TPC Scottsdale Champion Course set to Open in November 2007
TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is most famous for the Stadium course, which hosts the FBR Open on the PGA Tour. Many people don't realize there is a second golf course located on the property. The Desert golf course was only 6,500 yards in length and was not as popular as the tournament golf course.
That will change on Nov 15, 2007 when the Champions golf course will open for play. Golfers who had previously played the Desert Course at the TPC Scottsdale will not recognize any of the holes on this new golf course. The most dramatic improvement to the golf course is that it has been lengthened to over 7,100 yards.
The TPC Scottsdale Champions Course was redesigned by Randy Heckenkemper who has many critically acclaimed golf courses to his credit. This golf course will be a true desert golf course and won't feature the mounds that are so pervasive on the Stadium golf course.
The fairways have been seeded with the standard Bermuda grass you would expect to find in this part of the country, but the greens are trying a new hybrid grass. All of the greens have been seeded with Emerald Dwarf Green grass and the Champions golf course is the first in Arizona to use this new grass. This grass has been designed to be heat resistant and keep the golf course in great shape all year long.
The 16th hole at the TPC Scottsdale Champions Course is a long par-3 measuring 213 yards. The tee on this hole is surrounded by trees that give the player the feeling of hitting from a protected area. There is a large wash that runs in front of the green and must be carried to reach the putting surface safely.
There is a landing area short of the green but the bunkers on the left side of the green force the player to hit a great shot. All players must cross Thunderbird Bridge in order to reach the green. Aim for the middle of this green and walk away with a well-deserved par.
There are only four holes on the golf course that feature water. The 18th hole is 458 yards from the back tee and is a par-4. There is a lake down the entire left-hand side that starts with the fairway. This hole is fairly straight and there is no need to work the ball around any corners.
The best shot off the tee is to the right center of the fairway. This will allow the ball ample room to roll to the left and still miss the water. There is a transition bunker that provides a buffer between the fairway and pond for any shot hit left of your target.
The green on this hole is guarded by a bunker behind the green. The green is long and a three-putt is a definite possibility. Be sure to check the pin placement to hit the right part of the green.
When the golf course opens they will have a forecaddy program in place that will enhance the tour feel of this golf course. If you have played the old Desert golf course, you will be in for a pleasant surprise with the new changes to the TPC Scottsdale Champions Course.
