Here is Ken Kavanaugh on Vista Verde:
www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=47180"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 Panks designed 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 we’ve 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.
"What’s happened in golf is that the equipment/technology revolution has made the ball go farther,’’ Kavanaugh said. "That’s 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, I’ve 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.