Play is now well underway at the CJ Cup at The Summit Club overlooking Las Vegas, Nevada. After two days of TV closeup, we know much more about the course than we did a few days ago. But let’s have a look at some things you won’t know about this stunning course situated between Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Las Vegas Strip.
The Course Has Amazing Views of the Strip
Due to the elevation changes throughout the course, there are some absolutely sensational views of Sin City, the first tee and the sixth tee being the standouts.
The long hitters can get incredibly close to some greens on a few of the par 4’s due to the insane elevations throughout the course, especially the first. If Bryson DeChanbeau had opted to play here this week, there is absolutely no doubt he would have reached the green off the tee on the first.
The golf course is a challenging walk, especially with the steep walk up to each tee box. It is, of course, not an option for the pros, but there will be very few members not exercising the option of the cart when they play here.
Contrary To Popular Belief, The Course Record is Not Held by Collin Morikawa.
In Morikawa’s pre-tournament press conference this week, we learned that his low score on the course is 62 but that his friend Maverick McNealy has shot a 61 at The Summit Club.
The Practice Area Is One of the Best in the World
According to several top stars playing there this week, the elite practice area at The Summit Club is among the best in the world. The sprawling range looks out onto the desert mountains, and the short game area could easily double up as a world-class par-3 course. The practice area is so elite that leaving it to go and play golf feels like a chore.
The Course Has Some of the Best Comfort Stations in the World
The emergence of comfort stations around the golf course has been a controversial one for a while now. They bog down play, and many argue that they detract from the golfing experience. But when the food is this good……
The course has smoothie bars, candy stations, bagel bars with vast selections of cream cheeses, hot dog and burger stations, and multiple other stations, all offering the best snack option quality. Very much like the practise area, it’s a wonder golfers can drag themselves away to get back onto the course.
The Inclusive Private Properties on the Course Are Insane
The Summit Club is a joint venture between Howard Hughes Corporation and Discovery Land Co. Exclusive, multi-million dollar homes began pre-selling back in 2015. When the lots were initially sold six years ago, they went for around $1.5 million each but are already selling for upwards of $6 million due to the high demand. Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis and Celine Dion are amongst the celebrities who own houses around the course.
All 150 custom lots and 31 luxury condominiums have already been sold despite building not even having begun yet on the bulk of them.
Due to the high demand, plans were announced recently to add 20 more condominiums, the ‘small’ ones starting at $7.5 million, with the penthouse units starting at $15 million.
Frank Sinatra Plays at The Summit Club Daily
There is a nice Vegas touch in the tunnel golfers need to walk through connecting the seventh green to the eighth tee with Frank Sinatra songs blasting in the tunnel all day long.
Another fun twist of The Summit Club experience is the five ‘secret’ spots on the course where tequila shots are hidden for golfers to help themselves if they can find them. They are hidden next to the agave plants – whatever they look like.
The Course Itself is Spectacular.
Last but not least, let’s talk about the course. After all, that is the most important thing. The Tom Fazio designed course features palm trees in the middle of the desert, man-made creeks and lush greens, excessively watered.
The course has received nothing but rave reviews from the pros that have played it this week. There have been plenty of birdies over the first two rounds. As long as the players avoid the desert, the incredible elevation changes offer some really low scores and a delightful round.