Mountain Falls golfer resident aces 14th hole

Life on the links appeals to Bob Dougherty, whose home overlooking Mountain Falls Golf Club is a short distance from the 14th hole, where he recently sank a hole-in-one. Located near the town of Pahrump, 45 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, Mountain Falls Golf Club anchors Mountain Falls, a master-planned community by William Lyon Homes.

"The shot felt perfect, but I suspected it went over the green," Dougherty said of his hole-in-one drive on the par-3 hole. "My playing partner walked up and found the ball in the hole."

A golfer for 37 years, Dougherty said it was exciting to score a hole-in-one on his "home" course.

"I've played 90 percent of the courses in Las Vegas and the surrounding area, and Mountain Falls is right up there in my top five choices," he said. "The course is always in top-notch condition, the greens are fairly fast and they roll true. Then there are the surroundings -- mountains everywhere. It's completely tranquil."

Along with his wife, Debbie, and their cocker spaniel Ruby, Dougherty gets to enjoy Mountain Falls' tranquil setting long after he's off the course. The couple's home, which backs up to the 11th green, is situated in the William Lyon Homes' community of Cascata, which sold out last year. William Lyon Homes offers Cascata's same popular single-story floor plans at Cascata Ancora, where prices start in the high $100,000s. The William Lyon Homes' single-story communities of Tramonto and Bella Sera are also selling at Mountain Falls. Classic Homes, Celebrate Homes and Desert Wind Homes will debut communities soon.

Dougherty said his backyard pool area is ideal for taking in the mountainous setting. "Debbie loves to sit by the pool and watch the sunsets over Mount Charleston. They're always different colors," he said. "At night when we sit outside or open our doors, it's completely silent except for the occasional coyote far off in the distance. There's no smog, no air traffic, no commotion, nothing. It's a whole different world out here, whether you're on the golf course or in the neighborhoods."

When complete, Mountain Falls will include dozens of neighborhood mini-parks and a walking trail about four miles long.

The Doughertys frequently dine in The Grill Room at Mountain Falls Golf Club when they're not playing the links or walking Ruby. The Grill Room is located in a Mediterranean-themed clubhouse overlooking the course.

The Grill Room serves breakfast and lunch daily, and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. Brunch is served Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Banquet facilities can accommodate up to 300 guests for weddings, tournaments and private parties.

Though The Grill Room is open to the public, Mountain Falls' community resident facility, which shares the clubhouse, is reserved for residents. Amenities include a fitness center with free weights, weight-strength machines and rows of treadmills, elliptical machines, Stairmasters and recumbent exercise bikes. Other highlights include a resident lounge with a pool table and a multi-purpose room, where residents can take fitness classes for a nominal fee. The outdoor aquatic area includes a family pool, adult pool, spa and interactive water-play area.

Homeowner association fees are set at less than $50 per month.

To visit from Las Vegas, travel about 45 miles west on Highway 160 (Blue Diamond Road) from Interstate 15. Before reaching Pahrump, turn left on Manse Road. Proceed to Hafen Ranch and turn right, then left on Lakeview. Follow the signs to the Mountain Falls Information Center. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, call 866-468-3255 or visit mountainfalls.com.