Page 42 - LVGL Summer 2019

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INS T R UC T ION

Eric Dutt, manager of Reflection Bay golf
operations, is a former high-level amateur
golfer and member of the Las Vegas Golf Hall
of Fame, and understands how to cater to
elite players.

“The academy is an unparalleled golf-
focused environment for players who want
to improve their golf games,” says Dutt, who
oversaw the world-renowned Cascata and
Rio Secco along with the Butch Harmon
School of Golf for more than 15 years prior
to joining Reflection Bay. “With our golf
assets and multiple amenities available to
our student guests including on-site hotels
and dining, Lake Las Vegas has more to offer From right: Na Yeon Choi - LPGA Professional,
2012 U.S. Open Champion; Robin Symes -
international students than any other course Director of Instruction - IGI Korea Golf Academy.
in Southern Nevada. This is the first of many
visiting golf academies and national teams the in-depth training schedule his academy
that we have slated to visit Lake Las Vegas.” provides. Even with the potential Las Vegas ABOUT LAKE LAS VEGAS &
distractions, his group was focused on the REFLECTION BAY
Symes’ golf institute students had access tasks-at-hand each day.
to Reflection Bay’s practice facility that Overall, Lake Las Vegas is the home of
features four practice holes, chipping and “We basically go all-in during the academy two Nicklaus signature courses, Reflection
pitching greens, fairway bunkers and more. and that is in line with their culture,” Symes Bay and the private SouthShore Golf Club,
Additionally, a state-of-the-art indoor hitting said. “Whatever you’re doing (in Korea), and is a premier residential, golf and resort
bay with Trackman technology, Scotty you dedicate yourself to that. There’s a lot of destination situated on a privately owned
Cameron putter fitting, club fitting and full things we could learn.” 320-acre lake that features 10 miles of
club repair services are onsite. shoreline.
At a young age, children are identified A renaissance and resurgence is happening
Visiting students were also able to tap for his or her particular talent and once a at the 3,592-acre master planned community
into the knowledge of former PGA TOUR decision is made, they spend thousands of that features a wide range of residential
professional Craig Barlow, the club’s director hours per year fine-tuning those talents. The offerings, two world-class hotels, pampering
of instruction, and instructor Jeff Gallagher, results are proven by the several dozen tour spas, full-service marina with watercraft and
also a former tour player. Barlow made professionals who are now having success in water sport rentals and yacht cruises, hiking
170 cuts on the PGA TOUR and competed major professional golf including Las Vegas and biking trails, and MonteLago Village,
in eight major tournaments including the resident Inbee Park, among others. a pedestrian-only enclave with lakeside
British Open, six U.S. Opens and a PGA restaurants, cafés, Seasons Grocery and more.
Championship. Gallagher played on the As for major champion Choi, Symes has Lake Las Vegas is also known for special
PGA TOUR and the Nationwide Tour (now not only helped her through his teaching events, concerts, wine tastings and other
the Web.com Tour), where he won in 1991 skills, but also has provided a calming unique gatherings.
and 2000. On one day, Barlow played with influence including during the week of her
the group, putting up a scorching 64 and 2012 U.S. Women’s Open victory. Reflection Bay was built in 1998 and
impressing the South Koreans. designed by 18-time Major winner Jack
“He saw that I had lost confidence,” said Nicklaus. The course is one of only three
Symes has been impressed with the Choi at the time. “He gave me a pep talk. If Nicklaus-designed courses in Southern
dedication of his South Korean students over I have a good week here, then it is because I Nevada. For more information, visit
the years and how each student embraces have a good team behind me.” www.reflectionbaygolf.com.

40 LVG&L SUMMER 2019 W W W.L ASVEGASGOLFANDLEISURE.COM