[Steve_ Shaffer]

Much discussed here and the site of a recent GCA gathering, the AGA has found the money to proceed.The course is scheduled to reopen in November. Here is Bill Huffman's article about his recent visit:

www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/112832


Those of us in Philadelphia who are interested in the Cobbs Creek project should note that Papago was in much better shape than Cobbs is now. Phoenix demonstrated a "can do" attitude. Can Philadelphia do the same?

[Ryan Farrow]

First of all, I must say that I am sad to see this course close because I wanted to play it at least 1 more time!

And second the writer of this piece epitomizes the current state of journalism in this country. I seriously doubt he even visited the course. Papago is in the best shape it has been in since god knows when, and this guy just completely trashes the current state of the golf course. I'm sure the super & grounds crew at Papago are thrilled! To merely call the greens "playable" just speaks to how off base this man is.... AND hot dog wrappers and soda (he means pop) cans filling up the ponds? This is a really sad piece, in more ways then one. Good luck Papago. Hopefully it survives restoration in one piece.

[Tom Yost]

Thanks for posting that Steve.  John Davis has a similar report in today's Arizona Republic, but I am unable to find the story online. 

Here's to hopes the AGA doesn't "shank" this one.


Tom

[Bill_McBride]

Thanks for posting that Steve.  John Davis has a similar report in today's Arizona Republic, but I am unable to find the story online. 

Here's to hopes the AGA doesn't "shank" this one.

IMHO the AGA shanked it when they didn't use Forrest Richardson for the job but did use his work product.  That is not how business should be done........

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Concerning the recent condition of the course,at the GCA gathering, there were a lot of dead trees, grass in some of the bunkers, bare spots on some of the fairways and barely any sand in most of the bunkers but the greens were in pretty good shape as I recall. These conditions all resulted in the cry for restoration. I'm sure recent maintenance was bare bone knowing that the project was forthcoming. I'm sure Bill Huffman would not have written what he did if he did not visit the course.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

This appeared in the obits today in The Arizona Republic:


 
G.C. Papago G.C. Papago passed away on April 1,2008 after nearly 20 years of increasingly poor health. Thankfully, her health was much better in her final years under the care of Dr. Cope. Simply known as "Papago" she was born on September 7, 1963 and immediately adopted by William Francis "Billy" Bell and his extremely large Phoenix family. There was never time for marriage because of her unfailing daily commitment to nurturing the young and challenging the adult friends in her life. Although, never a hunter, she had a fondness for shotguns of all types. She connected with wildlife, especially waterfowl, turtles, fish, hawks, coyotes and rabbits. Burrowing animals and pigeons were merely tolerated. An outdoor person her whole life, she looked forward to the seasonal change that brought thunderstorms, rain, severe clear days and windy conditions. Up very early every morning, Papago loved the sunrise and sounds of the city waking up. Papago is survived by her step sisters Mary Vale, CC, Aggie Guila and Enna Canto, all of Phoenix and her nephews Kenny McDonald and Rolan Hills of Tempe. A memorial service was conducted by her stewards on the afternoon of April 2, 2008. Contributions may be made to Junior Golf Association of Arizona, 10888 N. 19th Ave. Phoenix AZ 85029.

[Tom Yost]

This appeared in the obits today in The Arizona Republic:


 
G.C. Papago G.C. Papago passed away on April 1,2008 after nearly 20 years of increasingly poor health. Thankfully, her health was much better in her final years under the care of Dr. Cope. Simply known as "Papago" she was born on September 7, 1963 and immediately adopted by William Francis "Billy" Bell and his extremely large Phoenix family. There was never time for marriage because of her unfailing daily commitment to nurturing the young and challenging the adult friends in her life. Although, never a hunter, she had a fondness for shotguns of all types. She connected with wildlife, especially waterfowl, turtles, fish, hawks, coyotes and rabbits. Burrowing animals and pigeons were merely tolerated. An outdoor person her whole life, she looked forward to the seasonal change that brought thunderstorms, rain, severe clear days and windy conditions. Up very early every morning, Papago loved the sunrise and sounds of the city waking up. Papago is survived by her step sisters Mary Vale, CC, Aggie Guila and Enna Canto, all of Phoenix and her nephews Kenny McDonald and Rolan Hills of Tempe. A memorial service was conducted by her stewards on the afternoon of April 2, 2008. Contributions may be made to Junior Golf Association of Arizona, 10888 N. 19th Ave. Phoenix AZ 85029.

