Archive for the Golf Course Information Category
Bunker Renovation at Rancho Manana Golf Club a Huge Success
13. July 2011 by admin.
There is no doubt that Rancho Manana Golf Club in Cave Creek, AZ, is one of the most popular courses in the Phoenix, AZ, region. Since opening in the late 1980s, the course has become known as one of the most scenic in all of the southwestern USA.
The bunkers, however, had become a major problem. Poor drainage had led to inconsistent lies throughout the golf course.
“Our bunkers had never been redone since we opened in late eighties,” said General Manager Dale Samar. “The sand had gotten pretty hard, and rocks were coming up from bottom and sides as they caved in from drainage problems. Lucky enough, the owners decided to let us have them redone.”
Just as important as the decision to refurbish the bunkers was the decision on which company to do it. And Rancho Manana chose BunkersPlus™, a division of Pro-Turf International, Inc. in Casa Grande, Arizona.
“We took bids from three different companies, and we were very happy with our choice,” said Samar. “I was familiar with work they had done at other courses, and they priced the job reasonably.”
BunkersPlus™ utilizes Linebacker™ bunker liner, and Samar sang the praises of that material.
“Their Linebacker™ was new and different than liners I had seen,” he said. “It wasn’t like fabric…more like a material that formed with the bunkers. They covered most of sides and left the bottoms of the bunkers open so we could install new drainage. The newly installed liner will help keep rocks from collapsing in from sides of the bunkers.“
There was one major challenge relating to the time of the year when the work was done – right in the heart of the golf season at Rancho Manana. But BunkersPlus™ overcame that.
“They actually did the project during our peak season, and they were able to work around golfers,” said Samar. “We never had any complaints about the ongoing construction. They did a very nice job of working around the golfers.”
BunkerPlus™ officials were thrilled to secure the job at Rancho Manana.
Kip Wolfe, Director of Operations for Pro-Turf International said “We have been in the golf construction and renovation business for over 20 years. We have used all the different bunker liners available from glue to fabric. We decided to formulate our own liner that would provide the golf course bunkers solid protection from dust, rocks and soil erosion at a price that is affordable. We are proud of our accomplishments that we were able to give to Rancho Manana and to fulfill the high expectations of General Manager Dale Samar.”
The regular players are just as thrilled with BunkersPlus™ effort.
“We are definitely happy with the work,” said Samar. “Our golfers have commented on a daily basis on how much better the bunkers are now.”
ABOUT BUNKERSPLUS™
BunkersPlus™ is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pro-Turf International, Inc., a Nevada corporation specializing in the golf industry for over 20 years. The company offers construction, renovation and maintenance programs, and is a member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America.
For more information, visit www.bunkersplus.com
For more information about Rancho Manana Golf Club visit www.ranchomanana.com .
18. December 2010 by admin.
THE RITZ-CARLTON GOLF CLUB, DOVE MOUNTAIN
APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF GROUNDS
MARANA, Arizona – Aaron Thomas, a member of the original staff that unveiled The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain in 2009, has returned to the award-winning golf course as Director of Grounds.
Thomas, 37, was assistant superintendent at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain as the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course took shape, from Spring 2007 through Fall 2009. In that time, he supervised the grow-in process and maintenance of all 27 holes and worked on preparations for the 2009 Accenture Match Play Championship.
Thomas left Dove Mountain to become Director of Grounds at Shadow Ridge Resort, a Marriott destination in Palm Desert, Calif., where he has worked for the past year.
Now he is in charge of preparation of the golf course for the annual WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, which returns to The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain for the third time in February. Named one of the “Best New Courses” in the United States by Golfweek magazine, the course is ranked among the most desirable golf destinations in the United States and is the second golf course in the Tucson region to be designated by Audubon International as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
“I am very enthused and honored to be back at such a great property,” Thomas said. “From the beginning, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain has been world-class. We have a great team here, and I am proud to again be part of it.”
