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MESA, Arizona – In the 11th annual Golfweek's Best Courses, the editors of Golfweek magazine named Longbow Golf Club to its list of "2009 Golfweek's Best Resort Courses."
"We are thrilled and honored to receive recognition from Golfweek," said Jay Larscheid, General Manager. "I think we all knew that Longbow would garner accolades such as this, and it's truly gratifying to have agreement from one of the golf world's most influential publications. We've simply stayed focused on our pledge to our guests to provide the highest standards in terms of service and playing conditions. It's obvious that this formula has paid off."
Longbow was ranked 89 out of 100, which, at first glance may seem a bit dubious. However, when one considers the caliber of golf clubs placed further up the list – Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Whistling Straits, to name a few – it's clear that Longbow has earned a place among golf's elite resort courses.
Longbow Business Park and Golf Club is a 330-acre, mixed-use development, being developed by Daedalus Real Estate Advisors, that incorporates office, light industrial, retail and hotel uses surrounded by desert vegetation and a main street transportation design and features the award-winning Longbow Golf Club. Daedalus is a Phoenix-based commercial real estate services company that provides investment, development and communications consulting to corporate real estate clients. To learn more about Longbow Golf Club or to book a tee time call 480.807.5400 or visit www.longbowgolf.com.
Longbow Golf Club is professionally managed by OB Sports Golf Management, a diversified, golf-oriented company with a long history of success. OB Sports currently manages 31 premier golf courses and country clubs throughout the United States. Known for its comprehensive and personalized services since 1972, OB Sports has become widely acclaimed as the leader in boutique-style golf course management. For more information about OB Sports Golf Management visit www.obsports.com.
LA QUINTA, Calif. - To give the Stadium Course at PGA West a Scottish-links feel, small gorse-like brush was planted along the edges of the golf course. The problem was that the brush turned 21 years old and grew much bigger than expected, grabbing more than its fair share of errant tee shots.
So until recently, if you missed a fairway, there was a good chance you would never see your ball again. It was back to the tee if you didn't hit a provisional.
Perhaps worse was that some of these bushes were so large they obscured the sight lines of the holes from off the tee. So as part of an $8 million refresh for all nine courses at the La Quinta Resort & Club, the brush was removed. Now at least you can find your ball, if you haven't found one of the course's nine water hazards.
But make no mistake, this Pete Dye-designed bear still has all its teeth. It's essentially the same golf course that has befuddled pros since it hosted the Skins Game (1986-1991), the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf (1995-1996), the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic (1987) and now the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament finals every other year.
"It wasn't like you were going to rebuild any golf holes," said Jeff Harrison, director of golf sales at La Quinta. "It was kind of like taking an old smile and putting veneers on it."
Still, being able to find your golf ball does make it more enjoyable. If you spray it off the tee now, there is a chance you can recover - on some of the hole. After all, let's not forget that when Dye was commissioned to build this course more than two decades ago, he was charged with creating one of the most difficult golf courses in the world, and it's certainly still lives up to that billing.
With its forced carries, scores of pot bunkers and difficult greenside chips and pitches, if the PGA Tour guys had a tough time with it, imagine how the double-digit handicapper feels.
One member of our foursome quipped that if he could play 75 rounds a year on any of the courses at PGA West, he wouldn't play more than a couple on the Stadium. It can be that taxing - too much of a grind.
Bring your 'A' game to PGA West's Stadium Course
Yes, you need to be somewhat on your game to enjoy the Stadium Course, and depending on the tees, you need to be able to move the ball out there a bit.
From the very start, you get an idea how difficult this 7,300-yard, par-72 course can be. Miss the first fairway on the left, for example, and it could take a couple of shots to get it out of the thick Bermuda rough if you don't take your medicine and simply wedge it to the fairway.
By the fourth hole, nicknamed "Sand Pit," you already get a taste of Dye's bunkering. Miss this 192-yard par left or right, and you're most likely in a deep massive bunker. The next hole, "Double Trouble," is a reachable but treacherous par 5 with water left off the tee and right on the approach shot, the combination of which spreads the length of the hole.
