(Naco/Bisbee -Arizona) A source of pride among Cochise County Residents, visitors and golf lovers throughout North and South America, Turquoise Valley Golf changes ownership and brings on new professional management to continue the legacy first established in 1908.
Joseph Lewis, who is part of the new ownership group, says that “Although I am not a golfer I like many fell in love with the history of the course, the natural beauty of the area, and believe there is a lot that can be done to promote golf tourism.” Lewis is already working with Bisbee Hotels and businesses to plan golf vacations that will be marketed to Tucson and Phoenix area residents. Lewis said that “we are even exploring the idea of shuttles from Bisbee, as well as chartering busses and planes to bring weekend vacationers in to enjoy the entire Bisbee / Turquoise Golf Experience.”
Among other attributes, the Turquoise Golf Resort is famous for having the 10th longest hole in the world. The “Rattler” is a Par 6 at 747 yards, from the championship tees. In the club house one will find a letter written by Jack Nicklaus in 2008 congratulating the Turquoise Golf Resort on their Centennial Anniversary.
A new management team has been brought into evaluate operations and begin the new era. Jane Chanik and Margaret Wolverton each have thirty plus years in the golf course industry. Chanik stated that “we understand that it’s the overall experience that matters and we are going to work hard to win back those customers that haven’t thought of playing here in a while, as well as welcoming new players to the game.” Both Chanik and Wolverton, PGA and LPGA members respectively, have vast experience teaching, promoting, and building the game of golf and we welcome their experience and attitudes as we move forward. They will work with current employees as well as their numerous contacts throughout the field as they work toward returning Turquoise Valley Golf Course back to form.
Plans for the club include an enhanced restaurant experience, banquet hall rentals, birding events, golf clinics, and more tournament opportunities. Robert Weaver, LLC, the previous owner of the course, will continue to operate the adjacent RV Park. He believes that snowbirds will flock to the Naco /Bisbee area and enjoy the wonderful year-round climate and enhanced golf experience.
The new ownership is well aware that they have their work cut out for them. Being the fourth owner in as many years and coupled with the fact that golf is a declining sport with many courses throughout the United States closing at a rapid clip, this new team is not daunted. Lewis, being an optimist, says “I will not be happy until every golfer in Arizona has had the opportunity to experience Bisbee, Turquoise Golf and of course Naco’s much acclaimed Gay 90’s Bar”