”This is by far one of the best golf courses in the Valley. The course is beautiful and well maintained. I highly recommend this course to any golf enthusiast.
Alex Drucker., Gilbert, AZ
Encouraging Comments and Other Things We Like to Hear
Social media has changed the way we communicate. The tradition of chatting with guests across the golf shop counter is just so 20th century. Although nothing can replace face-to-face interactions, social media allows for lively conversations well after guests have left the building. The responses to the recent renovation of Cholla are a great example. We couldn’t be more pleased with the steady stream of positive feedback since reopening in late October.
The improved playing conditions courtesy of the new irrigation system, bunkers and greens prompted Brain Clark of Olathe, KA to say: “The course is in excellent condition, maintained perfectly. The facilities are second to none. Cholla course had the fastest greens I’ve ever played, probably due to being new. I will come back.”
Although the word “tricky” is semi-pejorative among golf course designers, it’s still clear what Pauline Gonsior meant by this: “Played there yesterday,” she said. It’s in beautiful condition with tricky new greens. Great job enticing us to come back!”
“A large percentage of our guests visit from out of town during the winter months,” said Matt Barr, general manager of We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. “It’s great to have a way to keep in touch. Golf is relationship driven, and social media helps us maintain those relationships until we see them next time.”
One such out-of-town guest, John Lovitz Sartell of Minnesota, chimed in that Cholla is “one of the best courses in the Phoenix area!”
Michael Geldermann of Fort Lauderdale, Florida turned it up a notch by saying it’s “my all-time favorite course.”
But you don’t have to be 2,000 miles away to join the conversation.
Players Weigh In Nationally and Locally, Too
“This course is absolutely amazing, from the tee box to the greens,” said Mike Gonzales of Scottsdale. “The views are spectacular, staff is always at your service and even the bunkers are full of white sand. I would have to say this course ranks at my top three tracks to play in Arizona, being a native.”
Golfers passing on a little local knowledge is a tradition in the game. Third-party recommendations from those who recently played still influence where-to-play decision, even if they’re transmitted digitally.
“If you have friends from out of town that want a desert golf experience, this is the course,” said Chris Zelvis of Phoenix. “Great conditions and the best scenery in AZ.”
Alex Drucker, Gilbert, AZ agrees – “This is by far one of the best golf courses in the Valley. The course is beautiful and well maintained. I highly recommend this course to any golf enthusiast.”
Cholla Renovations Earn Praise
Among the improvements made on Cholla last summer, the renovations to No. 8 are the most obvious. The layup landing area on this 605-yard, par-5 was reworked to provide a more realistic risk/reward scenario for most golfers. And the rocky desert arroyo that used to completely bisect the fairway in front of the green was grassed, so turf now extends all the way to the green.
Matthew Petersen of Phoenix thought it “looks fantastic. Much more playable and still as gorgeous.”
“Nice job with the changes to this hole,” said Urbie Kerner.
Lori Ridgeway chimed in: “Wow! Such an improvement! While, Pauline Gonsior commented that she “Loves it, beautifully done.”
Needless to say, we never get tired of hearing comments like these. On occasions, we do field comments that are not quite so glowing. In these cases, we put our egos aside and sincerely try to remedy the situation ASAP. Social media helps us to discover times when we weren’t at our best. But, we’re happy to report that we don’t get trolled much, and we’re happy campers as long as we continue to receive notes like this:
“A wonderful and testing course, beautifully presented; equipped with a lovely clubhouse and pro shop,” said Kevin Whiting, Redding, England. It’s all the more enjoyable as a visitor, seeing all the wildlife even a coyote and roadrunner. You couldn’t make it up!”
