In April 2008, the city of Phoenix signed an agreement with the Arizona Golf Foundation that took this iconic city course a huge step toward regaining its past glory. Since April, the Foundation has been systematically renovating the entire course -- from greens to lakes to irrigation. Listed below is a detailed description of the renovations along with photos of restored areas. Plans call for a December 2008 reopening. For more information please call Arizona Golf Association at 602 944-3035. Stay tuned to this page for additional updates.

Restoration Facts

• Irrigation
  Renovations included a complete redesign and replacement of the irrigation system, including six miles of new irrigation main line and 12 miles of new lateral lines. Along with the 18 miles of new pipe, the new system also boasts 1,700 new sprinkler heads.
  
  
• Greens
  All greens were completely renovated and restored including installation of drainage tile, 6” of drainage stone and a 12” of USGA root zone material.  Greens were sprigged with Mini-Verde turf, a high quality greens surface.  In addition, all greens were restored to their original size and contour.
  
  
• Bunkers
  All bunkers have been completely renovated and returned to their original shape and contour.  Twelve new bunkers have been added throughout the course, and a few original bunkers have been moved to accommodate the length of the modern game.  Drainage tiles have been added to all bunkers.
  
  
• Re-Grassing
  When golfers return to Papago later this fall, they'll be playing on completely new turf on every inch of the course. Restoration crews installed and planted three types of turf at Papago.  Bermuda- Mini-Verde was planted on all greens; Bermuda-Tiffway 419 sod was installed on all sloped areas around tees, greens, bunkers and lakes; and Riviera-Bermuda seed was planted on all fairways and tee boxes.  This adds up to new turf totaling: 350,000 sq. ft. of sod, 141,000 sq. ft. of greens mix and 103 acres of Rivera seed mix.
  
  
• Lakes
  Both lakes at #9 and #11 have been completely restored including the installation of liners to prevent leakage. The lake at #11 lake was enlarged to accommodate the water requirements of the new irrigation system.  The lake at #9 was reduced by .5 acre and the small pond at the #1 tee was eliminated to balance the total surface acreage, as required by the AZ Department of Water Resources.  A new powered aerator on the lake at #9 will help to maintain water quality.
  
  
• Driving Range
  The driving range has been significantly expanded as called for in the 1998 Papago Park Master Plan.  This expansion will not only provide a safety zone for hikers and bikers in the adjacent park but also allowed for the addition of a teaching area.  The range includes two practice greens, one chipping green, two practice bunkers and a learning center for youth programming, adult lessons and club-fitting.  The Learning Center is scheduled to be open by early next spring.
  
  
• On Course Rest Room and Snack Shack: 
  The on-course restroom will be replaced and will be located in a more central location to serve the #2, #6, #12 and #15 tee boxes.  The building will also have a snack shack open on the weekends and during tournament play to better serve golfers.  The new septic system is currently being installed and the building is targeted for construction to begin before the end of November.
   
• Cart Barn
  The Cart Barn is currently undergoing Building Permit Review and will be located next to the driving range tee area.  Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of the October.  A temporary cart storage area may be needed for a short period of time, if construction cannot be completed by opening day.
  
  
• Pro-shop and Restaurant
  After detailed inspections and analysis, the old pro-shop and restaurant were demolished in favor of investing in a new building.  The Golf Course will open with a temporary trailer with limited food and beverage.  Plans are proceeding ahead of schedule for a new clubhouse and full service restaurant with an outdoor pavilion area overlooking the 18th green.
  
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Images
(click on image to enlarge)

#2 Fairway

#3 Tee Box

#11 From the tee

#5 Green looking back

11th tee from front green

#17 from front tee

#16 Green

Learning Center site with teaching tee in background

Looking north across the lake from #11

New cart path at #11

New expanded driving range & tee area

Site of the old clubhouse