Parmates help heat up the fun for golfers at Royal Links Golf Club's Winter ParAm tournament

• Mike Bailey
• Jan 31, 2012 12:00 AM ET

LAS VEGAS -- The weather might have been a little chilly, but the fun was pretty hot at Walters Golf's Winter ParAm Golf Tournament held at Royal Links Golf Club earlier this month.

For the most part, the tournament itself was the sideshow. The real star of this event, which made its debut last summer at Bali Hai Golf Club, was the pairing up of some 90 players with Parmates -- Royal Links' extra special forecaddies and caddies. Parmates are like caddies, except much hotter. They keep you hydrated, help with yardages, keep score and generally add to their players' self-esteem. Many of these young ladies have other jobs as models, dancers and performers in Las Vegas.

"The whole concept has proven to be a great way for people to come out and have an amazing time," said Joe Dahlstrom, director of operations for Walters Golf. "The players didn't worry about every shot they hit; they just focused on fun."

An enthusiastic ParAm field

Although the weather was windy and cool, the field was still full. Most of the players, Dahlstrom said, have already expressed interest in returning for the next ParAm event, which is tentatively scheduled for Memorial Day weekend.

Instead of a one-day scramble combined with parties and a stay at the MGM Grand Resort & Casino, officials are considering making the next ParAm a two-day event, combined with a poker tournament. And like this last event, it will include transportation, accommodations, parties and some meals.

"We're in the process of putting all that together," Dahlstrom said. "We feel very comfortable that we will be able to fill it quite easily."

In the meantime, the Jan. 21 event was quite a success. Some teams didn't even turn in scorecards, Dahlstrom said. They were just there to have a good time, and they did.

Plenty of golfing fun

Music, impromptu dancing, a trivia contest, food, drink, great company and, afterwards, a reception at Royal Links' Scottish castle-style clubhouse that went for hours, made this a memorable day for the participants. Some players even hit good golf shots.

"You know at most events like this, 50 percent of the people will go home after the golf," Dahlstrom said. "But we didn't have one single person leave. Everyone stuck around for the reception to have a good time."

While the competition was anything but serious, there were some great prizes given away. Winning teams and individuals won hotel nights and rounds of golf at Walters Golf's sister properties, such as Bali Hai and Desert Pines. There were also prizes for individual contests, such as closest to the pin and long drive.

As for the golf, participants enjoyed holes that were designed as a tribute to the 18 greatest holes of the British Open. It was a unique combination.

"People could play the road hole of St. Andrews while having a beautiful young lady caddie for them with music and a great time," Dahlstrom said. "And then you've got these beautiful models telling them how good they are when they're not. It doesn't get any better than that."