Lodestone, Longbow, The Oaks, Sandia, Tetherow, Three Crowns and We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro and Cholla)
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona – Eight courses at seven golf facilities managed by Scottsdale-based OB Sports Golf Management made the list of 2011 Golfweek’s Best You Can Play: Lodestone Golf Club, Langdon Farms Golf Club, Longbow Golf Club, The Oaks Golf Club, Sandia Golf Club, Tetherow, Three Crowns Golf Club and We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Saguaro and Cholla). We-Ko-Pa’s Saguaro Course was also included in Golfweek’s “Modern” ranking which lists the top 100 courses designed after 1960.
The annual ranking lists the top public-access golf clubs in each state. Of the hundreds of eligible courses within each state, (depending on the state) only a few clubs make the list. Course-ranking panelists apply the following criteria when considering each golf course: 1) ease and intimacy of routing, the extent to which the sequence of holes follows natural contours and unfolds in an unforced manner; 2) variety and memorability of par 3s, 4s and 5s, different clubs hit, extent to which the angles of play create interesting and varied playing options, and extent to which holes offer variety of options from the tee and on the second shot; 3) basic quality of conditioning, variety of playing textures, extent of turf coverage, consistency and quality of bunker sand; 4) walk-in-the-park test, degree to which the course ultimately is worth spending a half-day on.
“Each year we look forward to discovering which of our clubs made the cut,” said Phil Green, Chief Operating Officer of OB Sports Golf Management. “Congratulations to all of the folks at the club level who are obviously providing excellent conditions on a consistent basis. And of course, congratulations to the designers and architects of these fine golf courses. We take great pride in making the most of their wonderful creations.”
Lodestone Golf Club
Of the hundreds of golf clubs in Maryland considered for the list, only 10 were chosen, and Lodestone Golf Club placed 2nd. The par-72 layout at Lodestone plays 7,507 yards from the ‘Irwin Tees’ and features bent grass greens, tees and fairways. In addition, the course is truly a natural mountain golf experience that is highlighted by bold, tree-lined fairways, eye-catching bunker complexes and dramatic rock outcroppings. Not only is Lodestone set at the highest elevation of any course in Maryland (at 2,973 feet above sea level), but this premier club boasts numerous jaw dropping elevation changes and 40 mile views of the Deep Creek Lake region.
While the club is private, Lodestone is accessible via preview play opportunities and via ‘discovery golf packages’ or access from preferred lodging partners in the Deep Creek Lake region. In addition, Lodestone offers a unique trial use privilege opportunity that allow for interested parties to preview a membership at the club. For more information on Lodestone Golf Club, call (301) 387-GOLF (4653), email info@lodestonegolf.com, visit www.lodestonegolf.com, become a fan of Lodestone on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lodestonegolf or follow Lodestone on Twitter: www.twitter.com/lodestonegolf.
