“Now we’ve gotten to the point
where we’re looking at making this bigger, because the women who have participated really do love it. So it’s made a big impact and we’re hoping it can grow here and then grow nationally. It could even become a part of LPGA tournaments throughout the country, and that would be wonderful.”
MOVERS
Longbow Golf Club has made the big leap to Troon Golf, the Scottsdale-based management company that runs 360 courses in 35 states and 30 countries. Longbow gives Troon a “Sweet 16” portfolio of courses in Arizona. “Troon’s expertise in agronomy,
food and beverage, marketing and delivering world-class service will enhance our entire Longbow Golf Club experience,” said Bob McNichols, developer and general manager of Longbow Business Park and Golf Club. “We’re excited about this big change to start the 2019 New Year.” Longbow certainly has a strong
reputation as a player in the golf community, hosting hundreds of events since McNichols bought the course in 2001 and had it renovated by the original architect Ken Kavanaugh. “(That) new Longbow Golf Club quickly turned into an Arizona gem
Sod walls in bunkers help reduce the cost of restoring bunkers after a rain, and they also keep the sand predominantly on the bunker floor, eliminating the need for a bunker liner.
that has played host to numerous competitive events including the AJGA Heather Farr Classic, LPGA Symetra Tour, USGA and professional events, as well as being a favorite course for both visitors and Arizona residents,” said Mike Ryan, chief operations officer for Troon. “We’re excited to be on board and look forward to enhancing and supporting this popular club, its host of fans and frequent players.” Yes, it’s a win-win for both
parties, especially Longbow which has done so much through the years for the Arizona golf community.
SHAKEUPS Leave it to SunRidge Canyon Golf Club owner Don Misheff to give the bunkers at his course a “new look.” That’s right, Misheff had Pro Turf International install sod walls a la St. Andrews/Carnoustie in some of his most testy hazards. “I always thought our golf
course had a links-style look to it,” Misheff explained. “And when we decided our bunkers needed work, I recalled a conversation I had with the (original) architect, Keith Foster. “(Foster) said that if he had it to do
over again, he wouldn’t have made such severe facing in the bunkers. So I came up with the idea of sod-walled bunkers . . . and we decided to give it a try.” Fueled with the advice of his good friend/CBS broadcaster Gary McCord, Misheff not only went sod-ways, he also shrunk a few bunkers and eliminated others all in the name of golf sanity. According to Kip Wolf of Pro
Turf International, bunkers are the No. 1 maintenance issue for most golf courses. And with reduced maintenance staffs these days, bunker detail can be difficult to achieve. “With the bunker sod wall work we did at SunRidge Canyon, it helps reduce the cost of restoring the bunkers after a rain and further contamination from trying to keep the sand on the steep faces” Wolf noted. “The sand now is predominately on the bunker floor, which eliminates the need for a bunker liner and makes maintenance much easier.” If this is the beginning of a trend
One of the new sod bunkers at SunRidge Canyon Golf Club.
www.azgolf.org
involving sod bunkers in the desert, it’s a timely one. Good move, Mr. Misheff! n
PREVIEW 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 43
PRO TURF INTERNATIONAL
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