Readers’ responses ran the gamut on Coyote Springs
Readers, my hat is off to you guys. Congratulations on a job well done. It seems that a lot of you are passionate about golf. Also evident is that many of you are equally passionate about the Coyote Springs Golf Course. Responses to a recent column about how Coyote Springs might increase its profile and attract more golfers ran the gamut. And, if you recall, the best would win a round of golf with yours truly (a truly unique experience, to be sure).
In the meantime, here are some of the notes I received from you:
The course’s travel distance was a topic many approached.
Sean said Coyote Springs is the most challenging course in Las Vegas, but “Coyote needs a legitimate temporary clubhouse. No one wants to drive an hour and drop $109 for a round of golf and packaged sandwich.” Sean also said that course designer Jack Nicklaus refused to travel to the property via car. “He always took a helicopter to get there.”
Josh Wilgoren emailed to say that Coyote Springs has to offer a transportation package. “I have wanted to play the course for some time, except there is no real appeal to travel that far. If they worked with a company like MGM or Caesars and had a 24-passenger coach pick up once or twice (that) would appeal to the traveling golfer. Perhaps even allow guests to bill golf to their rooms.”
Maurice Silva said he has never played the course but has heard the course is in A-plus condition. “My playing partners never wanted to drive that far for a round of golf.” His solution? “Offer transportation and a free sleeve of golf.”
Dave Draz agreed about the distance. “I think the big issue is distance. Schedule two shuttles a day from the Strip with stops at the RTC Transportation Centers where parking is available.”
Some responses were strictly from a marketing perspective.
Debra, one of several women who responded, said, “Golfer pays for two rounds or three (and) get the fourth one free. Buy one round half off the next visit (to be) used the same month.” She added, “Upscale food trucks (could be) hot items with specials at peak hours of operations. Summers (could) have hot dog/hamburger venues outside.” Thanks, Debra.
Some ideas came from a personal viewpoint.
Bob Bransdon said, “Coyote Springs is the best course I have ever played. I don’t think it should be marketed too hard because it may get too popular. We were the only ones on the course.” Real nice. Kind of like Yogi Berra once said: “No one goes there anymore; it’s too crowded.” Good luck, Bob.
Dennis, a senior golfer, was concerned that there was no mention about price in the column. “As a senior in south Vegas, (I) need a rate to get there for myself and some of my crew.”
Another senior, Nick Aquilina, added, “The only way is to attract senior citizens/retirees is price. Price is important to seniors.” Nick was also concerned about the 7,400-yard length of the course from the tips. Then he added, “Set up senior tees boxes and a layout that seniors can enjoy and play. The course playability is very important.” Nick, consider the red tee boxes. Never bothered me to play from them.
I’ll end with a few creative ideas.
Chris Banks suggested: “Establish a trade agreement with multiple media companies. The trade would provide the media company with rounds of golf. The trade would supply the golf course with an advertising bank on TV, radio and print.”
Linda Wood had grand plans. Not a golfer, her idea was, “Have a very large company with many, many employees build across the street … build houses for the company employees, some of whom play golf and all of whom would eventually use the businesses that sprung up around it very quickly. Anyway, think Tesla or something similar.” Linda, I think that was the original plan.
Finally, Peter May just might take the day. After suggesting lower rates, commenting on the travel time and something about Reflection Bay and learning from past history, he finished by exclaiming, “I hope this wins me the free golf.” Really, Peter, really.
In a random drawing of the best comments, Josh Wilgoren is the winner. Josh, I’ll be in touch with you.
See you next month.
John Asay is a longtime golfer and local freelance writer. Contact him at jasay@reviewjournal.com.
