Contrary to published reports, the golf course construction business continues to roll on in the East Valley, with the next latest-greatest layout -- Vista Verde Golf Club near Rio Verde -- already green and ready to open its doors to the public on Jan.1.
Also scheduled for later in 2006 will be a second course at We-Ko-Pa in Fountain Hills, although construction is not yet under way on No. 2.
In a way, Vista Verde, which is located near the northwest corner of Dynamite Road and Rio Verde Drive, looks a lot like the first course at We-Ko-Pa. And considering they are probably only 15 miles apart as the crow flies, it figures.
With sweeping views of the Tonto National Forest and the Four Peaks, both courses share a common backdrop. And while both have nary a single house on what most perceive as “pure fairways,’’ that will all change in the near future at Vista Verde, where lots will soon go on sale starting at $250,000 and up.
Vista Verde, which was designed by Tucson architect Ken Kavanaugh, will be a private golf club separate from the neighboring courses at Tonto Verde Golf Club. The price tag is a very reasonable (for what you get) $40,000 for a full-equity membership.
The good news is the public will have access to Vista Verde for the next few years, or until the club maxes out on members, a similar practice that has held up for 10 years at Tonto Verde. But Vista Verde, which like Tonto Verde is being developed by Rio Verde Services, might not take as long to fill up. It’s that good.
Kavanaugh, whose 20-course resume in eight states includes Gold Canyon Golf Resort and Longbow Golf Club in the East Valley, certainly likes what his hard work has wrought.
“The goal was to make this something different -- both in the look and in strategy -- from the two courses at Tonto Verde,’’ said Kavanaugh of the Gary Panks-designed Peaks and Ranch courses at Tonto Verde. “And with the help of superintendent Tyler Koser, who has grown this in with such perfection, I think we’ve accomplished that.’’
Vista Verde is actually quite different from any course every built in Arizona, with a multitude of sweeping fairways that appear as wide as football fields. Even though Kavanaugh has adhered to the 90-acre turf limit in Arizona, he has built a big feel into the 7,200-yard layout (from the tips) through ubiquitous cross bunkers and desert washes.
“What’s happened in golf is that the equipment/technology revolution has made the ball go farther,’’ Kavanaugh pointed out. “That’s great for the people who play golf for a living, but for the average player, it means that the ball is going farther off line.
“By having a wider landing area, I’ve given them some leeway. And I think the course is set up elegantly, so you have to discover the options -- the paths -- from tee to green.’’
There are other things that will separate Vista Verde from its rivals, like large greens that range from 4,000 to 9,000 square feet. Some are “wildly contoured,’’ as Kavanaugh called the numerous false fronts and multiple tiers, while others feature “mini-greens’’ within the green, meaning finding numerous pin positions will not be difficult.
Vista Verde also has no rough to speak of. Translated: the bump-and-run is back in the game.
“I borrowed that from Talking Stick North, which is my favorite course in the Valley,’’ Kavanaugh said. “So our golf course hugs the ground -- without mounds -- or actually goes down in it.’’
The result is breath-taking views on more than half of the 18 holes. And while Tonto Verde also sports some of that panorama, the fact that Vista Verde is a mile or two farther up the hill means even future housing won’t spoil these vistas.
Dave Cox, the director of golf at Tonto Verde who will slide over into the same position at Vista Verde, used the words “awesome’’ and “pristine’’ to describe his new home.
Told the course was very reminiscent of We-Ko-Pa, although perhaps more straightforward, Cox responded: “That would be a wonderful compliment.’’ |
