Terravita Golf & Country Club in Scottsdale recently reopened its newly renovated golf course to member play following an $8.5 million renovation and enhancement project. Golf course architect Phil Smith led the seven-month renovation while Heritage Links performed the construction work.
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Originally designed by Billy Casper and Greg Nash, Terravita opened for play in 1994. In developing the renovation master plan, Smith focused on the outdated irrigation system, bunkers and green complexes as well as turf improvements on the 28-year-old course. Membership approved the renovation project in 2021 and coursework began on April 1, 2022.
During construction all 18 greens were re-designed, rebuilt and grassed using TifEagle Bermuda grass; tee boxes were repositioned; fairways were reshaped; and a new state-of-the-art irrigation system was installed. All bunkers were also strategically repositioned, reshaped and rebuilt incorporating a technically advanced drainage and liner system featuring Capillary Concrete. This new generation lining method increases the speed at which water flows through the bunker, minimizing washouts, reducing maintenance and producing superior playability.
“It has been my honor to work alongside Troon, Terravita and Heritage Links to renovate the Terravita golf course,” says Phil Smith, architect for Phil Smith Design. “During the renovation process, I was able to design a new golf course that rewards good shots and fairly challenges all levels of play. I am proud to say Terravita Golf & Country Club now has a golf course the members can enjoy, uninterrupted, for many years to come.”
Located in North Scottsdale, Terravita is set in one of the most scenic and colorful parts of the Sonoran Desert. The par 72 golf course now stretches 7,112 yards, an increase of 37 yards from the previous design.
“Terravita Members are rediscovering their golf course like an old friend that has come back, but even better than they remember. What Phil Smith and the Heritage Links team has accomplished is truly magnificent, and the Terravita Members are so proud of their new surroundings,” says Rich Riffle, general manager of Terravita Golf & Country Club.
