New Mesquite course to open in 2008

Concerns about the availability of water, as well as exorbitant land prices, have for the time being ended the development of new golf courses in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson.

But that is not true of Mesquite, which will add a 10th track when the Conestoga Golf Club at Sun City Mesquite is completed in January.

The course is designed by Gary Panks, the designer of Aliante Golf Club in North Las Vegas.

Conestoga will play at nearly 7,200 yards from the back tees to a par of 72, Panks said. He said he'll design the course to play differently to challenge players' abilities from each of five sets of tees.

The course will play through two natural washes, which Panks said will be left as they are.

"This is a special site," said Panks, who pointed out that elevation changes of up to 200 feet will provide differing types of shots.

OB Sports, which manages Angel Park, Legacy and Aliante golf clubs, will manage Conestoga.

• MOUNTAIN WEST -- The UNLV men's golf team will begin its quest for its second national championship today in Tucson, Ariz., when it opens the Mountain West Conference championships at Tucson National Golf Club.

The Rebels will be looking to end New Mexico's four-year stranglehold on the conference title, won each year at the Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Ore. UNLV last won the league title in 2002.

Coach Dwaine Knight will play juniors Jarred Texter and C.J. Gatto, sophomores Seung-Sun Han and Eddie Olson and freshman Brett Kanda.

UNLV has played twice at Tucson National this year, winning the Arizona Intercollegiate in January and placing seventh in the National Invitational Tournament this month.

• REBEL SIGNEES -- UNLV signed two players to national letters of intent during the spring signing period, landing junior college transfer Kevin Carrigan and Ji Moon.

Carrigan played at Midland College, the same school that produced Rebels All-American Chad Campbell. Carrigan finished third in the NJCAA national championship last year.

"Kevin is the top player on his college team that won the national (junior college) championship a year ago," Knight said. "And being on a national championship team is always a plus. He came highly recommended by Midland's coach, Delnor Poss, as a very dedicated young man."

Of Moon, Knight said: "We feel Ji is a really good prospect to go to the next level beyond college, which is his goal. We are excited to have him."

Moon, from St. Mary, Fla., is ranked 16th in Golfweek's junior ratings. He is coached by noted instructor David Leadbetter.

• BENEFIT EVENT -- The Henderson Chamber of Commerce will host its "Swing for Success" tournament May 11 at the Tuscany Golf Club.

Entry fee is $200 per player. Proceeds will benefit Nevada State College.

For more information, call the Henderson Chamber of Commerce at 565-8951.

• FREE LESSONS -- Local golfers can get a free 10-minute swing tuneup from a local professional in May as part of a PGA of America free lesson promotion.

To find a participating pro, go to www.playgolfamerica.com.

• AJGA EVENT -- The Las Vegas Founders Junior Classic will take place June 11 to 14 at Angel Park Golf Club.

Among the players who have competed in the event since 1990 are Tiger Woods, Chris Riley and Cristie Kerr.