The new ownership and management group at the Sedona Golf Resort has given its course a $1.1 million face-lift in the last year, hoping to attract the area’s top golfers along with other residents looking to just have fun.
SGR is known as one of the more beautiful golf courses in all of Arizona, if not the country, but the new projects were sorely needed, according to general manager Jeremy Hayman.
“Over the last six months both the staff and the ownership have been trying very hard to make SGR a place where both locals and visitors want to play and dine. So far we have been very pleased with how the residents have supported the changes and it’s nice to see them really enjoying the club again,” Hayman said.
Some of the new improvements for SGR include a mainline irrigation pipe, which was installed recently, that covers nine holes.
SGR management purchased new mowing equipment, a new point of sale, new merchandise for the pro shop, 24 complete sets of Titleist Golf Clubs for players to rent and a new fleet of golf carts that cost almost half a million dollars.
SGR staff also revamped the website for those interested in viewing information about upcoming tee times and anything else they can think of.
The restaurant, which will be called the Juniper Bar & Grill, received the biggest face-lift at SGR, with a new bar, furniture, carpet, tile, paint and eight flat-screen high-definition televisions to enhance the dining experience for all.
The restaurant is now equipped to easily handle parties, weddings and small get-togethers, or a group of friends looking to just get lunch after a round of golf.
At SGR, the management group is as new as the updates, with Hayman being hired in September while head golf pro Gary Pearce was hired just over a year ago in March 2010.
Bob Laas was hired on as the new superintendent, and the new food and beverage director is Marty Haughian.
Playing golf at SGR is quite affordable compared to other courses, with public rates starting at $95 before 1 p.m. but dropping as low as $45 after 3 p.m.
Pearce and Hayman teamed together to bring those who aren’t members a member-like experience, breaking out the Red Rock Card.
The Red Rock Card is $99 per year with unlimited rounds of golf at $60 before 1 p.m. and $30 after 3 p.m.
Red Rock Card holders also get three accompanied guests per day at preferred cardholder rates.
Cardholders receive special travel rates to play at other OB Sports Golf Management courses.
OB Sports currently manages 37 premier golf courses and country clubs throughout the United States.
There is a rewards program for every dollar spent where points can be used toward free golf. Also, Red Rock Card holders get 20 percent off any golf shop merchandise purchases.
As for those who aren’t so familiar with the game of golf, SGR provides Professional Golfers’ Association members to teach the game to those interested. Hayman, Pearce and Dave Bisbee are PGA-certified. Appointments can be made by calling the SGR golf shop at 284-9355.
Another added amenity, according to Hayman, is SGR was selected as the new site for the 2011 Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Festival. Event dates are Friday through Sunday, Oct. 7 through 9.
Altogether, SGR gives avid golf fans, or those looking to just get a beer and lunch, a place to spend their time while enjoying one of the best golf courses in the Verde Valley.
