OB Sports Golf & Leisure

"The intention is for Papago to become the home for all of Arizona golf," said Mike Con- ner, the Senior Vice President of Operations for OB Sports Golf Management, which manages the city-owned facility. "OB Sports has worked within the Arizona golf community for 45- plus years. It is time to give back to a region that has pro- vided so many with so much." The entire project was sparked by a private partner- ship between the City of Phoenix, Arizona State Univer- sity and the Arizona Golf Com- munity Foundation. The practice facility was de- signed by Arizona State graduate and World Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson, along with ASU's men's and women's golf coaches. And the lefty known for his magical touch around the greens wasn't shy about saying that Papago would have the "single greatest short-game fa- cility in the country" when it becomes the Sun Devils' new home. Conner believes Mickelson's claim was not overstated. ASU's teams will have private practice area not open to public use, though the public will see a sig- nificant improvement as well. "Phil is the university's most recognized professional sports figure to date, and he has al- ways been very supportive of ASU athletics," Conner said. "The overall facility will allow golfers to practice various shots on several different slopes and surfaces. The wide variety of the design will allow the teams to practice for tournaments around the country and the con- ditions they will face at those courses." Along with enjoying the new practice facility, visitors to Pa- pago will now be able to stick around and relax after their rounds in the expansive new clubhouse. At approximately 12,000 square feet, the building designed by Phoenix-based Douglas Fredrikson Architects includes a new golf shop, Lou's Bar & Grill, and Evie's Pavilion, a meeting space for corporate events and wedding lawn. The project was financed by a dona- tion from the Lou and Evelyn Grubb Foundation, started by the longtime local car dealer and avid golfer. Mr. Grubb passed away six years ago. Diners will enjoy a casual atmosphere in a comfortable and modern Southwest setting featuring plenty of exposed steel and rock. The indoor and outdoor areas will flow together naturally thanks to oversized roll-up windows and doors, with fire pits and comfortable seating to enjoy 180-degree views of the golf course, Papago buttes and downtown Phoenix. Sprinkled throughout the clubhouse will be memorabilia commemorating ASU and Phoenix golf history as well as Grubb's impact on the local golf community. l IN THE NEWS OB SPORTS GOLF & LEISURE x FALL 2018 x obsports.com GRADUATING WITH HONORS A rizona State University has a long and storied history when it comes to winning titles and turning out great golfers. Here are some of the highlights… > The men's team has won 20 conference championships, six NCAA regional champi- onships, two Division I titles, and six individual crowns. > Notable alumni include Phil Mickelson, Paul Casey, Bob Gilder, Matt Jones, Billy Mayfair, Tom Purtzer, Jeff Quinney, Jon Rahm, Chez Reavie, Howard Twitty, Pat Perez, Jim Carter and Per- Ulrik Johansson. > The women's program is the most successful is NCAA history with eight Division I national championships, most recently in 2017. The school also has had 10 women's indi- vidual champions. > Notable alumni include JoAnne Carner, Heather Farr, Anna Nordqvist, Grace Park, Wendy Ward, and Danielle Ammaccapane. WATCH! A look at Papago's new short-game facility and its impact. ................................................................................................................... << VISIT PAPAGO GOLF COURSE

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