Arizona is without doubt one of the hottest golf locations for its heat local weather and sunshine, however its water scarcity isn’t any secret, difficult golf programs to cut back their utilization, and Alta Mesa Golf Membership (AMGC) is main that cost within the east Valley of the Solar.
Common Supervisor Scott Mattiello joined the group at AMGC due to their management on this enviornment. AMGC was the primary valley course to put in MiniVerde greens 22 years in the past. MiniVerde produces glorious placing high quality and when taking part in the course not too long ago, we thought the unique MiniVerde greens rolled like Phoenix Nation Membership’s greens did a pair weeks earlier than the Charles Schwab Champions Cup was performed.
It’s this sort of ahead considering that attracted Scott. Initially from Connecticut, he served in quite a few valley capacities beginning on the Raven as an intern and serving as GM at Trilogy. He’s eager on the partnership with Superintendent Mike Molton who got here up with the TifTuf different to switch fairways after his brother shared his success with it again in Georgia. Mike has a B.S. diploma in Turf Grass Science from Clemson College. He introduced the AMGC TifTuf answer to the Arizona Alliance for Golf. The AAG is a coalition of organizations and people fashioned in 2022 to guard Arizona’s golf trade and dispel misconceptions about golf and conservation.
Programs within the AAG are attempting many varieties of turfs whereas AMGC has jumped in full bore with TifTuf. They began with a trial of planting TifTuf Sod on gap one in the summertime of 2021 and monitored it for a pair seasons. Members preferred it they usually saved 20% on water. That was purpose sufficient to go in 2023 with sod minimize for quick institution on the entire course. The TifTuf set up was accomplished in twelve weeks, by no means shutting down, at a value of $1.5m for 26 acres of fairways and surrounds. Watering is completed as soon as every week in the course of the winter months from the nicely, and aerification is completed twice a 12 months in the summertime months. In June and July, the course was among the best conditioned within the valley whereas others have been transitioning.
Members understand an incredible profit as a result of there is no such thing as a downtime when different programs shut for his or her overseeding of rye grass in October which is prime Arizona golf climate. 3,000 rounds have been performed at AMGC this final October whereas different programs have been shut down. Even the cart paths stayed open. TifTuf is a one and finished answer.
One other bonus is when the TifTuf fairway is dormant, pigment is utilized for colour and heat. Frost doesn’t harm it so there are minimal frost delays; primarily as a result of the tees are nonetheless overseeded. Mike defined that the tees on the par 4s and 5s could possibly be changed with TifTuf, however on the par 3s the iron play necessitates a extra regenerative course of. The par 3s are closed solely two days, and the rye grows in with persevering with play. Mike agrees that TifTuf is a Superintendent’s dream at sure factors however notes that in Dec-Feb, you don’t get the cart restoration, making moisture and site visitors management extra essential.
Different Arizona programs like Greyhawk and Anthem tried TifTuf on elements of their properties, however AMGC was the primary to decide to the method on their complete 18 with out overseeding the fairways. Quite a few valley golf equipment have come out to see the implementation and a number of other like McCormick Ranch, Saddlebrook and Pebble Creek are following the AMGC mannequin.
Brian Whitlark of the USGA can be concerned in analyzing the success. Mike is hesitant to offer an actual proportion of water financial savings till they get extra information however says it has been as excessive as 28% and sure trending at 20%. Plus, they save on the bills by not overseeding. Over time the expectation for each facility might be totally different.
AMGC took a second step as stewards of water discount by putting in the SOX erosion management system round their stunning lakes in the course of the turf conversion mission in 2023. A course in Georgia utilized it alongside a well known creek, and longevity has been confirmed on many different programs. It’s one other new answer delivered to the Arizona market by AMGC. The SOX cutting-edge know-how will cease all lake edge erosion and water loss by seepage/soil wicking long run.
AMGC takes delight of their water conservation, attractive course and facilities. The course was designed by Dick Phelps in 1984, incorporating six lakes. It stretches to 7,127 yards over 169 acres with mountain views. Different golf programs that meander inside the neighborhood typically encroach upon the fairways and greens. Not so with AMGC. The course gives beneficiant vast fairways and various inexperienced complexes with out obstruction from the housing. The lakes tease golfers for that danger/reward morsel. Holes #3 and #9 are Par 5s that navigate across the water hazard begging the query of how a lot danger you are taking by calculating sufficient yardage for carry. Par 3s are elevated with deep bunkering for excellent selection. The closing Par 4, #18 rides the lake alongside the best aspect. The blind water hazard from #9 encroaches from the left, sneaking up the place the golf green narrows as you get nearer to the inexperienced. This gap has ruined many good scores with misleading problem and supplies leisure for the gallery of members on the patio. General, AMGC delivers a enjoyable, however difficult golf expertise for all ranges of gamers with classes accessible for enchancment. The apply space is intensive with plans for future enhancements. That’s AMGC, all the time trying to enhance.
Members and visitors obtain a pleasant welcome from the parking zone to the professional store, colorfully stocked with many attire and accent choices. Consideration on the course comes from the environment friendly beverage cart and member visitor providers, guaranteeing all is nicely in the course of the spherical.
Chef Marc Woodward manages a complete menu on the Sundown Grill with delectable decisions for all. Black Angus beef with fries or blackened salmon salad are completely reverse decisions and each specifically ready to not disappoint.
Membership charges are low for a excessive worth way of life making AMGC one of the crucial reasonably priced within the Valley of the Solar, for a completely personal membership. AMGC is an fairness membership owned and operated by their members with an initiation and month-to-month charges that embody a pair and youngsters in residence beneath 24. For non-golfers, a eating membership can be accessible at an inexpensive worth with a set annual meals and beverage minimal and limitless visitors. The delicacies and serene lake view setting make this a no brainer for any native diners with high-quality style.
Membership director Kim says, “AMGC appears ahead to a chance to indicate you all they must give you and your loved ones. You’ll be able to attain us at kim@altamesagolf.com or 480-832-3257 ext. 100”. If visiting, the Metropolis of Mesa has historic or newer inns, outlets, eating places, artwork district, spring coaching and extra programs to play. www.Altamesagolf.com www.mesaaz.gov
