Former Rhodes Ranch golf manager returns to oversee two valley courses

For Steve Butler, the opportunity to run two Las Vegas area courses, Rhodes Ranch and Tuscany golf clubs, brought him back to the valley after a 10-year stint running a public course in Southern California. A former manager at Rhodes Ranch Golf Club in the southwestern valley master-planned community, Butler now serves as general manager at both clubs.

"In 1997 I was fortunate to serve as the general manager at Rhodes Ranch Golf Club and part of my responsibilities back then included overseeing the construction of the course," Butler said. "When Jim Rhodes called me a couple of months ago and asked if I would be interested in running his two courses, I jumped at the chance to return to Las Vegas and be a part of these world-class golf clubs."

Both the Rhodes Ranch course and the Tuscany Golf Club at Tuscany Residential Village in Henderson were created by legendary golf-course designer Ted Robinson Jr. Robinson has designed hundreds of golf courses, most in the western United States. Rhodes Ranch and Tuscany golf clubs both offer 18-hole, par 72 courses, and each is more than 6,900 yards long.

"From the early days of the course until today, Rhodes Ranch has quickly matured into one of the best conditioned and most playable courses in the Las Vegas Valley," Butler said. "With their unique blend of challenge and playability, Rhodes Ranch and Tuscany are both challenging for experienced golfers, yet forgiving for beginners.

"What really sets us apart from other golf clubs is a combination of the pristine condition of the courses, exceptional customer service and the ideal location. Location is a big one for both tourists and local residents," Butler said.

The landscaped courses showcase palm and pine trees, and water features contribute to the verdant surroundings. Rhodes Ranch and Tuscany golf clubs are designed to be fast, friendly, and fun for all types of players, he said. Both are open to the public in addition to residents of Rhodes Ranch and Tuscany.

Butler has 20 years experience in the golf industry, serving as head professional, director of golf and course general manager at various clubs in Arizona, Southern California and Nevada. He earned his credentials as a golf instructor after serving as a Pro Golf Association member for 13 years.

In his new position as general manager, Butler oversees all the day-to-day operations for both Rhodes Ranch and Tuscany golf clubs, including the overall maintenance of the two courses, the food and beverage departments, club house operations and sales and marketing efforts.

Butler said he has several plans in store for the two clubs.

"I want to take these courses to the next level. By offering the best conditioned courses in the valley and first-class customer service, I want our customers to say that Rhodes Ranch and Tuscany are the two 'must-play' golf clubs in Las Vegas.

"Customer service is one of the most important ways a golf club can set itself apart from its competitors," he said. "Our employees give first-class customer service from the time we unload our golfers' clubs to the time we send the players on their way. They work hard to make sure every golfer has a great experience and to make sure all their needs are met. And (players) choose to come back here for the course, but also because of the way they're treated."

Rhodes Ranch is Rhodes Homes' signature development, with 1,350 acres surrounding its golf course. The guard-gated community is selling homes in The Collection, Palms Bay, Pacific Mist, The Majors, The Fairways and The Irons neighborhoods, with floor plans ranging from 1,467 to 4,138 square feet. Home prices begin in the mid-$200,000s.

To visit Rhodes Ranch, take Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway, to Durango Drive, and then go south to Rhodes Ranch Parkway. Sales offices are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit rhodeshomes.com.

Tuscany Residential Village is a guard-gated master-planned community with seven model home communities, comprising 22 models and more than 33 floor plans that range from 1,724 to 4,392 square feet. Prices in Tuscany begin in the low $300,000s.

To visit the models at Tuscany, take Lake Mead Drive past Boulder Highway to Mohawk Drive and turn left. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Prospective buyers can find information about Tuscany Residential Village and Rhodes Ranch by visiting rhodeshomes.com.

Rhodes Homes has built more than 6,000 homes in the Las Vegas Valley during the past two decades and is developing 15 neighborhoods throughout the area.