Then it's time to start saying your prayers. The sixth, "Amen," is a 255-yard par 3, all carry over water if the pin is tucked to the right. Water looms left and right of the green as well.
The theme continues
There's water all down the right side of the short par-4 seventh, seven bunkers - half of them massive - on the 559-yard par-5 eighth and a large lake looming to catch tee shots and errant approaches on the most-difficult 452-yard ninth.
And it doesn't let up from there.
Both par 5s on the back are as tough as it gets. The 11th is named "Eternity," and if you miss the fairway on this 617-yard monster, it will seem like it takes all day to get to this green that is perched uphill and protected by water left and bunkers right.
The 571-yard 16th isn't much easier - if at all - primarily because of its greens complex and massive bunker, situated 18 feet below the level of the green. At least there are stairs to get in and out of it, but good luck having to hit a shot from down there onto the large green that slopes severely from back to front.
PGA West's Stadium Course: The verdict
On the 168-yard 17th, you'll find an automated camera system so you can have your picture taken in front of one of the most photographed holes in golf. (The photo is available at the golf shop after the round.) It's not quite as famous as Dye's 17th at the TPC at Sawgrass, but like Sawgrass, this island green of "Alcatraz" seems to shrink come tournament time with a title or tour card on the line.
The 18th is about as difficult a finishing hole as you'll find in golf. The tee shot is somewhat reminiscent of Doral's Blue Monster. If you draw the ball, you can't overcook it or you'll find the lake on the left. If you play a fade to the fairway and hit it straight and find the water, you're re-teeing. If you miss the fairway right and find one of several deep pot bunkers, it's pretty likely you'll have to hit a sand wedge back to the fairway. The bunkers, by the way, extend down the entire right side to the green, which is also protected by the water left.
Yes, the Stadium Course is a grind, but it's fair. Hit good shots, and you're rewarded. Miss a green, and you better have a great short game, because getting up and down here serves to test the best in the game.
When you think of PGA WEST®, it is the TPC Stadium Course that first comes to mind. Rated one of the "Top 100 Courses in the World" by GOLF Magazine and 4th toughest course in America in Golf Digest’s "Top 50 Toughest Courses in America" (2007), there may be no greater challenge or excitement in the game of golf . At 7,300 yards, the TPC Stadium Course has the highest stroke (76.1) and slope (150) ratings of all the courses at PGA WEST®.
A Pete Dye golf course, TPC Stadium delivers multiple adrenaline rushes throughout the round. Host to PGA TOUR "Q-School" Finals every other year, PGA TOUR hopefuls must navigate the island green of hole #17, known as Alcatraz, as well as the menacing water-lined 18th. Imagine needing to make par-par on two of the toughest finishing holes in golf to earn the coveted PGA TOUR card!
Named "Stadium" thanks to Dye's ingenious plan to sculpt spectator seating into the natural terrain, many historic moments in golf have occurred here, including Lee Trevino's unforgettable hole-in-one on Alcatraz. This won him a carry-over Skin worth $175,000 in the 1987 made-for-TV "Skins Game," hosted at PGA WEST from 1986-1991. With five sets of tees, the TPC Stadium lures all skill levels.
The verdict: Yes, the Stadium Course is a grind, but it's fair. Hit good shots, and you're rewarded. Miss a green, and you better have a great short game, because getting up and down here serves to test the best in the game.
WHERE YOU'LL PLAY
Three rounds
Hotel Description:
Guests of Hotel Zoso will enjoy a state-of-mind experience. Clean lines, contrasting colors and textures intrigue you. Oversized, richly appointed guest rooms soothe you. Like the ancient runes represented by its name, Hotel Zoso itself represents balance. The perfect blend of location, relaxation and inspiration.
Chef Juan Leon’s expertise in California casual dining makes the sleek and exciting eatZ restaurant the perfect place to dine after a revitalizing day at the chic pool playground. The backlit onyx Z lobby bar provides a flawless introduction to the 22,000+ square feet of conference space that is available for your next event.
The four-acre getaway, at the center of Palm Springs, is also steps from celebrated shops, dining and galleries, three blocks from the convention center, two miles from the international airport, and minutes from world-famous golf.
