Mountain Shadows Resort
Site: Paradise Valley, Arizona
With a remarkable desert setting at the base of Camelback Mountain, the
story of the Mountain Shadows Golf Course (the ³Golf Course²) began in 1960.
World renowned golf course architect Arthur Jack Snyder (mentor to Forrest
Richardson) was asked to consider designing a first class golf course at
this unique and engaging site. The objective was to build a challenging yet
enjoyable golf course on a piece of property half the size of a traditional
golf course. Snyder responded by creating one of Golf Digests top 10
executive golf courses in the world.
The Decline
In the late 1970s, modifications were made to the Golf Course in order to
lengthen what was intended to be a short design.These modifications were
done to achieve a required length threshold in order for the Golf Course to
receive an official USGA rating. The changes to lengthen the course undercut
the original design intent. The Golf Course continued its slow decline in
the 1980s.New resorts and golf courses slowly ate away at the Resort¹s
popularity.
The Renaissance
The vision for transforming the golf course began by a thorough review of
the original design. Golf course architect Forrest Richardson drew from his
many conversations with Snyder and developed the following mission
statement:
"Our work here is not solely to re-create, but to look deep into the
original design. At every turn we will bring to the surface the attributes
which were so amazingly innovative in the early 1960s — but we will do so in
a language which fits the New Resort as it is to be appreciated in this new
era. The job is one of balance — preserving, uncovering and restoring, but
at the same time adding and subtracting to fit in with the new Mountain
Shadows. As the design comes to life we will continually seek the same
qualities that were being created nearly 50 years ago — beauty, harmony,
function and innovation."
Richardson¹s goals for the Mountain Shadows Golf Club are grounded in his
belief that golf is meant to be an enjoyable pastime. The trend toward
lengthier golf courses defies land conservation, resources, and time. It is
Richardson¹s intent to revitalize the Golf Course by returning it closer to
the course Snyder intended.
The Revitalized Golf Course
The plan for the Golf Course uses the original routing of holes with
selective adjustments to accommodate new advances in club and ball
technology. In addition, the length of the Golf Course has been reduced to
reflect a yardage nearly identical to that of the original layout. The
result is a safer and more appropriate design than the Golf Course¹s current
configuration.
The proposal includes an 18-hole executive course measuring 2,600 yards,
with a par of 54. There is a practice park that allows iron practice and
professional instruction. The emphasis of the practice area is on
short-game skills development. This area is envisioned to be set-up as a
series of greens and hitting areas, primarily used for instruction and
skills development. A putting course serves the southern end of the practice
area. This landscaped feature will provide a peaceful setting for members
and resort guests. A large putting green extends from the clubhouse and
doubles as a venue for social gatherings. Two smaller practice putting
greens serve golfers on their way to the first hole.
Length, Par & Variation.
One of the primary goals of the Golf Course transformation is to uphold the
design characteristics that lead to a fun and challenging golf experience.
This goal was balanced with goals of yardage length and hole variation. The
adjusted Golf Course plays to a par of 54 made up of par-3 holes ranging
from 75 yards to 225 yards. The decision to eliminate par-4 holes was
carefully weighed with residents and our professional design team. The
analysis concluded that the existing par-4 holes were simply not viable in
the context of the corridor widths and acreage constraints at the Mountain
Shadows property.
Variation is the key to the design. Not only do holes range in length, but
also in orientation, views, relationship to prevailing winds and in
strategy. Five holes play across or along water, providing an ambiance that
fits the Resort¹s desert oasis theme. Indeed, Snyder¹s amazing landscape at
Hole Nos. 6 through 11 will be enhanced by rebuilding the ponds and streams
which have become overgrown and difficult to maintain.
One of the true benefits of a course with a predominance of par threes is
the emphasis on pin position and tee variation. By increasing the size of
several greens, the design will allow for various pin positions. In
addition, the tee boxes are considerably larger, allowing a 10 to 20 yard
variation in hole length on virtually every hole. These qualities allow the
Golf Course to play differently from day to day.
Summary
The approach to renovation and remodeling of the Golf Club is one of
preservation and enhancement. The proposed plan has been carefully designed
to integrate with the New Resort and existing residential areas. In
addition, the plan preserves the ambiance and positive relationships between
golf and non-golf uses. At the forefront of the design are safety, buffering
and aesthetics.
Work on Mountain Shadows will begin in 2007 following extensive zoning
hearings to re-establish the special use permit that was originally approved
for this special resort and golf course.
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