Langdon Farms Golf Club
Of the hundreds of public-access golf clubs in Oregon considered for the list, only 10 were chosen, and Langdon Farms Golf Club placed 5th. Rated four out of five stars by Golf Digest’s Best Places To Play for 2009 and ranked as one of the Top Ten Best Courses You Can Play in Oregon by Golfweek magazine (State-By-State Ranking for 2009-2010), Langdon Farms is home to 18 holes of stunning golf designed by John Fought and Robert Cupp. Langdon Farms Golf Club opened to rave reviews in 1995 and immediately became a favorite in the Portland area. Over the years, the local, regional and even national golf writers have consistently recognized it as a truly unique golf experience. The “Big Red Barn” clubhouse, winner of Golf Inc’s “Best New Clubhouse” award, was modeled after the original barn on Mr. Langdon’s farm. The original barn, built in 1916, actually comes into play down the left side of the 8th hole. The Big Red Barn clubhouse, creative signage, theme development, and links-style golf course design and maintenance elements have all contributed to the exceptional reputation of Langdon Farms. The golf facility is open, as displayed at the entrance, to the “PUBLIC ONLY” and specializes in hosting tournaments, outings and special events. For more information on Langdon Farms Golf Club, to reserve a tee time, or to book wedding, tournament, or special event, call: 503.678.GOLF (4653). For more information on Langdon Farms Golf Club visit www.langdonfarms.com, become a Fan of Langdon Farms on Facebook at www.facebook.com/langdonfarms or follow Langdon Farms on Twitter at www.twitter.com/langdonfarms
Longbow Golf Club
Of the hundreds of public-access golf clubs in Arizona considered for the list, only 25 were chosen, and Longbow Golf Club placed 21st. Longbow Golf Club and Business Park is a 330-acre, mixed-use commercial development 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. Longbow Golf Club features a 7,003-yard Ken Kavanaugh-designed golf course that was also ranked as one of the “Top 100 Resort Courses in The Country” by Golfweek magazine for 2009. Daedalus Real Estate Advisors, LLC is a Phoenix-based commercial real estate services company that provides investment, development and communications consulting to corporate real estate clients in Arizona and the Southwest. For more information about Longbow Golf Club visit www.longbowgolf.com, call 480.807.5400 or become a fan of Longbow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/longbowgolfclub, or follow Longbow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/longbowgolfclub.
The Oaks Golf Club
Of the hundreds of public-access golf clubs in Mississippi considered for the list, only 10 were chosen, and The Oaks Golf Club placed 8th. Originally opened in 1998, The Oaks Golf Club is nestled amongst majestic timberlands and native wetlands providing one of the most unforgettable golfing experiences on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The striking par-72 layout is highlighted by strategic bunkering, dramatic green complexes and a meandering routing and creates a serene and tranquil golf experience. The Oaks has challenged some of the best players in the country as a former host of Nike Tour/Buy.com Tour events in 1999 and 2000 (now the PGA Tour’s Nationwide Series) and having hosted the first stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying School in 2003. The Oaks Golf Club also known for having “Hooters Girls” refreshment cart staff. Clad in their traditional Hooters Girl uniforms, these beverage cart staff members provide refreshments and snacks for golfing guests at The Oaks. For tee times or more information on The Oaks Golf Club call (228) 452-0909 or visit www.theoaksgolfclub.com. You can also become a Fan of The Oaks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theoaksgolfclub
Sandia Golf Club
Of the hundreds of public-access golf clubs in New Mexico considered for the list, only 10 were chosen, and Sandia Golf Club placed 5th. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sandia Resort & Casino features a world class golf experience that offers a visually stunning and strategic 18 hole golf course designed by Scott Miller, complete practice facility and a 16,000 square foot “Pueblo” style clubhouse featuring restaurant, golf shop and expansive patio. The golf club at Sandia is a key amenity to the Sandia Resort & Casino that is already a popular gaming and entertainment venue. Sandia offers a world class resort that features 228 luxurious, oversized guest rooms including over 30 suites. Every guest room and suite are highlighted by awe-inspiring views of the Albuquerque skyline or the rugged wildness of the Sandia Mountains. The resort also includes over 35,000 square feet of “state of the art” entertainment, meeting & convention space that can accommodate groups up to 3000, a 12,000 square foot spa and a multitude of dining options including a 410 seat signature buffet, steakhouse and Bien Shur, the roof top gourmet restaurant with an indoor/outdoor entertainment lounge with the most breath-taking views this side of the Valle Grande. For more information on Sandia Golf Club visit www.sandiagolf.com or call 505.798.3990. You can also become a Fan of Sandia on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sandiagolf or Follow Sandia on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SandiaGolf
