Chad C. Gunier, PGA
General Manager
Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort
VIPGS: Describe your facility in your own words; not like a creative writer, but more from a golfer’s perspective
Chad G: If you are looking for quality design and conditions, the Paiute is the place to play. It is home to Vegas’ only Pete Dye designs and all three courses are not only different, but highly ranked in the area.
VIPGS: What is something you wouldn’t know about your facility unless you were a regular or an employee?
Chad G: Most golf facilities in Vegas shut down and are cart path only in September to over-seed. The Paiute does not due to its higher elevation, and use of fresh water on all grass surfaces. This allows us to maintain top notch conditions throughout the entire year on all three of our championship golf courses. A number of locals know this fact, but visitors to Vegas are not always accurately informed of the conditions or restrictions to golf courses beforehand.
VIPGS: If they call or book with us at VIP Golf Services they are.
Chad G:
Yes, you guys do a great job informing your clients of maintenance.
VIPGS: What is your favorite hole at your facility and why?
Chad G: Though I personally like the Sun Mountain course the most, my favorite hole is the beautiful WOLF – Hole #6. The reachable Par 5 can be played from 389 to 537 yards depending on the tee box selected. The East facing layout plays slightly downhill with a waste bunker splitting the main fairway and the green. It is your typical Pete Dye design with an abundance of contours, nine bunkers and a challenging chipping area over the green. It is certainly a birdie hole, and with two good shots, eagle is in play.
VIPGS: Who is the biggest named tour player or celebrity that has played there in the last year and since you have opened and why they were there (two names please and was it a casual round/tourney/fundraiser)?
Chad G: A number of celebrities play the resort due its high end service and conditions. The 2012 Soul Train Awards golf tourney brought in the likes of Julius Erving and many top entertainers in the music and movie industry.
VIPGS: Who holds the course record and what is it (list for each course if you prefer)?
Chad G: There are many rumors about the course records, and having many PGA Tour players play the facility regularly, it could be real low. I’m not sure exactly who and from what tee, but Annika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb both shot in the mid-low 60’s when playing in the Shell World of Golf to open the Wolf.
VIPGS: Any insider tips on how to play a certain hole that isn’t obvious when standing on the tee or fairway?
Chad G: Pete Dye has created another gem with the WOLF hole #15 island green. The photo opportunity plays 98 – 182 yards, but the green complex is quite different from its sister at TPC Sawgrass. Our green is 42 paces deep allowing golfers a variety of clubs to select. Ignore tucked pins and play to the center of the green. Par on this hole is a good score, and who knows, you may drain the putt for birdie.
VIPGS: What is your favorite menu item?
Chad G: Our food is top notch. My personal favorites are the Indian Taco and the Pita quesadilla. If you are looking for quality food, everything is good. The menu includes burgers, salads, wraps and seasonal options. Our regulars love the breakfast buffet served on weekends only.
VIPGS: Thank you for your time today. We look forward to our next round at Las Vegas Paiute.
Chad G: Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you guys out here.