During my last AZ trip in February, I rented a house at Tonto Verde down the road from this new course under construction and saw a few holes then. Looks great for those planning a winter visit.
This is from today's East Valley Tribune:
Sweeping fairways will set Vista Verde apart
By Bill Huffman, For the Tribune
September 1, 2005
Contrary to published reports, the golf course construction business continues to roll on in the East Valley, with the next latestgreatest layout Vista Verde Golf Club near Rio Verde already green and ready to open its doors to the public on Jan. 1.
Also scheduled for later in 2006 will be a second course at We-Ko-Pa in Fountain Hills, although construction is not yet under way on No. 2.
In a way, Vista Verde, which is located near the northwest corner of Rio Verde Drive and Forrest Road, looks a lot like the first course at We-Ko-Pa. And considering they are probably only 15 miles apart as the crow flies, it figures.
With sweeping views of the Tonto National Forest and Four Peaks, both courses share a common backdrop. And while both have nary a single house on what most perceive as "pure fairways, that will all change in the near future at Vista Verde, where lots will soon go on sale starting at $250,000.
Vista Verde, which was designed by Tucson architect Ken Kavanaugh, will be a private golf club separate from the neighboring courses at Tonto Verde Golf Club. The price tag is a very reasonable (for what you get) $40,000 for a full-equity membership.
The good news is the public will have access to Vista Verde for the next few years, or until the club maxes out on members, a similar practice that has held up for 10 years at Tonto Verde. But Vista Verde, which like Tonto Verde is being developed by Rio Verde Services, might not take as long to fill up. Its that good.
Kavanaugh, whose 20-course resumι in eight states includes Gold Canyon Golf Resort and Longbow Golf Club in the East Valley, certainly likes what his hard work has wrought.
"The goal was to make this something different both in the look and in strategy from the two courses at Tonto Verde, said Kavanaugh of the Gary Panksdesigned Peaks and Ranch courses at Tonto Verde. "And with the help of superintendant Tyler Koser, who has grown this in with such perfection, I think weve accomplished that.
Vista Verde is actually quite different from any Arizona course, with a multitude of sweeping fairways that appear as wide as football fields. Even though Kavanaugh has adhered to the 90-acre turf limit in Arizona, he has built a big feel into the 7,200-yard layout (from the tips) through ubiquitous cross bunkers and desert washes.
"Whats happened in golf is that the equipment/technology revolution has made the ball go farther, Kavanaugh said. "Thats great for the people who play golf for a living, but for the average player, it means that the ball is going farther off line.
"By having a wider landing area, Ive given them some leeway. And I think the course is set up elegantly, so you have to discover the options the paths from tee to green.
There are other things that will separate Vista Verde from its rivals, like large greens that range from 4,000 to 9,000 square feet. Some are "wildly contoured, as Kavanaugh called the numerous false fronts and multiple tiers.
Vista Verde also has no rough to speak of. Translated: The bump-and-run is back in the game.
"I borrowed that from Talking Stick North, which is my favorite course in the Valley, Kavanaugh said. "So our golf course hugs the ground without mounds or actually goes down in it.
The result is breathtaking views on more than half of the 18 holes.
Told the course was very reminiscent of We-Ko-Pa, Dave Cox, the director of golf at Tonto Verde who will slide over into the same position at Vista Verde, responded: "That would be a wonderful compliment.