Scotsdale course reopens
Improvements include revamped clubhouse, new greens, Scotish-style bunkers
The Scotsdale Golf Course in the Highlands had its grand reopening Thursday, launching to the sounds of the Bentonville High School Chamber Choir and Kenton Adler’s bagpiping.
It reopened with a revamped clubhouse, Scottish-style bunkers and new greens.
Phillip Wright, director of golf operations with the Bella Vista Property Owners Association, said the course had been closed since May.
“This is truly unique,” he said. “A lot of improvement has taken place in Bella Vista, and this is the first thing members can touch and feel.”
A significant change, he said, was the transition from bentgrass greens to Bermuda. The bentgrass, he said, didn’t hold up well in the summer heat and had a less-than optimal texture, while the Bermuda should provide a more consistent — and faster-rolling — texture year-round.
“It’s an entirely different grass,” he said. “You can plant it 12 months a year.”
If these greens do well here, he said, they may be utilized at other courses in Bella Vista.
The bunkers, he said, are a new addition. They were made with layered sod, and the sand has a soft, light, airy sort of texture. This sand, he said, is easier to play from than what many golfers may be used to, and despite rumors of it being imported, it is locally produced.
He also said that there were some concerns about accessibility, but the bunkers were designed to be entered and exited with a foot no more than six inches off the ground.
“We installed several of these bunkers throughout the course to give a more Scottish feel,” he said.
Aside from the addition of bunkers, he said, the course hasn’t changed in layout and will play largely like it did before.
The clubhouse, he said, has been completely remodeled. In particular, he said, the pro shop has been redone to provide a cozier, more bar-like atmosphere.
“These are improvements for our members as well as our guests,” he said.
Roger Gerdes, a Realtor who’s lived in Bella Vista for the past five years, said he was impressed.
“I love it,” he said. “It’s beautiful. It’s going to be the hottest spot.”
With the marina and the now-being-renovated Lake Point Events Center restaurant (housed in the building formerly called The Yacht Club), he said, the Highlands is set to become the nicest part of Bella Vista.
Toward the end of the event, David Whelchel, a golf course architect who helped design the new bunkers, got to make the first couple drives with a reproduction, 1800s-style hickory club, sending the specialized, matching white balls soaring off the first tee’s terrace.
“I helped with the layout and construction of them,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for 34 years.”
After talking with a slew of guests, Whelchel said he had to go pick up his $18 balls.
Bob Bumgardner, a Bella Vista resident, said he’s pleased with what he saw of the course driving in for the grand opening.
“It’s going to get real crowded in the clubhouse at check-in time,” he said. “I think they’ve done a real nice job here. And the proof will be in the pudding — or the putting.”
Wright said he’s opened a couple of golf courses in his career, and it’s always exciting.
“We’re done,” he said. “It’s open. It’s ready for the members and guests to enjoy.”