Destination Golf: Mesquite’s Conestoga

By Steve Turcotte, Inside Golf Editor

It had been years since I had made the journey from Las Vegas to Mesquite. There was a time we had a group that went twice a year, skipping the lights and sounds and courses of Las Vegas and heading up the freeway a little more than an hour to Mesquite.

And for good reason. At that time, there was plenty of golf with some of the courses ranked among the best in the state.

I went back only to find that Mesquite was bigger and the golf course count had grown.

Count Conestoga Golf Club as one of those Mesquite courses that now dots the Mesquite landscape that was not around when we last visited.

And this is not just another golf course. This is a golf course that seemingly has it all. From the terrific views of the nearby mountains with holes that run through some rugged terrain and some par-3 holes that need to be seen to be believed.

Sometimes when you tee it up at a course it’s hard not just hit the shots with the scenery is amazing. This is one of those places. The holes are carved out of sandstone and if you are looking for a signature hole, keep looking. This is a place with 18 of them.

But what gets your attention early is the par-3 second hole. With an elevated tee box, you stare down at a green that looks like an island. Miss the green and you score is in trouble. All of the par-3 holes at Conestoga are dramatic.

It’s little wonder why this place is ranked as the fifth best course you can play in Nevada by Golfweek.

The front nine offers a couple of holes with split fairways and the sixth hole, just to keep things interesting, has two shots which require a carry.

On the back side, things keep getting interesting as the 15th and 18th holes have elevated tee boxes and feature more dramatic shots.

Course designed Gary Panks must have had fun when he sat down at his design table and figured out what to do with all 18 holes. This is a course that can be stretched to 7,232 yards or as short as 5,017. With five sets of tees Conestoga has a little of something for every golfer. A couple of publications have some interesting complimentary words about the course. “Its like playing on the moon but with full gravity,” said Sports Illustrated. “For solid value and spectacular scenery you will definitely want to ride this wagon,” said Travelin’ Joe Passov of Golf Magazine.

Conestoga is just part of what makes Mesquite such an attractive golf experience. There are other courses in the area and plenty of places to stay. When thinking making golf travel plans, don’t forget to take a look at Mesquite – and Conestoga Golf Club.