New Fought Design at Indian Wells Set To Open In November

The newest John Fought design, the Player's Course, is to formally debut the week after Thanksgiving at Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells, Calif. "It's a wonderful design that presents challenges and rewards that can be experienced by all golfers," said Roger Behling, golf resort director for the city of Indian Wells. "John's knowledge clearly shows through. The course just came out great and will be a lot of fun to play."

While the 7,400-yard, par-72 officially opens November 27, a grand opening celebration is planned for early 2008 in conjunction with the completion of the resort's new 53,000-square-foot clubhouse. Fought also designed the resort's new practice facility, as well as a lighted 18-hole putting course.

The Player's Course will be unveiled just days after the resort plays host to the 2007 LG Skins Game. The 25th anniversary version is set for Thanksgiving weekend (November 24-25) at Indian Wells Golf Resort's already completed Celebrity Course designed by Clive Clark. This year's participants are Zach Johnson, Brett Wetterich, Stephen Ames and Fred Couples.

No decision has been reached on the site of the 2008 Skins Game, but it is anticipated that Fought's new Player's Course, part of a $61-million construction project at Indian Wells Golf Resort, will command serious consideration. The event is in its first year of a three-year contract to remain in the Coachella Valley.

Elsewhere, other new Fought projects include:

• Golf Club at Sand Hollow Resort; Hurricane, Utah. The latest addition to golf in southern Utah golf is scheduled to open next spring. Fought is constructing both an 18-hole Championship Course and a St. Andrews Nine at this new residential golf resort 10 miles from St. George. The 27-hole complex incorporates ridgeline, canyon and elevation variations into a memorable golf experience.

"John has done a phenomenal job with the courses," said Thomas Seneca, president, Sand Hollow Golf Resort. "We had high expectations here and I'm very pleased to say he has exceeded those expectations."

Fought, a collegiate golf star at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, said he has been visiting the St. George area for 35 years and has never tired of the region because of its rugged, natural beauty. "This is a great site because it has some of the most stunning views of the beautiful red rock formations and mountains as a backdrop," he said. "The topography is wonderful and I think it will compare favorably to anything in the western part of the United States."

The 900-acre resort is accessible with flights into St. George from Los Angeles or Salt Lake City, or a 90-minute drive from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.

• Rosedale Golf Club; Toronto, Canada. Fought, who has gained a reputation for deftly restoring classic courses, is in the midst of restoring this course (built in 1909) in two phases. "The course has undergone subtle changes over the years and lost its identity. John has done an incredible job restoring 18 holes that are consistent and have the feel of one architect," said Peter Oldfield, general manager, Rosedale Golf Club.

Fought’s initial efforts are focused on the reshaping of all the bunkers and tees, while the next phase, to begin in 2008, will concentrate on the rebuilding of one to three greens and finishing off any work not completed in 2007. The 6,500-yard, par 71 (par 73 for women) layout is the centerpiece of the venerable club.

For more information about Scottsdale, Ariz.-based John Fought Design, call 480/991-9858 or visit www.foughtdesign.com.