LOU GRUBB CLUBHOUSE AT PAPAGO GOLF COURSE EARNS GOLF INC. HONOR
Magazine awards Doug Fredrikson-design 2nd Place in New Construction – Public Course Category
The state-of-the-art Lou Grubb Clubhouse at Papago Golf Course was honored as Clubhouse of the Year – 2nd Place Public Course, New Construction by Golf Inc. magazine, the world’s only magazine for golf course developers, owners and management company executives. Designed by Phoenix-based Douglas Fredrikson Architects and built by Wespac Construction Inc., the $6.5 million Lou Grubb Clubhouse is home to the golf course pro shop, Lou’s Bar and Grill and Evie’s Pavilion.
“This award is the result of a fantastic group effort to bring the City of Phoenix, and its many loyal golfers, something everyone can be proud of,” said Papago General Manager, Daryl Crawford. “We are honored to be included among such a distinguished group of honorees by Golf Inc., and will proudly display this award in the clubhouse.”
“The Lou Grubb Clubhouse has already proven to be a game changer for Papago Golf Course, and for golf in the City of Phoenix as a whole,” said Mike Conner, Senior Vice President of Operations for OB Sports. “Its design and multi-use functionality has given the community a go-to location to accommodate a wide variety of needs. It’s truly fantastic.”
A municipal golf course for the City of Phoenix, Papago’s revitalization project was done through a three-way, public-private partnership between the City of Phoenix, Arizona State University and the Arizona Golf Community Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes public golf. The AGCF helped to secure funding for the project, which included a large donation from the Lou and Evelyn Grubb Foundation.
The clubhouse construction project included a private facility for the ASU golf teams, improvements to the public practice facilities and a new entrance to the golf course.
Golf Inc. magazine annually recognizes top public and private, new and remodeled clubhouses in their July/August issue. In 2019, a total of nine new public and private clubhouses were honored by the industry-leading publication.
“The entire facility has scenic views of the golf course and the spectacular rock formations in nearby Papago Park,” the article noted of the 9,000 square-foot clubhouse. “To deal with the scorching Arizona summers, large overhangs provide shading, and minimal glass on western exposures limits heat gain. Masonry walls inside and out reduce maintenance. The structure is designed to meet green building standards and includes energy-saving equipment that helps reduce energy use.”
The layout of Lou’s Bar and Grill was designed to serve golfers and casual diners alike in a cool-clean, stone-and-steel atmosphere with open spaces that provide an inclusive, indoor-outdoor feel. The “al fresco” dining room and patio seating overlooking green lawns and golf course views provide a setting for small to medium-sized groups, and the adjacent enclosed event hall, Evie’s Pavilion, named after Lou’s wife Evelyn, can accommodate larger groups of up to 120 people.
Other attractions in and around the new clubhouse include a statue of the late Heather Farr, the 1987 NCAA women’s golf team national champion who passed away from cancer; a “history wall” commemorating ASU and Phoenix golf history, and lobby display cases exhibiting other memorabilia, trophies and honors.
For more information on Papago Golf Course and to book your next starting time, visit www.papagogolfcourse.net or call (602) 275-8428. And to make a reservation or learn more about Lou’s Bar and Grill and Evie’s Pavilion, visit www.lousbarandgrill.com or call (602) 358-7004.
About Papago Golf Course
Designed by William Francis “Billy” Bell, Papago Golf Course opened in 1963 as a crown jewel of the City of Phoenix’s municipal portfolio. It hosted the 1971 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship, and incubated some of Arizona’s most recognizable talent. In 2008, the par-72, 7,333-yard layout underwent a renovation to restore and enhance Bell’s original work in time to host the 2009 J Golf Phoenix LPGA International. And recently, through a public/private partnership between the City of Phoenix, Arizona State University and the Arizona Golf Community Foundation, the club opened the state-of-the-art Lou Grubb Clubhouse, Lou’s Bar and Grill and Evie’s Pavilion, along with upgraded public practice facilities and a private practice facility for ASU Golf teams. Papago sits on the borders of Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale, surrounded by the Papago Buttes less than two miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. For more information, visit www.papagogolfcourse.net or call (602) 275-8428.
About Lou’s Bar & Grill
Lou’s Bar & Grill is part of the brand-new, state-of-the-art Lou Grubb Clubhouse at Papago Golf Course. OB Sports Management is responsible for restaurant, clubhouse and golf course operations. Reservations may be made by phone at (602) 358-7004 or online at www.LousBarAndGrill.com. Visit us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and specials. And for more information on how to reserve Evie’s Pavilion for your next event, call (602) 237-6324 or visit papagoevents.com.
About OB Sports
Papago Golf Course is professionally managed by OB Sports Golf Management, a diversified, golf-oriented company with a long history of success in the golf industry. Acquired by Troon in 2019, OB Sports currently manages around 60 premier golf courses and country clubs throughout the United States, while expanding its international footprint to include Royal Blue Golf Club at Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas, and Dumbarnie Golf Links in Scotland. Known for its comprehensive and personalized services since 1972, OB Sports has become widely acclaimed as the leader in boutique-style golf course management. Named a Top 100 Business in Golf by the National Golf Foundation in 2018, visit obsports.com to get more information, or call (480) 948-1300. Become a Fan of OB Sports on Facebook, follow OB Sports on Twitter, or visit the OB Sports YouTube channel.
CONTACT: David Bataller | (480) 948-1300, dbataller@obsports.com
