Maryvale Golf Course getting major facelift; reopening in fall
MARYVALE, Ariz. (March 3, 2015) – Award-winning Arizona-based golf course architect John Fought has been selected to renovate Maryvale Golf Course, a 1960s-era public layout owned by the City of Phoenix that will become the new home facility for nearby Grand Canyon University (GCU).
The major facelift, which is being funded by GCU, calls for a complete renovation of the greens, fairways, bunkers and tee boxes, as well as additional amenities throughout the parkland-style course. A 10,000-square-foot, two-story clubhouse, which will feature a pro shop and locker rooms, also is being built in conjunction with the course renovation.
Jesse Mueller, the course’s new director of golf, said Fought’s work in renovating Phoenix Country Club more than a decade ago stood out to the selection committee.
“At Phoenix Country Club, he put a premium on preserving its old-school styling,” said Mueller, who has played professionally on the Web.com Tour. “John is very well known for his classic style, and we’re all very excited to work with him to create a golf experience that everyone can enjoy, while also making it challenging for the collegiate players.”
Fought – who enjoyed a standout career as an amateur, collegian and on the PGA Tour – plans to extend Maryvale to 7,200 yards from its current 6,500 yards. The course will play as a par 71 instead of par 72, as the 10th hole will drop from a par 5 to a par 4.
“I am really excited to be involved with this renovation project on a number of fronts,” said Fought, who is based in nearby Scottsdale. “It will provide a wonderful home course for the GCU golf teams and their new golf management program, plus I have the chance to help in the revitalization of a community golf course that will provide a stable asset for years to come.”
Establishing Maryvale as home to the Antelope men’s and women’s NCAA Division I golf programs is part of a new 30-year operating agreement between the City of Phoenix and GCU. Originally built in 1961 by William F. (Billy) Bell, Maryvale Golf Course was shut down Jan. 5 and is scheduled to reopen in October. Under terms of the new operating agreement, the university will rename the course.
“We want to make west Phoenix a golf destination,” said Brian Mueller, president and CEO of GCU and father to Jesse. “With the changes we’ve got planned, we believe this will be one of the premier public golf courses in the state at very affordable rates.”
Maryvale Golf Course’s green fees range from $16 to $43, depending on the season.
According to an Arizona golf historian and author, the Maryvale Golf Course/GCU partnership is perfect.
“As I wrote in the final chapter of my book, one of the keys for Maryvale’s future was the ability to find a partner,” said William Godfrey, who in 2010 authored Maryvale Golf Course – The First 50 Years. “Just a few years later, Grand Canyon University has provided that alliance and link to the future.”
“The leaders of Grand Canyon have an incredible vision for the University and the surrounding community,” Godfrey continued. “The City of Phoenix and Maryvale will benefit from that partnership. With the addition of John Fought Design to the team, it gives the golf course the best chance to be around another 50 years.”
Maryvale Golf Course is located only three miles west of GCU’s campus and two miles from Maryvale Baseball Park, the spring training home of the Milwaukee Brewers.
For more information on John Fought Design, visit www.johnfoughtdesign.com or call (480) 991-9858. For more information on Grand Canyon University athletics, visit www.gcu.edu.
Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
908/963-6013
