Scottsdale club concludes $8.5 million renovation

Terravita Golf & Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, recently reopened its newly renovated golf course to member play following an $8.5 million renovation and enhancement project. Golf course architect Phil Smith led the seven-month renovation while Heritage Links performed the construction work.

Originally designed by Billy Casper and Greg Nash, Terravita opened for play in 1994. In developing the renovation master plan, Smith focused on the outdated irrigation system, bunkers and green complexes as well as turf improvements. Membership approved the renovation project in 2021 and course work commenced on April 1, 2022. 

All 18 greens were redesigned, rebuilt and grassed using TifEagle Bermudagrass; tee boxes were repositioned; fairways were reshaped; and a new irrigation system was installed. Bunkers were also strategically repositioned, reshaped and rebuilt with a Capillary Concrete system. Maddie Storm is Terravita Golf & Country Club’s superintendent.

"It has been my honor to work alongside Troon, Terravita and Heritage Links to renovate the Terravita golf course,” Smith said. “During the renovation process, I was able to design a new golf course that rewards good shots and fairly challenges all levels of play. I am proud to say Terravita Golf & Country Club now has a golf course the members can enjoy, uninterrupted, for many years to come."

Located in North Scottsdale, Terravita is set in a scenic and colorful part of the Sonoran Desert. The par-72 course now stretches 7,112 yards, an increase of 37 yards from the previous design. 

“Terravita Members are rediscovering their golf course like an old friend that has come back, but even better than they remember,” Terravita Golf & Country Club general manager Rich Riffle said. “What Phil Smith and the Heritage Links team has accomplished is truly magnificent, and the Terravita members are so proud of their new surroundings.”