Recreation:
Room Description:
Standard Room - 475 sq. ft.
Contemporary, oversized furnishings blend with soft, plush textures beside cool stainless steel. Rooms feature either one queen, one king or two queen beds.
WHERE YOU'LL PLAY
Three rounds
Hotel Description:
Discover a distinctive blend of contemporary and classic style in what might appear to be a mirage in a desert oasis. Located just 16 miles east of the Palm Springs International Airport, this luxury resort promises to pamper business and leisure guests with thoughtful amenities and a flawless service staff. Surrounded by two championship golf courses and views of the stunning Santa Rosa Desert Mountains, the resort is complete with three pools, one with a sandy beach for kids play, two whirlpools, lavish full-service spa, fitness center, tennis and golf just steps away.
Put yourself in the heart of all the magic with 1,014 newly renovated guest rooms and 117 suites. Accommodations are stylishly appointed and feature luxurious pillow-top mattresses and bedding, along with thoughtful amenities such as a 32” HDTV, a mini-refrigerator and high-speed and wireless Internet access.
Room Description:
Standard Room - 420 sq. ft.
This room comes with all standard hotel amenities. Also comes equipped with a venetian style balcony. Some of these rooms have a mountain or resort view. Also there is a small sitting area within the room. Bedding consists of 1 King or 2 Queen beds.
WHERE YOU'LL PLAY
Three rounds
Hotel Description:
"La Quinta", Spanish for "country home" is Palm Springs oldest and most exclusive and distinctive desert hideaway. Since 1926, La Quinta's classic architectural style and welcoming ambiance has attracted film stars, industry leaders and sports celebrities in search of seclusion, solitude and a sporting lifestyle.
This 45 acre resort offers the highest quality accommodations. La Quinta offers World renowned golf and tennis as well as a new $ 4.5 million spa center. World-class Spa La Quinta offers resort guests a variety of unique indoor and outdoor treatments including PGA WEST Golf Massage, open-air Celestial Showers Sacred Stone Massage and more. La Quinta Resort oversees a wide variety of unique and exciting activities for the entire Palm Springs area.
The Site Services staff has the creativity and resources to plan custom activities for totally unique and memorable group experiences. Some activities include hot air ballooning, jeep tours, horseback riding, bicycling, shopping and rock climbing.
Room Description:
Resort Casita - 400 sq. ft.
Many of the Resort Casitas are the original rooms built in the 1920s, and combine early California décor with modern appointments. Situated in the central garden area of the property, each Resort Casita has a patio and mountain and/or garden views. Some casitas are available with a fireplace. Bedding consists of one King bed or two Queen beds.
Deluxe Casita - 462 sq. ft.
Located throughout the property, Deluxe Casitas may have a fireplace or additional sitting area. Early California décor combines with modern appointments for a luxury experience. Each has a patio and may have mountain, pool, and/or garden views. These rooms are situated either in a garden setting or poolside, and offer the option of a private enclosed patio. Bedding consists of one King bed or two Queen beds.
Course Opened:
1986
Course Type/Style:
Semi-Private/Desert
Number of Tee Boxes:
5 sets
Total Number of Sand Bunkers:
85 - 89
Number of Water Hazards:
9 of 18 holes
Most Challenging Hole: No. 9
Named Reflection and is the No. 1 handicap hole
Most Memorable Hole: No. 17
Alcatraz is the most photographed hole on the course.
Signature Hole: No. 16 which includes a 19-foot deep bunker that runs almost the full length of the hole.
Acreage of Course:
Average Size of Greens:
6,400 sq. ft.
Primary Grasses
Fairways:
Bermuda/rye
Rough:
Bermuda/rye
Greens:
TifEagle
Months Open:
January – December
High Season:
December – April
Aerification:
Overseeding:
Rounds per year:
Green Fees:
Low: $119 High: $265
Walking Options:
Mandatory Cart
Club Manager:
Michael Kelly
Head Pro:
Michael Ferguson, PGA
Superintendent:
Gregory K. Hrycyk, GCSAA
Golf Digest 
rating
What do you need to know about TPC-Myrtle Beach, beyond the need to bring your 'A' game? Here are five tidbits that might enhance your enjoyment of the South Strand layout.
