Thanks for posting that Steve. I feel ashamed that I'm getting scooped by a guy 2500 miles away in Philly!!
Ed Gowan (Executive Director AGA) and David Barnes (President of the Arizona Golf Foundation) appeared on a local radio station's weekly golf talk show in early September to discuss the Papago restoration.
(if interested, you can download the show here:
http://www.golfazradio.com/show-archive.htmlChoose the "9-4-08 Part 2" show, fast forward to about 31 minutes into the program)
Some things that were discussed:
They said two consultants evaluated the old clubhouse and both concluded that it was going to be too costly to renovate. So it was razed.
It was indicated that the project would be a "work in progress," and that when the course re-opens, all the work won't be completed.
They mentioned ongoing tree work and how native trees will gradually replace the existing eucalyptus and pine mix that currently populate the property. They mentioned that 54 trees were removed.
I visited the property about two weeks ago, and although I really couldn't see much, I did note:
The clubhouse debris remained in a large pile and no sign of any site prep for a new building. I suspect they will be working out of a trailer when the reopening happens.
Still a couple of holes not yet grown in.
Lots of trees, both living and dead, still remain and from what I could see and in the pictures from the website Steve linked to, still crowding the playing corridors. (see pic of #3 tee). If they took out 54, they need to take out another 154. Hoping this is part of the "work in progress..."
No sign of new cart paths on the 2nd or 3rd holes. I think these could be completed in two months before reopening and I certainly hope so - wouldn't be so great to begin the compaction process of the new turf all over again.
I'm hopeful that they do it right and am looking forward to playing the "restored" Papago.