Arizona’s best golf course gets even better with bunker renovation

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club announced their Saguaro Course will undergo an extensive bunker renovation beginning July, 2018. The project will enhance the drainage and playability of all bunkers on the Saguaro course and is expected to be completed in two months. The Cholla course – We-Ko-Pa’s award-winning sister course designed by Scott Miller – will remain open for play during the renovation project.

“Over the past 12 years, our flagship course has begun to show some signs of natural aging just like any golf course or outdoor playing field,” said Matt Barr, general manager of We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. “In order to maintain a high level of playability and consistency for the next decade, we decided to take a preemptive measure to ensure our guests experience the best possible playing conditions at our club, and an experience that matches Saguaro’s position as Arizona’s best public golf course.” 

The three-step renovation process includes removing all existing sand from the current bunkers to inspect the drain lines for damage. Once necessary repairs have been made to the drain lines and they are restored to original specifications, the maintenance teams will install new sand – a mixture of Augusta White and Arizona Gold – and inspect for consistency. The iconic Coore Crenshaw Inc. bunker design will remain intact and untouched.

“The renovated drainage system and new sand will make for a much better playing experience, especially out of greenside bunkers,” said Ryan Kreizenbeck, director of maintenance at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. “You just have to know every ten years or so, you’re going to have to do something with the bunkers to clean them up and make sure they’re draining properly again.”

More About We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

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 second clubhouse serving the Saguaro Course. We-Ko-Pa is owned and operated by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. For more information on We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, call 480.836.9000 or visit www.wekopa.com.