MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB SET TO OPEN IN FALL As the “world’s finest golf destination,” Scottsdale
boasts more than 1,200 holes and 51 courses within the city limits and those who want to play them all, now have something new to add to their list.
Sanctuary Golf Club at Westworld closed in June 2011 for a $1.2 million renovation to add length to and reposition the course. Set to reopen in October 2011 under a new name,
McDowell Mountain Golf Club, the course will showcase its location at the base of the mighty McDowell Mountains. The 18-hole, par 71 course will boast more than 7,000 yards upon completion. Course improvements will be paid for out of a city-managed fund and by White Buffalo LLC, a Scottsdale-based company that has the management agreement for the course.
STRETCH, BALANCE, TRAIN YOUR WAY TO A BETTER GOLF GAME Improving your golf game without even being on the course is possible with conditioning programs at Scottsdale resorts. From stretching techniques that soothe sore muscles to aerobic training that increases stamina, golf fitness programs can improve swings and scores. The
Golf Performance Treatment at the
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’
Willow Stream Spa combines massage, stretching and acupressure to help golfers of all abilities and ages see immediate improvement in balance and swing rotation. The massage, which is endorsed by famed golf instructor David Leadbetter and PGA Tour star Charles Howell III, improves range of motion and balance that results in greater accuracy, more consistency, and improved distance on the golf course.
The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa offers the golf specific
Fore-Max program
. With a mix of strength training, aerobic conditioning, flexibility and nutrition, golfers leave with an improved skill set as well as an enhanced lifestyle off the course. As part of the program, trainers work with golfers to identify their strengths and weaknesses to develop a fitness program specific to the athletic needs of each student. The program is available on an individual basis or for a large “Boot Camp” session that can accommodate up to 300 participants.
For those who would prefer a less intense work out,
The Boulders Resort offers a fitness program that combines stretching and balance to ultimately improve a golf swing.
Golf Stretch & Conditioning utilizes flexibility techniques and exercise balls to increase stability and body awareness. Back on the course, golfers will have a better awareness of their swing and understand how to maintain core muscles on and off the course. The class is complimentary to all Boulders Resort guests.
SPOTLIGHT ON ONE OF SCOTTSDALE’S RESIDENT TOUR PROS Tom Lehman may not have grown up in Scottsdale, but he’s a proud resident and having a fantastic year on the Champions Tour. Lehman, who plays out of
The Country Club at DC Ranch in Scottsdale and who represents Fairmont Hotels & Resorts on tour, has a commanding lead in the Champions Tour’s Charles Schwab Cup race. In 10 events this season, Lehman has won three times and finished in the Top 10 six times. So far, he’s the odds on favorite to be named Player of the Year. Such honors are not uncommon to Lehman. His stellar career on the PGA TOUR is accented by five victories, including the 1996 British Open and TOUR Championship. He was also named the PGA TOUR Player of the Year in 1996 and Captain of the 2006 U.S. Ryder Cup Team. In addition to his noteworthy career on the golf course, Lehman is an award-winning golf course designer including Encanterra Country Club and Raven at Verrado in Arizona.
NEW MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM AT THE GOLF CLUB SCOTTSDALE Regarded as one of the finest private golf clubs in the Southwest,
The Golf Club Scottsdale recently announced a new non-equity membership program with family memberships starting at $25,000. Membership allows Club privileges for the member, his or her spouse and children under the age of 23. Monthly dues are $850. One of the last courses to be designed by world-renowned architect Jay Morrish before his retirement, The Golf Club Scottsdale was immediately recognized as one of "The Top 10 New Private Courses" in the U.S. by
Golf Digest. The Club membership is limited to 350 people and will never be predicated on residential real estate ownership.
OVERSEEDING KEEPS SCOTTSDALE COURSES IN GREAT SHAPE As the warmer summer season gives way to the great weather enjoyed in the fall, winter and spring, golf course superintendents must overseed to ensure ideal year-round playing conditions. What exactly is overseeding? Simply put, overseeding is a process where cool-temperature-loving Ryegrass is planted “over-seeded” on top of the warm-weather-loving Bermudagrass. Then, as temperatures decrease in the fall, the Bermudagrass goes dormant and Ryegrass grows-in to provide a rich green playing surface until the warm weather returns in the summer. The process takes place in late September/early October and usually requires about two to three weeks until the Ryegrass is ready for play. For a few weeks after, course conditions tend to be a bit wet, and golf carts will need to stay on the cart paths, but generally speaking the conditions are quite good in the fall and early winter. To make the most of your fall golf vacation, check the overseeding schedule at the courses you want to play. And sometimes, discounts are available at many courses during this transition period – just call and ask!
