.

Package rates, which include a one-night stay at Primm Valley Resort, Buffalo Bill's or Whiskey Pete's plus a round of golf, start at $99.

For more information, call (702) 679-5510.

The Desert Pines Golf Center has one of the most technologically advanced ranges in the country, according to Steven J. diCostanzo, founder of the Golf Range and Recreation Report magazine.

Open since February of last year, the center sits on more than 10 acres of land and features a 20,000-square-foot, two-tiered complex with 58 covered, climate-controlled teeing stations; a fully automated ball delivery and teeing system and a lighted range with five target greens, resembling some of the most celebrated par-3 holes in the United States. In addition, each teeing station affords full food and beverage service and provides seating for up to three people.

"We're honored to be named one of the top practice facilities in America," said Eric Dutt, director of marketing for Desert Pines Golf Center. "Many people have worked very hard to provide an outstanding learning facility for Las Vegas. The award is a credit to their hard work."

Located just five minutes from downtown and less than 15 minutes from the Strip, the Desert Pines Golf Learning Center sits adjacent to the 18-hole Desert Pines Golf Club.

For more information about the center, call (702) 388-4400, and for golf reservations, (702) 366-1616.