Columnist Peter Benton: Exclusive new club among best in the Southwest

Peter Benton

Wednesday, April 12, 2000 | 11:32 a.m.

Southern Highlands the most exclusive -- and most expensive -- new golf club in the valley, opened its doors to members, guests and selected media last week to mostly flattering reviews.

Rightfully so, as everything about the 7,381-yard, par-72, 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr. layout and facilities are first class.

The cavernous, 42,000 square-foot clubhouse, with its intricate stonework, high ceilings and expansive picture windows, includes a full service golf shop, locker rooms, shoe and valet service, steam room, sauna and whirlpool, business center, golf library plus an exceptional sports complex and fitness facility, to name but some of the many amenities available to members and their guests.

Members and their guests will also enjoy a variety of dining experiences in the clubhouse, including a men's grill, mixed grill, women's grill, snack bar, formal dining room, terrace dining room, plus a wine room featuring the finest vintages and an on-staff sommelier.

Completing the services, Southern Highlands offers five specially designed golf cottages which may be used as vacation residences that can be reserved for stays ranging from one day to several weeks.

The golf course combines one of the Southwest's most thrilling designs, with awe-inspiring natural beauty and sweeping elevation changes. The rolling terrain offers breathtaking views of the golf course, nearby mountains and the Las Vegas skyline at every turn. A lush landscaping palette is featured, with many varieties of flowering plants and trees designed to accentuate the beauty and drama of the course's natural setting. Additionally, the layout includes an amazing 18 acres of spectacular water features comprised of streams, lakes and waterfalls.

Overall, this 2000-acre master-planned community course offers a tremendous and memorable golf experience.