Built in 1998, Reflection Bay Golf Club in Henderson, Nevada is an 18-hole public resort course, acclaimed for its prestigious Jack Nicklaus Signature Design. In early 2019, the opportunity arose for IGM, Reflection Bay’s maintenance contractor, to build a golfing practice facility on a nearby green space in the Lake Las Vegas community. IGM has maintained the course and grounds since August 2017, as well as landscaping for the housing community, and was well-prepared to take on the challenge.

The new golfing practice facility was designed to renovate four remaining holes from the former course (The Falls) to create a driving range, along with practice holes, greens, and bunkers.

IGM and our Reflection Bay Superintendent, Ryan Howell, provided oversight for the construction process and management of required sub-contractors. Howell said the first challenge was levelling the steeply sloped area. “After the groundbreaking in February, about 27,000 square feet of earth had to be moved to level the area.”

Next steps included:

  • Installation of a completely new irrigation system, including trenching, pipes, and sprinkler heads to adjust for the new topography;
  • Spreading 4 inches of sand to help the grass grow and maintain a smoother surface. The sand was poured with a 1.5 % grade for water run-off; and
  • Planting Tifway 419 Bermuda grass on the practice tee.

Construction for what is now known as Lake Las Vegas Golf Academy was completed in mid-April. As a resort location, Reflection Bay Golf Club and the Lake Las Vegas community are busiest in March and April, then again in October and November. Tourism is a driving force for the area, said Howell, who has been with IGM in the Nevada market since 2016.

The addition of the practice facility allows the Club to offer instruction and specially-designed practice holes, greens, and bunkers for players. Reflection Bay has hired PGA tour players Craig Barlow and Jeff Gallagher to teach individual lessons and golf schools at the Lake Las Vegas Golf Academy. IGM will continue to serve the maintenance needs of the property, along with the Reflection Bay course.

IGM provides complete golf course maintenance, construction oversight, and management services in markets across the country. The company is committed to agronomic excellence and environmentally-conscious methods and products. To request a consult, please contact Greg Plotner, Executive Vice President, 407-589-7200. Learn more about our comprehensive maintenance services here.

For more information about IGM’s services, visit golfmaintenance.com or call 800-413-5500.