The Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, consistently named one of the “Best Golf Resorts in the Southwest,” and considered one of the finest 36-hole golf facilities worldwide, has completed a multi-focused refinement project to further enhance the playability of its iconic North Course. The North Course reopened for play this past Oct. 13.
During the five-month project, crews restored green surfaces to their original shapes and sizes, and resurfaced them with TifEagle turf, mirroring the green surfaces on the Boulders’ South Course that completed a greens renovation project in 2022. TifEagle turf is an ultra-dwarf hybrid grass that offers improved speed, consistency and playability as well as smooth transitions during seasonal weather changes. TifEagle does not require overseeding, which traditionally takes place in October in Arizona, further supporting the region’s water stewardship efforts.
In addition to the greens renovation, the project included improvements to each of tee boxes, laser leveling and resurfacing tee boxes across the North Course, and each of the tee boxes on the par-four and par-five holes of the South Course.
“This further illustrates our commitment to offering the very best golf course experience for our guests and members,” said the Boulders General Manager, John Maskovich. “With the completion of this project and our exceptional team of golf course professionals, it is our hope to continue to earn high marks in the golf industry.”
Originally designed by golf course architect Jay Morrish and open for play since 1985, the North Course is known for its rugged beauty and dramatic desert panoramas. This summer’s enhancement projects were overseen by golf course architect and ASGCA member, Arthur Schaupeter, who has 30-plus years of experience designing, developing and renovating golf courses across the country.
The North Course enhancement project comes three years after Boulders executed bunker renovation projects on both courses, installed new pump stations, renovated the South Course’s greens, and resurfaced the practice putting green. Other recent enhancements at the Boulders include new fall programs at the Boulders Golf Academy, 12 new pickleball courts and fall clinics at the Boulders Tennis & Pickleball Garden. In addition, David Benham was appointed Director of Golf Course Operations and now oversees all golf programs, pro shop operations, course maintenance, the Tennis & Pickleball Garden, and the Boulders Club Membership.
A unique desert hideaway, the Boulders Resort & Spa features 160 guest casitas and 58 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, five restaurants and a lounge, the two two championship Morrish-designed golf courses, eight tennis courts, 12 pickleball courts and a full-service spa.
The Boulders Club features a 6,811-yard, par-72, championship North Course and a 6,726-yard, par-71 championship South Cours. Each course, managed by Troon, is built into the desert foothills – including stunning ancient boulder formations, striking Sonoran Desert sunsets and natural desert terrain.
The North Course features spectacular views of Black Mountain and the scenic South Course, is known for its signature No. 5 hole that plays right up to a dazzling rock outcropping which shelters the green and No. 7 hole, a gigantic balancing rock (“Rosie’s Rock”) that is perched on the tee.
www.TheBoulders.com.
Photo: Boulders North Course (Troon)