Modifications to enhance the playability of iconic golf course
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona —The Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, consistently named one of the “Best Golf Resorts in the Southwest,” and heralded as one of the finest 36-hole golf facilities worldwide, recently broke ground on a multi-focused project to enhance the iconic Boulders North Course.
Scottsdale-based Casa Verde Golf, a Troon Company and an industry-leader in golf course construction and renovation, is overseeing and executing the work. The North Course will reopen for play this fall.
Originally designed by golf course architect Jay Morrish and open for play since 1985, the North Course is known for its rugged beauty and dramatic desert panoramas. The current renovation project will enhance the playability of the North Course.
Green surfaces will be restored to their original shape and size, and resurfaced with TifEagle turf, mirroring the new green surfaces on the Boulders’ South Course (which underwent a similar greens refinement project in 2022). TifEagle turf is an ultra-dwarf hybrid grass that offers improved speed, consistency and playability as well as smooth transitions during seasonal weather changes.
TifEagle is also a more resilient turf that supports the region’s water stewardship efforts and does not require the annual overseeding process, which traditionally takes place in October on Arizona golf courses.
In addition to the greens renovation, the Boulders will also invest in tee box enhancements as all tee boxes on the North Course will be laser leveled and resurfaced, as will all tee boxes on the par-four and par-five holes of the South Course.
“We are truly excited for the North Course refinement project and the tee renovation projects,” said David Benham, the Boulder’s Director of Club Operations. “This further illustrates our commitment to maintaining top playing conditions and club environment for our members and guests.”
Casa Verde Golf vice president Arthur Schaupeter, a golf course architect and ASGCA member, is overseeing the project. He has more than 30 years of experience designing, developing and renovating golf courses across the country.
“The net result to the North Course refinement project will be more pin locations and playability enhancements to what is already an iconic course,” said Schaupeter. “Arizona courses that have recently converted to TifEagle greens include Stone Canyon, Superstition Mountain, TPC Scottsdale, Silverleaf, and Terravita golf courses.”
The North Course enhancement project comes three years after Boulders executed bunker renovation projects on both courses, installed new pump stations, and renovated the South Course’s greens. In 2024, the property renovated and resurfaced the practice putting green.
An extraordinary desert hideaway, the Boulders Resort & Spa features 160 guest casitas and 58 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, five restaurants and a lounge, two championship Jay Morrish-designed golf courses, eight tennis courts, twelve pickleball courts and a full-service Spa.