Tetherow
Of the hundreds of eligible golf courses in Oregon, only 10 made the ranking. Tetherow earned the 5th spot in the ranking, just behind notable names such as Bandon Dunes and Bandon Trails. Located minutes from downtown Bend, Oregon, Tetherow is residential golf community that meanders over 700 acres of stunning high-desert terrain and includes 379 home sites ranging in price from the low-$200s to the mid-$700s with acreage of 1/3-acre to more an acre. In addition to custom home sites, Tetherow boasts a striking 18-hole course designed by award-winning architect David McLay Kidd. Recognized by Golf Magazine as the “No. 1 Best New Course You Can Play in The Country” and honored with “Best-New” accolades from Golf Digest, Golfweek, Links and the Robb Report, Tetherow Golf Club has quickly become one of the most sought-after tee time in the Central Oregon golf scene. Tetherow was also honored for environmental stewardship and became the first course in Oregon to become a Certified Audubon International Signature Sanctuary. The club boasts an 18,000 square-foot clubhouse that features a well-appointed golf shop, restaurant, members Grille and expansive patios with spectacular views of the golf course and surrounding Deschutes National Forest. Other amenities at Tetherow include a complete practice facility, expansive practice putting greens and short-game learning center. Tetherow is situated just minutes from restaurants, cafes and cultural attractions of downtown Bend. Plus, nearby outdoor opportunities abound at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, on miles of hiking and biking trails, world-class fly fishing and white water rafting on the Deschutes River and more. For more information on Tetherow, view their website at www.tetherow.com or call 541.388.CLUB (2582). You can also become a Fan of Tetherow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tetherowgolf or Follow Tetherow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/tetherowgolf
Three Crowns Golf Club
Only five golf clubs made the list for Wyoming, and Three Crowns Golf Club placed 2nd. Located in Casper, Wyoming, Three Crowns Golf Club features a spectacular Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that plays to a par 72 and stretches to 7,065 yards from the back tees. Three Crowns Golf Club is built on a former Amoco Oil Refinery site along the North Platte River. The whole site is known as the Platte River Commons which will also comprise a business park, jogging trail, and parks, is about 350 acres in total. Golfing guests of Three Crowns are challenged by eight brilliant water features that come into play on fourteen holes and over eighty sand bunkers that contain eye-catching white sand imported from Idaho. After their round, guests enjoy the inviting clubhouse and restaurant, aptly named the “Filling Station”. The entire facility is themed around the historic refinery and the rich petroleum heritage for which this region is known. The monument sign on each teeing ground is a miniature oil derrick, as is the pewter bag tag sold in the well appointed golf shop. The “Filling Station” adorns décor and artifacts from historic refineries, as well as, a unique menu that utilizes terms from the Oil Industry to identify the names of entrees. Even the name Three Crowns itself is symbolic of the three grades of fuel that used to be sold by Standard Oil/Amoco. For additional information on Three Crowns Golf Club call 307-47-CROWN (472.7696) or visit: www.threecrownsgolfclub.com
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
Both golf courses – Cholla and Saguaro – at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club made the Arizona list. Of the hundreds of public-access golf clubs in Arizona considered for the list, only 25 were chosen, and Cholla moved up to 3th and Saguaro placed 1st, a remarkable feat considering Arizona’s unusually high density of high-end daily-fee golf clubs. Located on the Fort McDowell Indian Community, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a daily fee golf facility that consists of the original 18 holes, the Cholla course, designed by Scott Miller and a second 18 holes, the Saguaro course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. In addition to the two 18-hole courses, there is a large practice facility, a full-service clubhouse and a smaller clubhouse serving the Saguaro Course. We-Ko-Pa is owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and is operated by EF Golf and OB Sports Golf Management. For more information on We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, call 480-836-9000 or visit them online at www.wekopa.com. We-Ko-Pa is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wekopagolfclub
About OB Sports Golf Management
Scottsdale-based, OB Sports Golf Management is a diversified, golf-oriented company with a long history of success. OB Sports currently manages 40 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, call 480.948.1300, become a Fan of OB Sports on Facebook at www.facebook.com/obsports or follow OB Sports on Twitter: www.twitter.com/OBSportsGolf.
Contact:
CA Roberts (480) 948-1300
caroberts@obsports.com
Kris Strauss (480) 518-5003
kstrauss@obsports.com
