Boulders Resort Breaks Ground On Golf Course Renovation

The Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale recently broke ground on an extensive bunker renovation project and golf course refinement project designed to enhance the playability of its golf courses for resort guests, members and Arizona residents. The multi-focus project includes the renovation of all bunkers on the award-winning Boulders North and South Courses and it also includes a greens renovation project on the South Course.

"We are committed to investing in our stellar golf resort and keeping the Boulders at the top of must-play lists for traveling golfers, while enhancing an amazing country club environment for our vibrant membership," said the Boulders General Manager, John Maskovich. "Our investment in capital - from the bunkers on both courses, the greens, to the pump station, to new agronomic equipment - combined with the best golf team, are prime examples of our commitment," he added.

During the four-month project, all bunkers will be excavated and rebuilt incorporating a technically advanced drainage and liner system featuring Capillary Concrete. This new generation lining method increases the speed at which water flows through the bunker, minimizing washouts, reducing maintenance and producing superior playability. Original bunker shapes and strategy will be maintained during renovations. New bunkers will be refilled with premium 50:50 bunker sand (50 percent white and 50 percent tan blended together) and are expected to last for many years. During the project, current bunker sand will be repurposed to provide additional topdressing material for fairways and key playing surfaces.

Additionally, as part of this extensive capital investment, the Boulders will be updating green complexes on the South Course to their original shape and size, and resurfacing greens with TifEagle turf. TifEagle is an ultra-dwarf hybrid green that will offer improved speed, consistency and playability as well as smooth transitions during seasonal weather changes.

Scottsdale-based Casa Verde Golf, a Troon Company and an industry-leader in golf course construction and renovation, is executing the work. Renovation work, as well as annual course maintenance projects, will take place in rotating fashion throughout the summer to always allow for 18 holes to be open for play.

The Boulders' bunker renovation project and South Course refinement project comes on the heels of ownership's recent investment in a state-of-the-art pump station designed to support efficient irrigation practices and enhancing turf health. In addition, the Boulders recently named Brandon Christenson as the new Director of Golf Operations and Ryan Schroeder as the new Director of Agronomy. Formerly of Troon Country Club, Schroeder will oversee maintenance of the North and South courses, the property's expansive golf practice facilities, and manage the club's agronomy team.

The Boulders Club features a 6,811-yard, par-72, championship North Course and a 6,726-yard, par-71 championship South Course, both designed by Jay Morrish. World-renowned as one of the finest golf resorts in the western United States, the courses are considered the most demanding in the Southwest and are known for their rugged beauty and dramatic desert panoramas. Both the North and the South courses are built right into the desert foothills - including stunning ancient boulder formations, striking Sonoran Desert sunsets and natural desert terrain. The North Course features spectacular views of Black Mountain and the South Course, considered to be the most scenic, is known for its signature No. 5 hole that plays right up to a dazzling rock outcropping which shelters the green and No. 7 hole, a gigantic balancing rock "Rosie's Rock" that is perched on the tee.