Course Record Day at Apache Stronghold
Under partly cloudy skies with gusty winds and highs in the upper 50's, members of the men's golf team from Arizona State and the University of Arizona emerged upon the Apache Stronghold Golf Course, a mid-level, public-fee facility on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation on April 13th to set the competitive course record and to be a part of history.
The course, which is part of a hotel and casino complex located 90 miles from Phoenix and five miles east of globe on Interstate 70, is on a parcel of land which comprises only a fraction of the 2200 square miles that make up the reservation. A replica bronze statue of an Apache Indian riding on a horse, arrow drawn, sits above the ninth green and its presence is certainly symbolic of the proud and storied past of the Apache. No group of native Americans fought longer or harder to ward off the advancement of U.S. troops. Geronimo, the well-chronicled and famous Indian chief whose courageous resistance to American territorial occupation more than a century ago is recognized even today and has his roots in San Carlos.
The impact of this valiant history was felt as 12 collegians embarked upon the Tom Doak-designed Par 72 layout that plays over 7500 yards from the tips. Despite its obvious length, Stronghold is a very playable course due to the effects of the 3200-foot elevation which affords several downhill tee shots. Doak, of Renaissance Golf Design of Traverse City, Michigan, is known as a minimalist and used the land's natural topography to shape the course as he saw fit. With no housing developments or property requirements, Doak had the freedom to shape holes to match the land, and he truly enjoyed the trust afforded him by the Apache.
Representing the SunDevils of Arizona State were Assistant Coach Mickey Yokoi and team members Jin Park, Jason Hause, Brian Nosler, Shane McMehany, D.J. Lewin and Brady Stockton.
Representing the Wildcats of the University of Arizona were Director of Golf Rick LaRose and team members Brian Woolf, Tim Weiss, Scott Moore, Ryan Meyer, David Bates and Brandon Smith.
The competitive course record was set at 75 by Brian Woolf and the general reaction from the players was positive. All stated that they would love another opportunity to 'go low', especially after seeing the track for the very first time. General Manager Bob Horan envisions several more opportunities and welcomes the state's golf organizations to conduct events at Apache Stronghold.
Apache Stronghold Golf Course
Architect: Tom Doak
General Manager: Bob Horan
Superintendent: Bob Horan
Yardage: 7550
Par: 72
USGA Course Rating: 74.8
USGA Slope Rating: 136