Hit it high – Generally speaking, the greens at TPC are elevated and well bunkered, so you aren't going to have much success trying to run the ball up. Make sure you iron game is sharp and be prepared to fly numerous bunkers on your way to the green.
Tournament Tested – TPC is one of Myrtle Beach golf's biggest challenges and it has the resume to prove it. The course has hosted the PGA Senior Tour Championship, the finals of the Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship, and every spring it hosts the General Hackler Invitational, one of the nation's best collegiate tournaments. Take the time to check out the clubhouse memorabilia.
One of a Kind – In recent years Myrtle Beach golf courses have collected honors like a kid receiving candy on Halloween, but TPC is the only course in the area to earn 5-stars in Golf Digest's prestigious "Best Places to Play" guide and one of fewer than 25 layouts in the nation to earn the distinction.
Yes, that is Dustin Johnson – Rising PGA Tour star Dustin Johnson calls TPC-Myrtle Beach home. In addition to practicing and playing at TPC, the three-time winner on tour has been known to hang around the clubhouse. Don't be shocked if you see him, but he's just one of the guys in Murrells Inlet.
That's a wild turkey, not a drink – TPC-Myrtle Beach is built on 369 acres, much of it wetlands, which means the course has plenty of breathing room and there is ample wildlife. Wild turkey roost in the swamp to the left of ninth tee and there are an abundance of deer, alligators and fox, among many other animals. Enjoy the scenery.
By Chris King on May 4, 2010
The TPC-Myrtle Beach is one of the Grand Strand's bluebloods.
It enjoys the benefit of a premium brand, superior design (the team of Lanny Wadkins and Tom Fazio is tough to beat), and it's the home course of Dustin Johnson, a three-time winner on the PGA Tour. Throw in a bevy of national honors, and it's not hard to see why the facility is so highly regarded.
Identifying the three best holes on a course that has hosted what was then the Senior PGA Tour Championship and gets a regular workout from Johnson is a challenging task, because the candidates are plentiful. We asked course owner Chip Smith to identify the best of the best at TPC-Myrtle Beach and he complied, with an assist from Johnson.
The three best holes at TPC are:
No. 5, 158-yard, Par 3: Despite being TPC's shortest hole, the fifth is one of its most challenging, particularly from the tips where the tee shot requires a long forced carry over water. The green is wider than it is deep, so your margin for error is limited. A bunker in the right front looms for players not playing from the tips, as does a bunker in back of the green.
"There is almost a false front on the front of the green," Smith said. "It's a tough little shot because the green is narrow. The right side of the green is always better than short because of the lake."
No. 17, 193-yard, par 3: The words island green and TPC have almost become synonymous because of the famed 17th at Sawgrass, and No. 17 at TPC-Myrtle Beach is a reasonable approximation. The primary differences? The 17th in Myrtle Beach is a peninsula green surrounded by water on "only" three sides and it's approximately 50 yards longer. The 17th is TPC-Myrtle Beach's signature hole and with an almost constant wind, it represents a significant challenge. "Because of the distance, I think it's a little tougher than 17 at Sawgrass," Smith says. "Now I've never stood on 17 at Sawgrass on Sunday with $1.4 million on the line either (laugh)."
No. 18, 538-yard, par 5: The 18th, with a creek running along the right side of the fairway and a large lake on the left, is Johnson's choice as the course's best. It's a classic risk-reward hole. Players that can snuggle up to the creek before it runs out to the lake can get home in two, but there is considerable risk. Half of the green is exposed to water and with the rough surrounding it shaved, it's not an easy green to hold. One person who doesn't have to worry about length is Johnson. What does one of the PGA Tour's longest hitters use to reach the green on his second shot? "Depending on which way the wind is blowing, anywhere from a 5 or 6 iron to a 3-wood," he said. For the mere mortals among us, an iron on the second shot when attempting to reach the 18th green is out of the question!
