First impression: The Chase at PGA Golf Club Coyote Springs near Vegas a hit with Golf World readers

By Mike Bailey
Courtesy of travelgolf.com

Finding a western home of the PGA of America was a long time in the making, but it’s apparently well worth it, if The Chase at PGA Golf Club Coyote Springs, Nev., is any indication.

The Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, which is the first of many that are planned for the western PGA Golf Club and Village, opened last year to rave reviews. It also impressed readers of Golf World and Golf Digest magazines.

So much so, in fact, that it made its debut on the second annual Golf World/Golf Digest “Readers’ Choice Awards” as the highest rated public course in Nevada. The list, which recognizes the 50 best private, public and resort golf facilities in the country, has The Chase at No. 7. It is one of five Nevada golf facilities on the public list. Nevada is second behind Michigan, which has seven on the list.

The Chase was also one of three Nevada golf courses to make its debut on the 2010 list.

Coyote Springs: Worth the wait

The PGA of America originally attempted to locate its “western” golf home in San Antonio several years back, but environmentalists as well as political opposition made it difficult for the PGA, which eventually looked toward the Las Vegas area.

If the Chase Course is any indication, the failure in San Antonio just might be the PGA of America’s good fortune. The 7,471-yard par 72, located about 50 miles north of Las Vegas, is stunning. It’s also in perfect condition. Readers gave that part (there are 12 categories) a score of 9.75 on a scale of 10, which ranked it tops among all courses in the survey. In fact, had the course, which opened in 2008, ranked higher in categories such as clubhouse, off-course activities and dining, it could have challenged for the top spot.

As it is, some consider the Chase at PGA Golf Club Nicklaus’ finest desert course to date, which is saying a lot since he has several top courses not only in Nevada but Arizona as well. The Chase Course features undulating greens, white sand bunkers, dazzling water hazards and a top-notch caddie program.