Coore/Crenshaw new course at We-Ko-Pa progressing nicely

The Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore "Back to the Future" Minimalist tour (yes, capitalize "Minimalist" from now on) is firing on all cylindars in the desert.

The Yavapai Indian Nation, owners of the We-ko-pa Golf Club in the Fort McDowell Region of Scottsdale had the courage to think out of the box for a resort and embrace one of the wisest trends in the golf industry...spend less money and move less earth and get a better golf course. Coore and Crenshaw has already scored significant successes in the desert with Talking Stick North being one of the conessoiurs' choices in a hyper-competitive market flush with great golf. The original Scott Miller design at We-Ko-Pa has also been a success, both financially and from a design perspective.

According to Director of Golf Jeff Lessig, all 18 holes at the new site have been cleared. Hole design and shaping are on an aggressive timetable and the course will potentially open by December of 2006. The Yavapai have not determined the name for the new course or the new name for the existing course, but marketing plans to have a decision shortly.

The 8th hole at the existing layout is right. The course takes its name from the Yavapai term for "Four Peaks" after a nearby mountain range. I'll hopefully have construction photos for you after the New Year.