NEWS Q&A
Some questions and answers about Papago's rebirth
Q: Who is operating Papago Golf Course (PGC)?
A: AGA Management, LLC (AGAM), pursuant to an Operating Agreement with the City of Phoenix, will operate PGC. The sole member of AGAM is the Arizona Golf Foundation (AGF), a 501C3 charitable organization.
Q: What is being done to PGC?
A: Under the independent direction of golf course architect William R. (Billy) Fuller, PGC has undergone a complete restoration. All of the green surfaces were returned to their original shape and size. While maintaining its original putting surface the #1 green has been moved back some 40 yards and now sits on the lake edge. The #9 hole received the most attention with the lake being reduced in size and moved closer to the green and the fairway. The most notable and dramatic change is seen in the restoration of the bunkers as well as the addition of several fairway bunkers. All teeing surfaces have been rebuilt with many new back and forward tees added to accommodate today's golfer. Many trees have been removed and remaining trees will be trimmed to enhance the golf experience. The entire golf course was re-grassed.
Q: Were any other golf course architects involved in the planning or execution of the golf course restoration?
A: No. Billy Fuller worked independently, did his own planning and design work and was solely responsible for the restoration of PGC.
Q: Who did the restoration construction work?
A: Weitz Golf International (WGI) was the general contractor for the restoration of PGC. National Turf was the irrigation subcontractor. Rainbird and Horizon provided all of the irrigation material including the new pump station. Other subcontractors included West Coast Turf, Ewing, and Turner Tree. Marvin Mills, HMD Design, provided the irrigation design.
Q: What was the restoration process?
A: The restoration started in early April 2008 as soon as the course was closed by its owner, the City of Phoenix. Work began with tree removal and the pulverization of all 18 fairways and greens. At the same time the old pump station was removed and the irrigation lake cleaned, lined and refilled. The fairways were shaped; the greens cored and returned to their original size and shape; bunkers were reshaped and added; tees were leveled and added. Grassing began the week of July 7.
Q: What are the greens fees?
A: A Phoenix Golf Card (reserved exclusively for Maricopa County residents who produce valid evidence of such residency [an Arizona driver license or ID]) will pay high-season greens fee of $44.00, not including golf cart. The 2008-09 high-season greens fee for non-cardholders is $115.00, not including a cart. Cart fees are $15 per rider.
Q: Do I have the option of walking?
A: Yes, golf carts are optional.
Q: When are tee times available to cardholders?
A: Tee times are now available to everyone. Cardholders may reserve tee times nine days in advance. Others may reserve eight days in advance.
Q: What about walk-ons?
A: The AGAM will continue the previous policy of allowing walk-ons to play PGC, subject to weather, maintenance scheduling and the start of daily tee times.
Q: Are community and Phoenix golf programs continuing at PGC?
A: The AGAM will continue to support such programs as the Phoenix Youth Golf Program, Valle de Sol, Desert Mashies, SW Section PGA Youth Events and the First Tee. In addition, the AGAM is providing availability for golf programs involving the Arizona Golf Association (AGA), the Arizona Women's Golf Association (AWGA), the Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) and the United States Golf Association (USGA).
Q: Will the Arizona Golf Association (AGA) use PGC for its tournaments
A: Yes, however, play is limited by agreement with the City of Phoenix. During high season the AGA will be limited to three events totaling no more than six days.
Q: Does the City of Phoenix have oversight of PGC and if so how?
A: Yes, there is a four-member Operations Team consisting of two representatives each from the City of Phoenix and the AGAM. This team reviews all policies and procedures concerning PGC's operation.
Q: What about a clubhouse?
A: The clubhouse was demolished in August. Design of a new clubhouse facility is currently in progress. Both planning and construction will pay careful attention to environmentally friendly design, materials and placement, as well as architecture and landscaping that will enhance the overall aesthetic value of the Papago experience. When completed, it will offer a full-service golf shop, restaurant facilities, a pavilion for hosting large events and conference room facilities for smaller groups. The golf course will be operated from temporary facilities until the clubhouse is completed.
Q: What about practice and instructional facilities?
A: Plans are actively in process for construction of a complete Learning Center (see additional details). It will include indoor instructional spaces with state-of-the-art teaching technologies, a separate driving range area and practice putting green.
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