There is something extra special about a steak at Mastro’s, Flemings or Ruth Chris. You expect the quality of the cut to be there, but when your entrée arrives you typically are taken aback. It’s the presentation, the aroma, the flavors that literally explode in your pallet. The “sizzle”. It’s that “sizzle” that makes a dining engagement at those fine eateries more like entertainment, and worth every penny and moment shared in those popular dining venues. Guests that play, dine or bring their regular foursome to SunRidge Canyon Golf Club in Fountain Hills, appreciate a similar experience. They know about the sizzle-factor present at SunRidge Canyon. From the scenic elevation changes and dramatic desert vistas, to the famous (or infamous) Wicked 6 stretch of finishing holes, to the post round entertainment and fun found at the SunRidge patio, clubhouse and Wicked 6 Grille, SunRidge Canyon has the “sizzle”. Folks that know SunRidge Canyon, know this sizzle well. But the sizzle just got stronger.
This past summer, the ownership of SunRidge Canyon embarked on an ambitious enhancement program designed to enhance agronomic conditions and improve upon playability, while maintaining the challenge that golfers have come to love at SunRidge Canyon. Already ranked among the “Top 20 Best Courses You Can Play” by Golf Magazine SunRidge has added even more sizzle by completing enhancements that include regrassing of all putting surfaces on the course to Champion ultra dwarf Bermuda grass, expansion of putting surfaces, bunker redesign, and expanding landing areas. Resurfacing all the putting greens to Champion Bermuda will enable the clubs agronomic team to quicken up, already swift green speeds. Faster speeds will be complemented by modifications and softening of green undulations to allow for new and faster green speeds. Putting surfaces were expanded upon whereby over 5,000 square feet of putting surfaces was added to a number of holes throughout the course to restore the putting greens to the size of the original design. Those with less than straight tee shots will appreciate new redesigns of bunkers on a number of holes and expanded landing areas on key fairways.
“Changes were done with intent and in collaboration with not only our agronomic leader Ron Ruppert, but also with input and valuable feedback from Scottsdale area PGA Tour veterans and SunRidge Canyon friends including Gary McCord, Peter Kostis and Howard Twitty,” said Wes Neal, head golf professional. “Enhancements were done to make the golf course more forgiving for the average player, while maintaining the challenge and allure of SunRidge Canyon including our stout finishing stretch – the Wicked 6.”
Changes were not left just to the course. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club also expanded upon their popular practice facility, adding teeing area space to approximately 14,000 square feet, as well as expanding the current practice facility performance center. The latter of which was done to accommodate the move of Hot Stix Golf from their former Scottsdale Airpark location to SunRidge Canyon. SunRidge Canyon now will be the global home of Hot Stix Golf, the leader in technology-based club fitting by certified club-fitters utilizing proprietary fitting software and technology.
Recently, the club also announced a new affiliation with Troon whereby SunRidge Canyon will welcome and participate in proven Troon programs such as Troon Rewards, Troon Golf Vacations, Troon Advantage and Team Troon group/tournament opportunities. SunRidge Canyon has also been added to the popular Troon Card program as a participating club for Arizona and National TwoSome and FourSome card programs.
All enhancements were completed and unveiled during the SunRidge Canyon Golf Club’s recent re-opening on October 2, 2015. “This summer we embarked upon the course and practice facility enhancement to continue to make SunRidge Canyon a ‘must play’ for area and visiting golfers. Along with these new improvements, our staff is committed to providing five-star level service to complement our world-class facility,” said Kris Starr Director of Operations.
Golf at SunRidge Canyon has always been an adventure. Where nature plays a profound role in the layout that traverses the ridges in Fountain Hills in some of the most picturesque and dramatic stretches of natural land in the Sonoran Desert. This award winning Arizona gem that sits on the edge of Scottsdale now has even more “sizzle” that is certain to keep both residents and visitors alike, coming back for more.
For tee times, more information on SunRidge Canyon Golf Club, the Wicked 6 Bar and Grill, Hot Stix Golf or instructional opportunities, visit www.sunridgegolf.com or call 480.837.5100.
