MARY BALDESANO / Special to the PVT Steve Bourque checks out the lighting for the night version of miniature golf. Advertisement

How many times have you heard a resident say, "There's nothing to do in Pahrump?" Well, Steve Bourque was one of those residents, but he decided to do something about it. With a love of miniature golf and experience as both a food and business consultant, he decided to open a golf course, minus the food (except catering is available). The grand opening of Sandbaggers was held Nov. 22.

Located at 441 S. Frontage Road, Sandbaggers hosts both day and night golf experiences.

Bourque chose an indoor miniature golf course because he doesn't like the wind or the heat and feels his patrons may agree. He is hoping to attract kids ages 15 and under as well as senior citizens. He is also going to encourage the creation of league golf by seniors, RV park competitions, and as he put it "soccer moms type" leagues.

However, miniature golf is not the only thing. Sandbaggers offers large and small meeting rooms, and a party area; location depends on number of people in the group. There is no place for a coffee shop and since he is leasing he can't change the area.

Bourque said, "I want to give people a place to go and have fun. Sandbaggers is a place where moms can have birthday or other parties for kids; a place to expose kids to the world of golf. I've seen young people move from miniature golf to college expertise." Since putting is the hardest part of golf, a miniature golf course can provide a practice area.

He does expect a negative impact on his business due to economic times but feels that with his prices, it will still provide a place for people to go and forget their problems. Costs are $7.50 for adults, $5.50 for kids, $6.50 for seniors and military, and special packages are available for large groups. Packages are The Dog Leg, minimum of eight guests, $9.95 per person; The Birdie, minimum of eight guests, $11.95 per person; The Eagle, minimum of eight guests, $14.95 per person; and The Hole in One, minimum of 20 guests, $16.95 per person.

The differentiation in price is due to the special items included in each package such as a party room for two hours, a round of miniature golf for each person, pizza, setup and cleanup, invitations, arcade games, penthouse area available, coupons for soda or juice or merchandise (these items depend on the package purchased), and more.

"I want to give Pahrump what they want, not what I have to sell," said Bourque. Current attendance consists of one-third over 40, one-third under 15, and one-third teens. Sandbaggers is open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 1-6 p.m. It will also be open on Thanksgiving from 2-5 p.m. with free pie provided for players.

In addition to golf and arcade games, Sandbaggers also offers meeting rooms for both small and large groups. The small room will hold up to 20 people, and the big one up to 100. A special party area will hold up to 20 people as well.

A drawing will be held Dec. 21, for both a boy's and girl's bicycle. No purchase is necessary and you don't need to be present to win, but you must pick up the bike within 24 hours or a raffle will be held the following day.

Bourque said "I want to thank everyone for opening their arms to me. I hope to see you soon. Come and try us out."

For further details or information call Bourque at 775-727-7171.