Apache Stronghold Oct 14 - Last Call!

[Tom Yost]

All of my so-called golf buddies continue to pass on the opportunity to join me for a visit to Apache Stronghold.  Some have heard the reports of bad conditioning, some think it's "too far."  Buncha weenies.

So, while most of the courses in the Phoenix become unavailable due to the annual overseed ritual, October would seem to be the ideal time to visit AS.  $55 per the weekly ad in the paper.  I have no personal knowledge of the conditions, but down in the valley here, courses are typically in their best condition of the year right before they rip it up for overseed.  

What say, any other Zonies or folks with plans to visit that would like to meet up to play a round and experience the architecture of  Apache Stronghold ??


Tom

[Tony Petersen]

Tom -

I would be up for a weekend round in October. PM me and we can get something set for October. Any weekend between Oct. 1st - 20th should work for me

Tony P.

[Ryan Farrow]

I have been thinking about getting back out there, haven't swung a club in about a month. Early Saturday mornings a good time? 36 holes?

[Andy Troeger]

I very possibly might be able to make it down, I was contemplating a weekend trip that way (from Albuquerque) in the next month or so anyway.

When do most of the valley courses overseed?

[Tom Yost]

Ok, here's the deal,

The tee sheet is fairly open for Saturday morning Oct 20.  They are booked up for Sat Oct 6 and have an event on Sat. Oct 13.    

With some further indication of interest, I will book at least one foursome, possibly two with the assurance I can cancel it if there is no other demand.   8AM or so should allow time for a second go around if we feel like it.

$55 to ride, $45 to walk.

http://www.golfapache.com/

I'm looking forward to meeting up with some folks from the group and playing this course I've heard so much about.

Please PM me if interested.

Andy:  Overseed begins on average around the 1st of October, some a few weeks earlier, some a few weeks later. The AGA has a schedule published but as always, you should contact the course for more definitive information.

(opens a PDF file)
http://www.azgolf.org/images/home/2007OverseedSchedule4.pdf



Tom

[Norbert P]

All of my so-called golf buddies continue to pass on the opportunity to join me for a visit to Apache Stronghold.  Some have heard the reports of bad conditioning, some think it's "too far."  Buncha weenies.

Yes they are. It is great educational golf design in tremendous land.   Heck, $45 bucks? Sounds pretty cheap by AZ standards?

[Jim Dawson]

I will be in Phoenix 11-7/11-11.
I have taken my golfing buddies there 4 times and they will not go back.
I love the layout and would be willing to head out there again. I will be staying in Gold Canyon.
I am open for any golf during that time frame. So far we have 5 golfers and if anyone would like to join us during those time, please feel free to email me.

On another note, We are palying at The Golf Club of Scottsdale. Any info???

Thanks,
JD

[Bill_McBride]

I will be in Phoenix 11-7/11-11.
I have taken my golfing buddies there 4 times and they will not go back.
I love the layout and would be willing to head out there again. I will be staying in Gold Canyon.
I am open for any golf during that time frame. So far we have 5 golfers and if anyone would like to join us during those time, please feel free to email me.

On another note, We are palying at The Golf Club of Scottsdale. Any info???

Thanks,
JD

Golf Club of Scottsdale is a strong private course with pretty good caddies including my nephew, Michael "Big Stick" McBride.  Ask for him by name!

The course is very solid, plays well along and through some washes, and is a good walk until the last few holes when the routing inexplicably goes up into some very steep terrain and becomes unwalkable.  For this reason they stage a few carts at the start of the hike and everybody hops on.  I don't know why this land wasn't used for scenic vistas instead of golf as there is an abundance of open space left unused.

[Ryan Farrow]

Tom, I will be on my way to Portland for 4 days on the 20th. What were the Sundays like? I did not want to miss a Steeler game but....

[Mike Nuzzo]

It might be a long way ... and the drive is very cool too.

[Andy Troeger]

I would guess I am 50/50 for that Saturday and that probably would not change much if it switched to a Sunday. I would not be available the weekend of the 6th/7th.

Tom,
Thanks for the overseed link. Would most courses be in pretty decent shape by the time they get done with their overseed schedule or is better to wait a little longer?

[George Pazin]

Please make certain to take photos and post them - I'm always curious to see what folks are complaining about.

[Tom Yost]

Please make certain to take photos and post them - I'm always curious to see what folks are complaining about.

I'm on it!    

[JMorgan]

Tom,
I'll be out there in late Oct.  Keep me posted.  I don't know the exact dates yet.
JM

[George Pazin]

George

Some excellent pix were posted back in the winter-I think.  Folks said the course was on the mend, but still had a ways to go.  Judging from the pix, the conditions didn't look bad to me - well not enough to stop me from making the drive when I next make it to Phoenix.  

Ciao

Yeah, I remember those photos - I think my young friend Ryan may have posted them.

I was astonished at what some people consider unplayable.

Actually, I'm just curious to see if those photos were an aberration, or things are simply better than the whiners say.

P.S. Thanks, Tom, I know you won't let us down!

[Ryan Farrow]

George, didn't I cause quite a ruckus with that one? I'd like to see some pictures right after the course was finished and grown in so I could see what the bunkers look like when they had sand in them instead of grass.  

[Tom Yost]

I'm sure all this has been discussed, but I found an interesting article (written in 2002) that indicates the original choice for grass at AS was bluegrass and when it failed to thrive, it was replaced with bermuda.  (I'm not sure exactly how that could be done...)

http://www.golfarizona.com/departments/features/apache-stronghold-ratings.htm

If indeed they began replacing the turf in 2002-2003, one might believe the grass should be improving each summer.  I'm very much interested to get out there for the first time and see for myself.

Tom

[Tom Yost]

Called today and they have tee times available after 8:30 on Sunday, Oct 14.   Don't know the typical pace of play, but may be too late to get in 36.

Regardless, this date seems to be most inclusive for those that indicated some interest.  I will throw it out there and if it seems positive based on feedback the next day or so, I will book two foursomes.

So what say ya'll...  Who wants to play Apache Stronghold SUNDAY OCTOBER 14  ?

Tom

[Ryan Farrow]

Tom, that will work for me.

[Andy Troeger]

Tom,
I'm interested, but will have to do a little work to make sure its feasible before I can commit for sure. Will try to let you know ASAP.

[Tom Yost]

SUNDAY OCTOBER 14
8:40AM and 8:50AM

PM or email me if you're interested.


Tom

[Tony Petersen]

Tom -
I sent you a quick note so count me in. Don't know if anyone needs a ride, but we'll figure it out. Should make for a fun day

TP

[Ryan Farrow]

I am in and may not leave. I have been going through golf withdrawal.

[Tom Yost]

Giving this a bump to see if there is any additional interest.

So far we have three:
 Tom Yost
 Tony P
 Ryan Farrow

A few others are checking their schedules.

I have two tee times reserved so we have room for more.  PM or email me if you can make it.  


Tom

[Andy Troeger]

Tom,
Afraid I'm going to have to pass this time, but will down in Phoenix 2-3 times this winter and would be interested in meeting/playing with GCA'ers if it works out. Appreciate you setting up the rounds and hope you and those that make it enjoy the day.

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