Friday, July 12, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
But erupt they do.
Duke Rohlffs, vice president of golf operations at Players Island, is counting down the days until the new course opens to the public.
Rohlffs is happy with the way the course is carved out of the natural contours adjacent to the Virgin River in what once was an alfalfa field.
"You've heard of 'A River Runs Through It.' For us, a river runs by it," Rohlffs said of the Virgin's meandering course just south of the Players Island hotel and casino.
Mesquite's other golf courses are known for their extreme topography. Players Island won't be anything like the Oasis course or the back nine of the Palms course up the highway. While the 7,011-yard par 72 layout may be kinder and gentler, it still abounds with challenges, Rohlffs said.
"It's a return to nature, a natural habitat," Rohlffs said of the river environs. Many of the holes use the river as a background or a hazard. Holes hunker down into the wetlands region. Bobcat, coyote and "a million different kind of birds" make the region their home. Each hole has five tee boxes to cater to every level of player.
About 11 or 12 holes (depending on the river level) have water in play. Rohlffs said he thinks golfers of all skill levels will enjoy the course because it offers challenges for players of varying ability. The course is built with a philosophy of risk-reward -- players wiling to take a few risks with their shots will be rewarded with good scoring opportunities.
Cal Olson, whose Coyote Hills municipal course in Fullerton, Calif., is getting rave reviews there, designed the Players Island layout. He took the river, the scenic vistas and prevailing wind patterns into account when putting the course on the map.
Greens superintendent Riley Stottern, who used to oversee Steve Wynn's Shadow Creek course, is working the grass into shape for an Oct. 1 opening.
Expect Rohlffs to arrange golf packages like the Oasis has for guests wanting to play golf by day and visit the casino by night. He also plans to organize corporate events. His goal is to book the course for the first 45 days it'll be open before the first hole is ever played.
Because golfers thrive on variety, Rohlffs expects guests to try his course on one day of a trip and one of the other courses for a second.
Greens fees for the course: $65 at midweek and $75 on weekends in season. Players will be able to call toll-free for tee times, (888) 711-GOLF.
By Richard N. Velotta
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