Columnist Peter Benton: Kudos to Reflection Bay course

PETER BENTON is a local golfer. His column appears Wednesdays.

BEAUTIFUL WEATHER prevailed for VIPs and media personnel who assembled last Wednesday for the inaugural tournament at Lake Las Vegas new 18-hole Reflection Bay golf course.

Reflection Bay Golf Club, which will play host to this year's Wendy's Three Tour Challenge in November, opened its doors to this large field of golfers to introduce one and all to the incredible 7,261-yard masterpiece designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus.

Five different tee areas to satisfy the ability of all golfers and typical strategic bunkering (a Nicklaus trademark) coupled with waterfalls, forced carries of arroyos and unsurpassed views ensure each and every golfer a memorable round.

Early holes on each nine follow existing canyons up in elevation to approximately the midway point, returning with dramatic views on the downhill holes.

The finishing holes on both nines are located along the shores of the 320-acre man-made Lake Las Vegas. In fact, there's a five-hole stretch along a mile and a half of the beautiful, pristine shoreline.

Reflection Bay Golf Club, unlike the Southshore Golf Club, its sister layout across the lake, is open to the public. It's a course that, despite its $150 per round price tag, must be played.

Its beauty, challenge and playability will leave a lasting impression on all who do.

Last week's inaugural tournament was an 18-hole Shambles -- a four-person team event where the best drive is selected on each hole, with each player then playing his own ball from that spot and the best low net ball of the foursome (80 percent of handicap) being used for scoring purposes. Each player's drive had to be used at least twice.

Winning this fun-filled event with an incredible score of 21-under 51 was the team led by Liz Carroll. Her playing partners were Ward Farrell, Mike Bump and Tom Carroll.

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