Another Great Golf Course Closes Its Doors

Effective December 17, 2017, Wynn Golf Club ended its 12 year run and closed its doors.  Only aggravating the situation, the golf course’s approximately 130 acres (which are located just off the Strip) will be converted into hotel additions, convention spaces, and a “Paradise Park,” which will include sand beaches, zip lines, water skiing, and boat rides.

Allegedly, the decision came down to dollars and cents because while the course was making money (approximately $5 million a year), the new facilities are estimated to generate upwards of 10 times that.

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And although there are several courses in the nearby area that may be nicer (e.g., Paiute Golf Resort, Shadow Creek, Cascata), Wynn was on the Strip.

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And that made it unique.  Because while it certainly doesn’t have the prestige of a Pebble Beach or Bandon Dunes, Wynn Golf Club had the unique attraction of being, arguably, the best golf course in Las Vegas.  But, I guess, that’s the double-edged sword.  Las Vegas is primarily a tourist attraction with a heavy emphasis on gambling and shows.  Golf is a side project that gives people something to do when they need to pass time during the day (or get through their hangover).

In addition, this sadly isn’t that uncommon of a story.  Even here in the Northeast, some of the top public courses are facing the same decision: remain open or pursue a more prosperous, non-golf alternative.

Unfortunately, Tallgrass Golf Course, a former Golfweek and Golf Magazine Top NY Golf Course, chose the latter, and has since had its beautiful, links-style course turned into a solar farm…

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So a couple things to take from this… First, if there’s a gem somewhere out there that you really want to play, go tee it up.

I really wanted to Tallgrass and that’s no longer an option.  And while Tallgrass would never have the reputation as Bethpage Black (located only 45 minutes away), there’s something special about playing a great course that’s no longer open or has since been modified.

Fortunately, there will always be places like Pebble Beach, Bandon Dunes, French Lick, and Streamsong to help us get through those tough losses.  Second, add Wynn Golf Club, Tallgrass, and Sergio’s putter to the list of things we lost in 2017.

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Cover Photo via Instagram