Canyon Gate readies for redo

Golf courses throughout the Las Vegas area have taken the initiative to comply with the Las Vegas Valley Water District's new water-use guidelines. Among those courses is Canyon Gate Country Club, a private, 18-hole facility at Durango Drive and Sahara Avenue.

Canyon Gate was built with 130 acres of turf. Club personnel have implemented a plan to replace 30 of those acres with drought-resistant landscaping.

"It's not an easy transition by any means, but we're already under way to meet the criteria we have in front of us," general manager Ladonice Waldrep said. "We have hired a company to help us make certain that the changes have minimal impact on the playability of the course."

The entire renovation will cost an estimated $2 million, before water district reimbursements. The transition is slated to begin next month and will require about 100 days. Irrigation patterns have already been changed to allow select areas to go dormant in anticipation of the installation of xeriscape.

"This is a massive undertaking when all things are considered," Waldrep said. "Just changing the turf to xeriscape will require $1 million."

Patrick Watson, golf course superintendent, said the plan considers club members, as well as the homeowners. Canyon Gate includes more than 500 residences.

"(Members) realize that we're in a transition, and understand we're trying to maintain the integrity of the golf course while meeting the new restrictions at the same time. Because the lakes are an integral part of the strategy of how the course is played, we don't want to disrupt or change that in any way," Watson said.

"We also must incorporate everything to make certain we keep the homeowners happy, so that they can keep their views while complying with the water usage requirements at the same time. We want to make this work for everyone."

Club member Rick Martin was impressed by management's decisions.

"In order to keep the golf course in pristine condition, it was imperative to find some way to save water and use it more efficiently," Martin said. "The areas that are being taken out aren't in play anyway. What they are doing is certainly not going to take away from the playability or beauty of the course."

Waldrep said keeping the course as attractive with xeriscape as it is with grass requires a balancing act.

"Without a doubt," she said. "We have golfers to please and guidelines to follow from the homeowners' CC&Rs. But most of all, we must meet the criteria handed down by the water district. Our job is tough, to say the least, but the challenges faced by the (water district) are far greater. We're just trying to be a good neighbor and address this situation as quickly as possible."

Following is a partial list of drought-tolerant plants to be installed at Canyon Gate Country Club:

1. Regal mist: a grass plant; grows to 3 feet high and 3 feet wide; resembles a purple mist and requires little water.

2. Red fountain grass: broad-leafed; can grow as high as 5 feet by 3 feet; easily maintained; can be shaped or allowed to take on a more natural look.

3. Globe mellow: an extremely drought-tolerant plant that has an orange flower; grows to 3 feet high and 3 feet wide; native to the Mojave Desert; breaks up shrubbery.

4. Desert cassia: will grow to 6X6; silvery green in color; will be used to break up the dark greens on the course.

5. Texas ranger: several varieties of shrubs; various leaf and flower colors; grows to an average of 5X5.

6. Mesquite: small-leafed tree that grows quickly; will grow to 30X30; trunks have character; will reach maximum size in 5-10 years.

7. Mondale pine: can grow to 40X40; grows quickly; provides shade.

8. Ground covers: varies; placed on large areas; Rosemary variety provides pleasant fragrance.

9. Ornamental grasses: various, including deer, blue fescue and pampas; contrasts with turf.

10. Perennials: various; black-eyed susan has a yellow flower that appears from May through September.

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