Pro Turf International Completes Renovation Project At Biltmore GC’s Adobe Course
When the Adobe Course at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club opened for play in 1929, it became an instant classic, featuring sprawling fairways and challenging bunkering and greens complexes against the picturesque backdrop of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.
The William Bell design has withstood the test of time, and continues to be one of the most popular courses in Arizona. But as is the case with all older golf courses, some renovation was needed to give the routing a more modern look, and to refresh some of the bunkers that had suffered some natural deterioration over the years.
So industry veteran Pro Turf International was brought in by course owner JDM Partners to oversee the renovation and restoration.
“Our Adobe Course at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club is one of the state’s most historic golf courses,” said Director of Golf, Dick Bates. “When it came time to renovate and refresh the Adobe Course’s bunkers, Pro Turf International was a natural choice.”
Starting in June, the Pro Turf International team renovated and refurbished 27 bunkers, and also worked on renovating several holes on the golf course.
“The bunker project was geared to freshen the look of the course but also make it golfer friendly and ultimately reduce everyday bunker maintenance,” said Kip Wolfe, principal at Pro Turf International. “We worked very closely with the golf staff and management on the changes.”
The scope of the bunker work was to remove all existing bunker sand, modify the shape and size of the bunkers, check all drains, fine grade and tamp smooth the subgrade for installation of new bunker sand. All new sand was watered, settled and tamped for firmness and playability. Some greenside bunkers were filled and shaped for various shot making opportunities. Also, six other bunkers were completely eliminated.
Upon completion of the bunker work, JDM asked Pro Turf to work with Lehman Golf Design’s Chris Brands on several other renovations projects. The work included relocating the existing #18 green and constructing a new #3 green. Brands provided plans for new green complexes, bunkers and greens surfaces.
“By previously working with the Lehman Design Group and Chris at Wigwam Resort, we already had a working knowledge of what Chris and Tom were looking to for a finished product,” said Wolfe. “We have a very good working relationship with the Lehman Design Group.”
A new irrigation system was installed for both green surfaces and greens surrounds.
Pro Turf also constructed 12 new tees throughout the golf course. The tee locations were provided by Brands to add more variety of tee shots and add length to the golf course.
Brands was impressed with the level of communication with the Pro Turf team.
“One of the key elements to every project is the contractor giving construction feedback prior to construction beginning,” said Brands. “Kip excels in this area. We communicated nearly every day during construction where Kip was able to, in great detail, describe what had transpired that day and what they were going to be doing next. Through communication and photos we were able to discuss any potential adjustments and areas of emphasis. Something as simple as what side of the bunker should have a higher face or a lower front for better access.
“We also appreciate the attention to detail throughout the project provided by PTI. It is nice to work with someone who cares, has a high level of knowledge and can be counted on to do their best.”
JDM and players alike are pleased with the work done by Pro Turf International.
“We’ve worked with Pro Turf International in the past at another of our properties, The Wigwam Golf Club,” said JDM Chief Operating Officer Tom O’Malley. “Pro Turf’s professionalism and commitment to completing the work on time and on budget were key factors in choosing to work with them again at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club. We are very pleased with the renovations.”
ABOUT PRO TURF INTERNATIONAL
Pro Turf International is a Las Vegas-based, family owned construction, landscape and golf maintenance company with over 30 years of hands-on experience in the Southwest. They proudly serve the golf, sports and landscape industry to enhance quality and improve conditions in a safe, environmentally friendly manner. For more information call (702) 315-5121, or visit www.ptigolf.com.
ABOUT ARIZONA BILTMORE GOLF CLUB
The Arizona Biltmore Golf Club is located in the shadow of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The Adobe Golf Course is considered stately and grand, a forefather of modern design. The Adobe’s lush fairways and spacious layout are a reminder of the way the game was meant to be played. The Links Course, the younger of the two Biltmore courses, has earned the respect of golfers everywhere as one of Arizona’s premier golf courses. Rolling fairways lined with pines meander through some of the most stunning homes in Phoenix. U.S. Presidents, foreign heads of state, Hollywood celebrities, corporate leaders and PGA TOUR professionals have all teed it up on The Links and The Adobe courses. Visit www.azbiltmoregc.com.
Contact:
Mike Jamison (407-474-0531)
mike@jamisongolf.com