been to San Marcos in years, chiefly because of the ongoing deterioration. Naturally, we wanted San Marcos to
be great again. In a September preview with golf professional Ben Martyn, we were somewhat skeptical as he drove us around the brown dirt tracts explaining subtle changes. The clubhouse on the other hand was in full-blown transition and builder Armand Milazzo was pleased to show off the progress of his Mission Revival-style design. Today, front and rear entrances to the
clubhouse create an open flow between the pro shop, bar and patio. Did they find money in the walls? No, but carpet removal revealed semi-precious stones in the original 3-inch-thick terrazzo tile, diamond ground with actual brass inlay. This installation at today’s cost would be more than the entire renovation. Equally exciting was the discovery
of a “secret” room upstairs with original black leather chairs from the 1920s. Armand divulged that recognizable VIPs gathered for super- high stakes poker games in that room, and would stomp on the floor when thirsty, signaling servers below. Would Armand share any of those
Golfers get in their swings at San Marcos Golf Resort during the early days dating back to 1913. Those Arizona pioneers included Dr. Alexander Chandler (middle right), the city and resort founder.
names from the past or more specifics? “No way!” But Martyn did unlock the door at the top of the steep stairs for a peek into the clandestine past under the hexagon-shaped roof, the window a lookout over the course. Alas, in more recent times it had been a storage room for any and all things, but what will its future hold? And if the walls could talk, what mysteries of history would they reveal? Thanks to the Chandler Museum, antique photos on the clubhouse and the resort’s hall walls depict many memorable moments from San Marcos’ storied past. As we approached grand opening
day, Betty Boop sang through the loudspeakers, “I wanna be loved by you. . . .” And when it comes to the brand-spanking new course, we hope so Betty “boop, boop, bee, doop.” The good news is the fairways at
San Marcos are once again sparkling emerald green, and the pro shop is bright with fashion and accessories. Replacing the old 19th
hole, Mulligan’s, is a full
restaurant and bar — Grill 60, same as the course record set by John Quarty, son of the resort’s owner in the 1960s and ’70s.
20 | AZ GOLF Insider | ANNUAL 2014
www.azgolf.org
COURTESY CHANDLER MUSEUM
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