RIP to Apache Stronghold

[fore_life]

Sadly, it appears that all hope is lost for Apache to ever return to glory, it’s a damn shame hat such a great course will be lost. I had peppered the tribal council with questions asking about their willingness to accept outside donations of labor/crowdfunding, plans for the future, etc.  Nothing in response. 

Edited December 19, 2021 by fore_life

[AzSuperHack76]

What a shame, not at all surprised though. What is surprising is that it took as long as it did. 

[ChaosTheory]

Hate to see any course close.  That place is sort of middle of nowhere IMO.

[Mustard_Tiger]

What was the problem?

[Casey1199]

when will it officially close.  Might be worth a final pilgrimage.

 

[fore_life]

I think it is officially closed, but I’d still be down with a little trespassing haha

[vallygolf]

20 hours ago, Mustard_Tiger said:

What was the problem?

location, location, location.  It was about a two hour drive from Phoenix to the East.  No population there at all, and kind of a tweener climate.  Too cold in the winter, and blistering in the summer.  Mountain courses (non tweener climate) in AZ do well because there is a draw for second homes that prop up the courses.  The only amenity other than the golf was a second rate casino and a large rodeo style arena (not your typical golf crowd).  Shame.  Transport that course to the phx metro area and improve playing conditions it easily competes with other great publics for best in state.

Edited December 20, 2021 by vallygolf

[fore_life]

with the east valley growing as far as the eye can see, I had hopes that Globe would be able to capitalize upon that and open something cool, or Apache a destination to stop off on the way to rim country/white mountains etc

[vallygolf]

13 hours ago, fore_life said:

with the east valley growing as far as the eye can see, I had hopes that Globe would be able to capitalize upon that and open something cool, or Apache a destination to stop off on the way to rim country/white mountains etc

Yeah, as a frequent traveler to the White Mountains the extra half hour round trip from Globe always proved to be a deterrent.  To your point, I think had it been even on the west side of Globe it would have had staying power.  There is such a small population with any need to drive east of Globe.

[teejaywhy]

On 12/20/2021 at 8:10 AM, vallygolf said:

location, location, location.  It was about a two hour drive from Phoenix to the East.  No population there at all, and kind of a tweener climate.  Too cold in the winter, and blistering in the summer.  Mountain courses (non tweener climate) in AZ do well because there is a draw for second homes that prop up the courses.  The only amenity other than the golf was a second rate casino and a large rodeo style arena (not your typical golf crowd).  Shame.  Transport that course to the phx metro area and improve playing conditions it easily competes with other great publics for best in state.

 

Spot on assessment.   Just a bit too far of a drive from metro PHX for a daytrip, and not any sort of desirable destination for an overnight or multi-day trip (the casino/hotel is just dismal).   Couple that with a total lack of commitment from tribal leadership that allowed a slow deterioration of conditions to the point that any attraction to visit disappeared years ago.  Self-fulfilling proposition.

 

I regret I didn't take the opportunity to visit a last time.  It was a wonderful course.

 

 

[fore_life]

Holding out hope that Zac Blair will reopen it  under the moniker Cactus Farm haha