Off the Fringe, “Golf’s best short read.” The award winning newsletter, sent twice monthly, that provides an unconventional perspective on the golf world.
Thomas Klabunde
Phoenix
2016-01-25
$31 (cart not included), played on Sunday, January 2016 at 11:25 PM
Maryvale GC, now known as the Grand Canyon University course after a complete overhaul, is nothing like it was for the past decade+. Formerly a flat, open course with mature trees, it has been toughened up considerably, not the least of which was adding another 500 yards to now stretch it out to over 7200 yards from the tips. An old William Bell design (Papago and Torrey Pines are other courses in his portfolio), it has been refreshed by adding many bunkers (which are excellent) which frame the shots very nicely. Considerable dirt was moved and there is now a lot of movement and vertical in the fairways and many greens have been built up slightly. Most of the mature trees have been retained so it still has a parkland feel. Maybe the most interesting change is the putting surfaces. They put in Champion Bermuda, a relatively new "ultradwarf" Bermuda with fine texture compared to more traditional Bermuda. It has not been overseeded and is a very fast (probably running about 11+ right now), extremely true putting surface. A brand new restaurant and pro shop was added that is likewise very well done. A new must-play in Phoenix, especially with the reasonable pricing. Only complaint I had was the pace of play, and I will be back!
Would travel: 20-30 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again
Condition of Course, Price, Food/ Bar facilities, Difficulty, Layout
$31 (cart not included), played on Sunday, January 2016 at 11:25 PM
Maryvale GC, now known as the Grand Canyon University course after a complete overhaul, is nothing like it was for the past decade+. Formerly a flat, open course with mature trees, it has been toughened up considerably, not the least of which was adding another 500 yards to now stretch it out to over 7200 yards from the tips. An old William Bell design (Papago and Torrey Pines are other courses in his portfolio), it has been refreshed by adding many bunkers (which are excellent) which frame the shots very nicely. Considerable dirt was moved and there is now a lot of movement and vertical in the fairways and many greens have been built up slightly. Most of the mature trees have been retained so it still has a parkland feel. Maybe the most interesting change is the putting surfaces. They put in Champion Bermuda, a relatively new "ultradwarf" Bermuda with fine texture compared to more traditional Bermuda. It has not been overseeded and is a very fast (probably running about 11+ right now), extremely true putting surface. A brand new restaurant and pro shop was added that is likewise very well done. A new must-play in Phoenix, especially with the reasonable pricing. Only complaint I had was the pace of play, and I will be back!