Columnist Peter Benton: Anthem unveils gem of a course

Peter Benton

Wednesday, May 5, 1999 | 11:21 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Well, gang, there's a new kid on the block, going by the name of The Revere at Anthem. And believe me, it is something rather special.

This course is the first of what eventually will be four high-end, daily-fee layouts planned for Del Webb's Sun City Anthem Community in the southeast corner of the valley in Henderson.

Clay Meininger, the director of golf, is adamant in claiming that he and his staff intend to provide players with a golf experience they will not find anywhere else. Plus, they'll provide services and amenities you would only expect from private clubs.

The par-72 layout, which measures 7,010 yards, was designed by Casper/Nash and Associates and is distinctly different from anything else this city has to offer.

It seems that very little bulldozing and earth-moving was required to build this little gem, as just about every hole is built directly into desert canyons, which provide natural elevation changes and a feeling of seclusion.

Several waterfalls make this course even more dynamic in its natural setting, possibly no more so than the 490-yard, par-5, seventh hole. This hole is played off the side of a canyon on to a wide fairway below. From there players have to go back up to the green that lies at the end of a box canyon. The view from the fairway gives the illusion of shooting into the waterfall because of its positioning behind the green.

The use of multiple tees, wide landing areas, expansive greens, (some with diabolical ridges) and strategically placed hazards will challenge golfers of all levels and provide views of the far away city and surrounding areas you will not believe.

Each and every hole on The Revere at Anthem is named after Paul Revere's famous midnight ride back in 1775, starting at the par-4, 390-yard first hole aptly called Midnight Ride, to the 18th, which is simply named Anthem.

Sixteen of the holes have elevated tees, many over rugged canyons that have no hesitation in snaring balls from errant tee shots, and one must be prepared to hit from uphill and downhill lies as canyons are not exactly flat-bottomed. Ample grassy approaches to the greens provide golfers with plenty of options on each shot on this challenging but playable layout.

The course is a must to play with the greens fees being far more reasonable for locals than most of our other new entities, scaling down from a high of $100 to a low of $40 during summer months.

Joining director of golf Meininger on the staff are Shane Sanchez and Mikeline (Miki) Welch.

Sanchez, formerly of Sun City Summerlin's Palm course, has been appointed Revere's head professional and brings with him a wealth of experience and boundless energy.

Welch, the newly appointed merchandising coordinator, has 10 years experience in this field, having held similar positions at Angel Park Golf Club and Spanish Trail Country Club.

For further information regarding this course or the rate schedule, call 259-4653.

* VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The 1999 Las Vegas Senior Classic by TruGreen-Chemlawn, scheduled for May 13-16 at the TPC in Summerlin, is seeking volunteers. Those interested should call Michele at 242-3008.