Funny.  No mention of the black sheep uncle of the family, Dob's son Ranch.  Wonder if that obit was placed by the "Save Papago" dissension group ?

[Tom Yost]

John Davis' article from the Arizona Republic:

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/golf/articles/2008/04/03/20080403papagogolf0403.html

[Lou_Duran]

$12.5 Million.  How can this be right?  No land costs.  The site is already cleared.  The routing isn't changing.  They're using a local contractor.  With real estate in the dumps, equipment, labor, and materials should be plentiful.  Financing via bonds should be relatively cheap.  Even with a couple million dollar state-of-the-art irrigation system,  where is the rest of the money going?  Are other city and political initiatives being funded with this budget?

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Lou,

My understanding is that less than 50% of the 12.5M will be used for the golf course. The remainder will be used for a possible new club house or renovation of the existing club house and an office building for the AGA.

[Tony Petersen]

Concerning the recent condition of the course,at the GCA gathering, there were a lot of dead trees, grass in some of the bunkers, bare spots on some of the fairways and barely any sand in most of the bunkers but the greens were in pretty good shape as I recall. These conditions all resulted in the cry for restoration. I'm sure recent maintenance was bare bone knowing that the project was forthcoming. I'm sure Bill Huffman would not have written what he did if he did not visit the course.

I can tell you that the course we played last month was in 100 times better shape than the course I played 4-5 years ago when I first moved to AZ... Played this past Saturday in the Phoenix City Am and Papago was in INCREDIBLE shape, including new sand in the bunkers, real collars around the greens, etc. Still bare in spots and more than a few divots, but when Papago opens in November I have a feeling that it's going to be pretty kick a**! 

[Tom Yost]

An April 4 press release from the Arizona Golf Association:

http://www.azgolf.org/news/pressShow.asp?CategoryID=9&id=368

[Tony Petersen]

I know that we've touched base on this previously, but one thing that bothers me is that the contract & issues (at Papago re: Restoration) were with the Arizona Golf Association (AGA), but now they have come up with the moniker of the Arizona Golf Foundation to disassociate themselves from the previous controversies... and there have been many

Mmmmmm, what's that thing that smells rotten in Denmark?

Still, I am excited to see the finished product (though I have no doubt that Forrest Richardson's work would have been a better product, and more reasonably priced... from a locally-based architect... who is intimately familiar with the club history, routing & historic design of Papago...)

Mmmm, what was that thing about smelling rotten again?

[Greg Tallman]

$12.5 Million.  How can this be right?  No land costs.  The site is already cleared.  The routing isn't changing.  They're using a local contractor.  With real estate in the dumps, equipment, labor, and materials should be plentiful.  Financing via bonds should be relatively cheap.  Even with a couple million dollar state-of-the-art irrigation system,  where is the rest of the money going?  Are other city and political initiatives being funded with this budget?

Lou, $5.5 dedicated to the golf itself. Played with the gentleman responsible for the work last week.

[Greg Tallman]

Concerning the recent condition of the course,at the GCA gathering, there were a lot of dead trees, grass in some of the bunkers, bare spots on some of the fairways and barely any sand in most of the bunkers but the greens were in pretty good shape as I recall. These conditions all resulted in the cry for restoration. I'm sure recent maintenance was bare bone knowing that the project was forthcoming. I'm sure Bill Huffman would not have written what he did if he did not visit the course.

282 trees slated for removal... in addition to all palm trees on site.

[Forrest Richardson]

We estimated $5-6 million for the work, which (hopefully) will include a new irrigation system. (That is about $2 million just on its own.)

While it is sad to not be involved, I told my daughter that I expect to be around when it needs more work. 

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