Born and raised on a farm in Canandiagua, N.Y., Thomas grew up in the agriculture industry, and as a teenager also worked in landscaping. With a degree in horticulture, Thomas originally pursued a career in nursery management. But, while studying at The Ohio State University, he was assigned to work on a golf course during the summer of 1995, which prompted him to change his focus to golf.
Earning a degree at Ohio State in Agronomy, with turfgrass specialization, Thomas now is a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, as well as Arizona’s regional “Cactus and Pine” chapter of the GCSAA. Thomas and his wife, Kelley, live in Catalina.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain is the centerpiece of the resort, combining solid strategy, variety and fair shot values that harmonize with the high desert elevation of 2,300 to 3,000 feet. The greens are Bentgrass, while the tees, fairways and rough are Bermuda (with perennial rye overseed), ideal for the desert climate.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain also features a 50,000-square-foot clubhouse with all of the services expected from a luxury private club including tennis courts, fitness center, steward-serviced private locker rooms, and a double-ended practice facility.
For more information, please go to ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain
Meridian Condo Resort Guests Name Rancho Manana the Most Scenic Course
17. November 2010 by admin.
Meridian Condo Resorts, a premiere provider of luxury vacation rentals and golf packages in Scottsdale, Arizona recently released the results of their guest survey which lists the top 5 Most Scenic Courses in Arizona.
1. Rancho Manana Golf Club
2. Troon North - Monument
3. Eagle Mountain
4. Troon North - Pinnacle
5. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
To find out more about Meridian Condo Resorts, please visit www.condoresorts.com or call 800-213-6446
Scottsdale Golf Courses and nearly all Arizona courses are in prime season now with sunny days and emerald fairways.
Dove Mountain Named One of the “Best New Courses” by Golfweek
16. November 2010 by admin.
MARANA, Ariz. – Nov. 16, 2010– For the second consecutive year, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain has been named one of the “Best New Courses” in the United States by Golfweek magazine. The Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, home of the annual WGC-Accenture Match Play Championships, is one of only seven courses on the list to be honored as a repeat selection, based on the magazine’s award guidelines.
Golfweek recognizes courses that have opened during the previous two calendar years, allowing The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain, which opened in Jan. 17, 2009 to qualify for the 2009 and 2010 rankings. The honor adds to the growing list of noteworthy awards that position it among the most desirable golf destinations in the United States. Among them:
- GOLF magazine “Best New Public Courses (2009)
- Golfweek magazine “Best New Courses” (2009)
- Golfweek magazine “Best Resort Golf Courses” (2010)
- LINKS magazine “Best For Resort Lifestyle” (2009)
- Golf. Inc. magazine “First Place, Clubhouse Competition, Private Clubs (2009)
In addition, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain became only the second golf course in the Tucson region to be designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. It is one of only 11 courses in Arizona to receive the honor and among the 794 courses now listed by Audubon International.
“It is always exciting, as well as gratifying, for The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain to add to its record of growing achievements,” said Alan Federer, general manager. “Each award and ranking is special in its own right, but they all are directly attributable to the continued excellence of the resort and golf club.”
As the centerpiece of the resort, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain combines solid strategy, variety and fair shot values that harmonize with the high desert elevation of 2,300 to 3,000 feet. Nicklaus meticulously created large greens with significant undulation, as well as wide fairways with carries over desert washes that define each course. The bunkering varies from classic, pot-style obstacles to expansive areas that stretch close to 80 yards along the edges of the fairways. The greens are Bentgrass, while the tees, fairways and rough are Bermuda (with perennial rye overseed), ideal for the desert climate.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain also features a 50,000-square-foot clubhouse with all of the services expected from a luxury private club including tennis courts, fitness center, steward-serviced private locker rooms, and a double-ended practice facility. The clubhouse includes indoor and outdoor dining venues with spectacular views, including Cayton’s, a casual but refined restaurant named for legendary Dove Mountain homesteader and cowboy poet Eugene “Cush” Cayton, serving ‘American Comfort Cuisine with a Southwestern flair’.
