As part of its expanding programs, curriculum and athletics, Grand Canyon University opened its own golf course on January 1, 2016. While the course will be operated by Grand Canyon University, the city of Phoenix owns the course and will set the greens fees.
The partnership between the university and the city has led to a much needed revamp of the course and will fill a void for student-athlete practice facilities and hospitality students.
The Grand Canyon University Golf Course will be fresh to many Phoenix players who knew it as the Maryvale Golf Course. While the location is the same, a $10 million renovation makes the course competitive, attractive, and affordable right in the heart of the West Valley.
Since the course originally opened in the 1960s, a modern upgrade was needed while still keeping the key features of the course intact, such as the towering trees and park-like setting.
Some of the key upgrades to the course include:
- Redesigns by John Fought
- Elevated greens
- Movement added (it was fairly flat before the renovations)
- Five sets of tees at each hole
- Maximum yards stretched by 600
- New bunkers
- Demolished old clubhouse
The brand new 22,000 square foot clubhouse features a basement, team meeting rooms, a pro shop, and an on-site restaurant complete with patio seating.
Under the GCU moniker, the golf course will serve as a practice and competition facility for the GCU golf team with reserved space in the clubhouse. Golf students will also serve as staff at the facility, and golf management students will have a class in the clubhouse. The clubhouse will also serve a more academic purpose, as students from the hospitality management program will run the restaurant.
Greens fees at the Grand Canyon University Golf Course will start at $10 and go up to about $50, depending on the day, time, walking versus riding, city cardholders and GCU ID. Golfers will be able to book tee times by calling or using programs like golfnow.com.
The renovation and partnership with GCU is sure to be even more of a boost to the growing golf communities in the Valley. Interested in being part of the changes in Arizona golf communities? Contact The Matheson Team, experts in Arizona golf homes in all areas of the Valley, from Scottsdale to Glendale and beyond. We’ll help you find the right home in the right location and get you on the greens in no time.
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-405-4228
[email protected]
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