Columnist Peter Benton: Henderson course set to open May 1

Peter Benton

Wednesday, March 22, 2000 | 9:43 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Kurt Greve is the epitome of a kid with a new toy these days.

Greve is the director of golf at the new and picturesque DragonRidge Golf Club in Henderson (one mile east of the Desert Willow layout), and his pride in this expansive and beautiful new course that will open May 1 is certainly justified.

Featuring unobstructed views of Las Vegas, DragonRidge's natural beauty is an 18-hole, 7,032-yard, par-72 course which makes innovative use of the site's hillsides, canyons and natural topography.

The lush fairways are wide with just three water holes on the whole course. Unlike some local layouts, fairway and greenside sand traps are not overdone, although they are certainly impressive when viewed from the tee.

Greens are large and many are double-tiered. Because of their size, they will offer a multitude of challenging pin locations.

Reflecting the belief that championship courses are not built just for professional tournaments, Greve said DragonRidge offers an impressive variety of play with up to six teeing areas for each hole.

What can be a serious challenge from the back tees can become fair and friendly to both low and high handicappers from the regular and forward tees.

Located in the McCullough Mountains overlooking Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, DragonRidge is an outstanding Jay Morrish and David Druzisky design.

This design team is internationally known for its ability to blend golf courses into the natural surroundings, said Greve, and this layout is certainly no exception. The course, which has sodded Bermuda fairways and large bent-grass greens, has been designed to incorporate the natural slopes and arroyos of the McCullough Mountains, creating several ways to play each hole and offering players a new golf experience and scenic views with each round.

To ensure that DragonRidge achieves and maintains its superior quality level, Greve said the management team is committed to providing year-round, tournament level golf course conditioning plus the highest level of personal service and club amenities for both members and guests.

The 26,000 square-foot clubhouse (which is scheduled to be completed in August of next year) will include everything you would expect to find in exclusive golf clubs, spa resorts, and executive conference centers, but with the advantages of being a private club serving a select group of members. (It is anticipated the DragonRidge will have 450 equity and 150 social members).

DragonRidge Golf Club is a private gated community located on 1,200 acres at McDonald Highlands on West Horizon Ridge Parkway in Henderson.

For further information regarding this course, call Kurt Greve at 614-9100.