Workers at MountainView putting green and range
Jim Grosjean
Summer is over, according to the calendar. October brings back cooler temperatures, our beloved snowbirds, and, best of all, a refurbished MountainView Golf Course. Unfortunately, only the back nine was ready for play on Oct. 1, with the front nine slated to open on Nov. 1. For just eight days, we had 27 holes available for play, and then on Oct. 9, The Preserve Course closed for three weeks for annual scheduled maintenance.
The Preserve Course has been in terrific condition all summer long, and this three-week shutdown will ensure excellent playing surfaces throughout the winter. Tee times will be tough to get for the nine holes open at MountainView, but the golf staff is working on a plan to address the shortage. Needless to say, the situation won’t be ideal. MountainView/Preserve Men’s Golf Association (MPMGA) annual members can use the Troon Advantage program to acquire tee times at resort and daily fee courses throughout the country. In Tucson alone, preferred rates can be obtained at Arizona National, El Conquistador, Quarry Pines, and Starr Pass. Keep in mind that these rates can only be unlocked through the Troon Advantage website.
While we anticipate the eventual opening of all our golf facilities, it’s worth noting two September events. The annual Folds of Honor Tournament raised $43,000 for the charity that provides scholarships for the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military and first responders. SaddleBrooke has now provided more than $200,000 in scholarship money for Folds of Honor! On a much lighter side, the MPMGA hosted their female counterparts at the annual Bubba-Sadie Golf Tournament and luncheon. The games within the game included putting opposite-handed; playing a hole with only a driver, 7-iron, and putter; and figuratively putting through the clown’s mouth. It was all in good fun, and the pasta lunch was a fitting end to a beautiful day.