FROM THE CLUB PRESIDENT TODD HALL
I got to spend the last week in Tonto Verde and play a little golf and I’m happy to report the Ranch course looks great; the Peaks is still shut down for maintenance, but it appears to be progressing nicely. The fairways and greens are in great shape, and this is an important condition for a successful over-seed. However, we could use a good monsoon rain…it’s dry here! As communicated previously, the Board decided to allow Travis and the agronomy team some flexibility on the over-seed schedule this year based upon what the weather and temperature forecast look like at the time of the planned over-seed. This change gives us the best chance to avoid extreme heat that inhibits winter grass seed germination. In addition, the decision was recently made, based upon Travis’ trip to and discussions with a major turf seed company in Washington state, to augment our typical fall over-seed mix with creeping fine fescue (Read more about this in Jay Kernan’s Grounds article). We are optimistic that this new seed mix, along with the flexible over-seed timing, and the Slit Seeder we purchased this past spring, provides the best opportunity for ideal winter turf conditions. I am also happy to share the Board, at our July 2025 meeting, unanimously approved a significant rework and improvement to our short game practice area and chipping green. This has been very high on the list of
needed improvements and our course architect, Mike Gogel, has provided the Grounds Committee and Board with multiple plans over the past couple years with his most recent plan addressing all the items requested. The expansion is scheduled for the summer of 2026 and includes several key improvements: Reorientation of the Green-Side Bunker : The bunker will be repositioned away from the parking lot to improve safety and functionality. It will be designed to be more representative of what we experience on the courses. Enlarged and Relocated Green : The putting green will be slightly expanded and shifted to the north and east, creating more usable space along with the ability to practice up to 50-yard pitch shots. New Fairway Practice Bunker : A fairway bunker will be added near the former teaching tee location, designed to both protect players practicing in the bunker and deter players from using it as a green-side practice bunker. I hope you view the above planned changes as the Board’s continued commitment to providing top-tier facilities for our members. Thank you for your continued support and passion for Tonto Verde Golf Club. Todd Hall
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