Columnist Peter Benton: Local specialty store can solve gift needs

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003 | 9:51 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Unless you are from Mars, completely off your rocker, or just plain out of it, you must know there is little but a week before dear old Santa arrives.

With that in mind, I would like to remind area golfers -- both men and women -- that for large ticket items down to stocking stuffers, a trip to "In Celebration of Golf" just may be the answer to some of your more difficult-to-fill Christmas gifts.

In Celebration of Golf is Roger Maxwell's unique two-story, 14,000-square foot golf emporium which is in the Canal Shops at the Venetian Hotel and Casino.

This remarkable store is a combination of 18 totally different themed "celebrations" -- enclosed and elaborately decorated wings with different carpeting, furniture, wall-coverings and merchandise.

Believe me, anything you could possibly want to find relating to golf is there -- arts, gifts, golf equipment, clothing, antiques, and so, so much more. I swear, there is no other store that can remotely challenge the variety of merchandise and memorabilia that's available in this store.

Be warned, however, one cannot rush in, make a quick purchase, and run. No way. You see, it is very easy to spend an hour or more just in the downstairs foyer perusing the thousands of one-of-a-kind novel and distinctive gifts that are on display in this area alone.

Another area, "The Art of the Game," features, among other things, original painting and sculptures from around the world, plus fine reproductions, prints, serigraphs, lithographs and posters.

"The Men's and Ladies Professional's Shop" carries the most extensive range of quality name-brand clothing imaginable -- honestly, the colors and styles are truly mind boggling. In yet another area, "The Spike Shop," there is one more incredible display -- yes, and range -- of men's and women's golf shoes. (Incidentally, this is the living room area, complete with supple leather chairs and sofas, a shoe shine service, a variety of golf magazines and books to peruse, even a television set tuned to the Golf Channel. Complimentary coffee, tea and other refreshments are also served here.)

There are just so many things that make In Celebration of Golf fascinating -- in fact, one has to see it to experience the absolute splendor of it all.

Joe's recent hole in one came on the 159-yard, par-3, 12th hole on the Palm Course at the Angel Park Golf Club via a perfectly struck 7-iron.

Witnessing this historic shot were playing companions Darrell Jones, Craig Hawkins and Kurt Litz.