Tom Fazio-designed course opens in California

9/14/2007
URL: http://www.golfcoursenews.com/news/news.asp?ID=3556

One of the world’s premier golf course designers, Tom Fazio has generated critical acclaim with each and every one of his golf course designs.  This fall, his newest masterpiece will open at Montesoro, a thriving new private community located in Borrego, Calif.

The anticipated opening of the 7,300 yard, par-72 course is scheduled for November 2007. The golf course has all of the natural characteristics and scenic views of the desert courses that are currently rated in the Top 100 in the United States.  Montesoro is a private residential community, with the new course accessible to only 375 property owners and their guests.

Replete with Fazio’s trademark water features, mounding and bunker complexes, every hole has been designed to capture the spectacular views of the surrounding desert and mountains by taking advantage of Montesoro’s dramatic elevation changes, ranging from  400 to 1,000 feet above the valley floor.  Montesoro features a remarkably diverse combination of holes that showcases a number of Fazio’s trademarks.  The par 5 11th holehas 100 feet of elevation change with sweeping views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, and the par-5 18th features a four-acre lake bordering the entire right side of the fairway leading up to the green.

“I have never designed a golf course with as many elevation changes as Montesoro.  When I started to envision the unique character of this course, I thought that it would be very important to showcase the panoramic views, landscape and wildlife,” says Fazio.  “This is a very special course in a very special place.” 

As golfers play Montesoro, they’ll be enveloped in a natural landscape that includes desert flowers such as verbena, penstemon, gazana, California poppies and blue bells.  Wildlife abounds, with white owls, mule deer, hawks, coyotes and bighorn sheep.

Montesoro will also feature a Calloway Performance Center, the only one of its kind in the California desert.  A private practice facility, computerized swing analysis and multi-camera video capabilities will provide a state-of-the-art learning center, led by Montesoro Director of Golf and Callaway Master Staffer David Hunter.  In addition to offering the latest in teaching techniques, Hunter will place a strong emphasis on programs specifically designed for women and children to make learning golf enjoyable for all who participate.