GRiN AND BeAR it!

The lush bent grass greens at Bears Best Las Vegas

tAke A swing on A JAck nicklAus-DesigneD golF course

By yvonne newman

Photo of Bears Best Las Vegas courtesy of the Las Vegas News Bureau; Hole 13 on The Chase at Coyote Springs Golf Club courtesy of Coyote Springs Golf Club; SouthShore golf course courtesy of Nicklaus Golf

Everyone knows this name: Jack nicklaus. not only has the legendary golfer, dubbed The Golden Bear (thanks to his hefty build, blond hair and aggressive play), won 18 major championships, but hes gone beyond teeing off on fairways to creating them. recognized around the world, his company nicklaus Design boasts 350 courses in 34 different countriesincluding three in or near Las Vegas. BEArS BEST LAS VEGAS
Opened in 2001, Bears Best is a high-end, par-72 public course in west Las Vegas, approximately 12 miles from the Strip. It brings together 18 of Nicklaus most beloved holes from courses hes designed worldwide. There are four sets of tees (Red, White, Blue and Gold) on the impeccably manicured greens. They range in play from 5,043 to 7,194 yards. If youre short on time, look for the Green Bear Tee Marker on each hole. It indicates the Fastee Course, which measures only 3,004 yardsmaking it perfect for novices as well. desert and shore surroundings. Challenges abound, as there are 88 strategically placed bunkers and other more nuanced elements to test ones skill.

THE CHASE AT CoyoTE SPrInGS GoLF CLUB

Coyote Springs is a 55-minute drive from the Strip. The Chase debuted in 2008 and is the first course in a series that will be designed by Nicklaus for the master-planned community. Featuring 11 lakes and more than 100 bunkers on a gorgeous desert setting surrounded by mountains, the par-72 layout is demanding and plays for up to 7,471 yards from the championship tees. Golf Digest included The Chase on its 2011 list of Americas 100 Greatest Public Courses. Everyone is welcome here.

Hole 13 on The Chase at Coyote Springs Golf Club

THE GoLF CLUB AT SoUTHSHorE

Roughly 17 miles east of the Strip, this golf club is located in Lake Las Vegas, a resort/ residential community in Henderson that surrounds a picturesque 320-acre lake. Although it has a members-only policy, guests of Ravella and The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa are allowed to play (ask at the hotels concierge desks). Its par-71, 6,917-yard championship course opened in 1996 and was designed to fit in harmoniously with the unique

The SouthShore golf course has a dramatic layout

RECREATION LAS VEGAS

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