There was a thread on this forum several years ago about creating a “golfclubatlas.com golf course”. The idea consisted of a group of GolfClubAtlas members, and other golf architecture aficionados, banding together to create something very, very special. I recall thinking that the only way that it could become a reality would be to purchase an existing course at a rock-bottom price, something which led me to consider that perhaps “Red Mike”, or “Links of North Dakota” as it is known, would be a good candidate, as I’d heard a rumour – which turned out to be false – that the owners there were interested in selling it at a bargain price. In hindsight, however, the location is simply too remote and difficult to get to for most people.
The idea has continued to intrigue me. After experiencing “Apache Stronghold” in Arizona, I wonder if there is a possibility there … if the Apache Nation would consider leasing the course to a group of gca fanatics. I doubt that purchasing the course from the Apache Nation is even possible, or legal. However, perhaps leasing it is. Could they could get interested in such an idea? An annual lease payment would give the Apache Nation guaranteed revenue every year. It could take the headaches of the golf course operations off their hands while still employing tribal members. It could, in theory, bring additional guests into their casino, and to their hotel. And a lease of the golf course, not a purchase, is what could make it all possible for the group of gca aficionados, financially.
The course has been built. It exists. It was rated very high in the state of Arizona and in the country, until course conditions – “fixable”, according to senior design associate Jim Urbina – took its toll. GolfWeek Magazine, in 2005, ranked Apache Stronghold as the #1 Public Course in the state of Arizona.
“The bones of the course are solid”, as Scott DeBolt says (for a living, he consults on new golf construction projects and renovations all over the world). Scott believes that the course could be “whipped into good shape for a minimal investment ... from a grassing standpoint, I think fairly cheap ... the water quality issue will need some work...however, with the possible use of Paspalum (Seaspray), that might eliminate some of that cost… biggest cost will be re-doing the bunkers...pretty much all of them need to be re-shaped, etc… could turn it around for 75K as long as they hired a superintendent who could train (or re-train) the current crew and check out the irrigation system.”
I have absolutely no idea what it would cost to get the course back into great shape. It does seem, from the pictures I’ve seen from previous years and what we personally experienced, that the course is on its way back towards greatness, and I’m sure Dave Russell is a big part of that. But, from what I saw on several fairways, notably 6, 12, and 13, it seems like there’s a ways to go, and there’s either a water quality issue there, or a soils issue, or perhaps both. Basically, it seems like it’s a tough place to grow grass. So, if there’s an answer there somewhere, there’s also the resulting cost. Perhaps, as Scott wonders, Paspalum might be part of that answer. It sounds like the spacing on the irrigation lines is/was an issue. So there’s a cost there as well. And some of the greens need some TLC. More cost.
If $500,000 would do the job (a total guess), that basically requires 250 members paying just a $2,000 initiation fee (or 200 members paying $2,500). Perhaps $500,000 is way too pessimistic an estimate to “repair” the golf course, perhaps it’s closer to $250,000, or even less. As Jim Urbina says, “the last time I was there it needed some work but nothing a little TLC wouldn't solve.” $250,000 would equate to 250 members at only a $1,000 initiation fee. Regardless, whether its $1,000 or $2,000 or $2,500, it’s much less, I believe, than joining a club such as Sand Hills, Ballyneal, or Dismal River. And getting to Apache Stronghold is much easier than getting to Sand Hills, Ballyneal, or Dismal River, with its location close to Phoenix and its airport.
Continued…