While the golf courses eventually will be accessible only by resident members and resort guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, it currently is available to the public. Reservations are accepted 30 days in advance through the golf shop, (520) 572-3500. For more information on The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, please go to ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain or at facebook.com/ritzcarltondovemountain.
Another Tucson area favorite is the Tubac Golf Resort. Located just 20 minutes south of Tucson, the resort features 27 holes of golf surrounded by mature cottonwood trees. The course was utilized for most of the golf scenes in the movie “Tin Cup” staring Kevin Costner in 1995. The resort is laid out on a large property with many separate single story buildings that hold the 98 luxurious rooms and suites that form the village feel of the property.
JEREMY HAYMAN NAMED AS GENERAL MANAGER OF SEDONA GOLF RESORT
16. November 2010 by admin.
Sedona, Ariz.,– OB Sports recently announced the appointment of Jeremy Hayman as the General Manager for Sedona Golf Resort. Hayman is responsible for all golf operations, food and beverage, marketing, sales, merchandising, and tournaments for the newest addition to the OB Sports collection of courses. Located in the heart of the ‘red rock country’, Sedona boasts a scenic layout features a Par 71, Gary Panks-design that has consistently been rated four (out of five) stars by Golf Digest, Best Places To Play.
Prior to his appointment at Sedona Golf Resort, Hayman was the Head Golf Professional at another OB Sports-managed facility in Arizona: Eagle Mountain Golf Club in Fountain Hills from 2005 through 2010. From 2003 through 2004, Hayman worked for the PGA Tour as a golf professional at the Tournament Players Club of Las Vegas in Nevada and at the Tournament Players Club at Heron Bay in Coral Springs, Florida. Hayman is a Class-A member of the PGA of America and has been serving on the Southwest Section PGA board since 2008. In addition he also served as an executive board member for the Fountain Hills/Fort McDowell Tourism Bureau. Originally from Orlando, Florida, Hayman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in both Finance and Marketing from the University of South Florida, where he was a Dean’s List recipient from 1995-1999.
“Jeremy had certainly earned his stripes in the highly competitive Scottsdale and Las Vegas resort markets during his tenure both at Eagle Mountain and with the PGA Tour,” stated Doc Belitz, Vice President of Operations for OB Sports. “We are confident he will do an exceptional job both operating and marketing Sedona Golf Resort and are proud to have him lead our team at this truly stunning facility.”
About Sedona Golf Resort
Located in the heart of one of the most captivating regions of the Southwest, the thrilling Gary Panks-designed Sedona Golf Resort, is widely considered among the world’s most unforgettable golf experiences. Winding around the famed red rocks of Sedona, each hole provides a unique adventure. No wonder this championship Sedona golf course receives a continuous four-star rating from Golf Digest and is truly the must play in ‘Red Rock Country’. The newest addition to the OB Sports family, Sedona Golf Resort boasts dramatic elevation changes that range from 3,960 feet to as much as 4,260 feet, offering players elevated tees, raised greens and challenging approach shots. As the course winds around Sedona’s crimson cliffs, each hole presents a unique challenge, governed by its own set of circumstances! . Not only is Sedona Golf Resort decorated with spectacular vistas, but the club is decorated with awards and accolades that include the afore mentioned Golf Digest ranking and past honors that include a top 5 ranking of the golf facilities public can play in Arizona by Golf Digest and boasting one of the best par 3’s in the state (#10) as ranked by Arizona Republic in 1999. Sedona Golf Resort is also a popular venue for weddings, banquets and special events as the club boasts one of the most dramatic backdrops in the state: the stunning red rocks of Sedona, Arizona. For more information on Sedona Golf Resort, call 877.733.6630 or visit www.sedonagolfresort.com
Boulders Resort Summer Golf Programs
2. June 2010 by admin.
CAREFREE, Ariz—May 15, 2010– This summer, local residents can enjoy special rates, programs, golf clinics and instruction at Arizona’s #1 rated golf resort.
SUMMER GREEN FEES
Summer green fees at the Boulders Golf Course are just $70 per person (Sun-Thurs) and $85/person (Fri/Sat). Or for “Twilight Golf” the fee is only $55/person. These rates are available June1 through August 31, 2010.
FINE WINE & NINE
“Fine Wine & Nine” is a romantic ending to an afternoon of golf at the Boulders. Couples booking nine holes of golf receive a beverage ticket redeemable at the Boulders Club for two glasses of wine. This special offer is available June 1 – September 31 and available exclusively to Arizona residents.
TWO FOR ONE DESERT CHALLENGE
The “Two For One Desert Challenge” allows guests may play both the North Course and the South Course for only $95 this summer. The rounds must be completed in 2 consecutive days. The package is available any day and offered from May 30-September 2, 2010. Call the Boulders Golf Shop at (480) 488-9028.
SUMMER GOLF ACADEMY
The Boulders Summer Golf Academy includes something for the scratch golfer, the neophyte golfer, the weekend duffer, the woman golfer, the “only-when-I-have-to” golfer, the die-hard golfer and the “never-been-on-a-green” golfer. Donald Crawley, named by Golf Digest as one of the “Best Teacher in the State” offers special programs and pricing exclusive to Arizona residents.
Summer Golf Instruction: Golf instruction will be offered at special summer rates (20 % less than regular rates) from June 1-August 31.
• (1) hour golf lesson: $110/player
• (1/2 ) hour golf lesson: $55/ player
• (3) 30-minute golf lessons: $150/player
• 1-hour playing lesson and nine holes of golf: $145/per player
Saturday Golf Clinics-Golf clinics will be offered every Saturday for $30/per golfer/per clinic. It is available from June 5-August 14th.
Summer Golf Academy-Ideal for couples, families and friends, this 2-day golf program includes two-hour golf instruction; nine-hole of golf each day including cart; and Nike rental clubs, if needed. The Summer Academy is taught by either an LPGA or PGA instructor and includes instruction in full swing and short game. The cost is $290/person based on two players..
Fore Ladies Golf Academy-This women-only program includes four-hours of golf instruction by LPGA Jean Crawford; Video Analysis; (2) nine-hole green fees including cart and Nike rental clubs. The cost is $290/player (based on two golfers) Accommodations are not included. Summer golf academy programs will be available May 17-September 2.
For more information call The Boulders Golf Club at 480-488-9028.
Heralded as one of the finest golf courses worldwide, The Boulders features two 18-hole, par 72 championship golf courses that are considered to be among the most demanding in the Southwest and are known for their rugged beauty and breathtaking desert panoramas. The golf courses were designed by Jay Morrish and have won some of the industry’s highest accolades including Golf magazine’s “Platinum Medal award, Golf Digest’s “Top 25 U.S. Resorts.”
An exclusive desert hideaway, The Boulders features 160 guest casitas and 61 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, seven restaurants and a lounge, two championship golf courses, eight tennis courts including three classic clay surfaces, five premier cushion courts and a full-service Golden Door Spa. For more information/reservations about The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa, call 480-488-9009 or visit www.TheBoulders.com.
SunRidge Canyon Golf Club to Be Managed by Troon Golf
28. April 2010 by admin.
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Troon Golf recently announced that it has been selected by SunCor Development Company to manage SunRidge Canyon Golf Club , set in the dramatic surroundings of Fountain Hills, Arizona.
SunRidge Canyon Golf Club features a 6,823-yard layout designed by Keith Foster, hidden among the ridges and canyons of the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. Nature played a profound role in establishing the facility as a premier golf facility. The dramatic stretch of natural terrain surrounding SunRidge Canyon is widely considered one of the most picturesque in the Southwest.
“Troon Golf is excited to continue its expansion in Arizona by managing SunRidge Canyon,” stated John Easterbrook, executive vice president of operations, Troon Golf. “This is a remarkable golf facility and we are confident that our management practices will contribute positively to the club’s well-established reputation.”
The strategic desert design at SunRidge Canyon is tempting for players of every level, which creates a true adventure for those embarking on a round of golf. Subtle changes in topography give the course a dramatic effect, demanding careful consideration for each shot. The par 71 course begins at the upper mouth of a dramatic canyon and descends switch-back style to the valley floor. Along the way, the course follows the rugged natural terrain of stony ridges, rock outcroppings and secluded hollows.Since the fairways are not parallel, players enjoy a true sense of serenity and oneness with the golf course, which doesn’t return to the clubhouse until the 18th hole. The course also tests every aspect of the game as each shot demands careful consideration of both risk and reward.
For more information on SunRidge Canyon, visit www.sunridgegolf.com or call 480-837-5100.
Phoenix Golf Map Released for 2010
1. April 2010 by admin.
The 2010 Concierge’s Golf Map and Phone Directory has been recently released in Arizona. The full color four page directory features a map of the Phoenix metro area illustrating the locations of nearly 30 area golf courses and phone numbers for an additional 30 public and resort golf courses. The guide is an excellent resource for concierges to easily show their resort guests where golf courses are located within the metro Phoenix area. There are also courses listed from Northern Arizona in Sedona and the Prescott area as well.
The ten thousand 2010 maps are distributed through resort concierges as well as several information centers throughout Arizona and are published by Essential Communications, LLC. Essential Communications also publishes the Cave Creek Visitors Guide, Carefree Visitors Guide and numerous golf related web sites including Arizona’s Golf Courses . The map can also be viewed at Phoenix Golf Map.
Rancho Mañana Golf Club Honored as Top 10 Courses-Public
25. March 2010 by admin.
Rancho Mañana Golf Club has been honored a second time within a month as Ranking Arizona just listed Rancho Mañana in the Top 10 for public golf courses in Arizona. “With hundreds of great courses in the state, we couldn’t be happier about the top 10 ranking,” said Dale Samar, General Manager of the club.
Rancho Mañana was also honored by Golf Digest Magazine as one of the “Top 50 Courses for Women” in the current March 2010 issue. Listed as #38 in the country, Rancho Mañana is one of only three Arizona courses to make the list.
Rancho Mañana Golf Club, located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert in historic Cave Creek, Arizona, just minutes from Scottsdale and Phoenix, features an 18-hole, par 70, championship course with dramatic elevation changes, spectacular views and unspoiled desert terrain. Tee times can be made by calling 480-488-0398 or online at www.ranchomanana.com.
Rancho Mañana Honored as Top 50 Courses
18. February 2010 by admin.
CAVE CREEK, AZ — Arizona Golf Course, Rancho Mañana Golf Club, has been honored by Golf Digest Magazine as one of the “Top 50 Courses for Women” in the current March 2010 issue. Listed as #38 in the country, Rancho Mañana is one of only three Arizona courses to make the list. Criteria for the honor includes course design, multiple tees with USGA slope ratings for women, minimal forced carries from the forward tees and run-up areas to most or all greens.
“Based on the quality of nominees that include past winners and Golf Digest’s Top 100 Public Courses, this is quite an honor,” said Dale Samar, General Manager of the club. “It’s really a tribute to the wonderful staff we have in all departments. We’re fortunate to have a great course surrounded by beautiful native desert terrain and a staff that really cares about providing conditioning and service to match. We have what I consider an experience that truly represents golf in the Arizona desert.”
Rancho Mañana has also been a past honoree from GOLF for Women Magazine as a “Top 50 Courses for Women” in 2007 and 2000.
Golf Digest is distributed nationally with a current circulation of 1.65 million. Subscription information is available at 1-800-PAR-GOLF or www.GolfDigest.com .
Rancho Mañana Golf Club, located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert in historic Cave Creek, Arizona, just minutes from Scottsdale and Phoenix, features an 18-hole, par 70, championship course with dramatic elevation changes, spectacular views and unspoiled desert terrain. Tee times can be made by calling 480-488-0398 or online at www.ranchomanana.com.
