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palette they selected helps to provide a
seamless transition between the desert
and oasis environments.
The property had an abundance of
quality plant material, so a key element
of construction was to salvage all this
material and transplant it back to the
finished course. “We transplanted
over 20,000 native plants back to
the course, along with thousands of
additional imported plants. Over the
next five-to-ten years, the course will
really transform and take on a different
ambiance once the plant material
matures and starts to fill in,” says Butler.
The completed par-72 course
has a variety of strategic holes that
provide a full range of shot values
and aesthetics. Multiple tee areas
and generous fairways have been
incorporated to increase playability.
Highly crafted bunkering helps to
define the strategic options, as well
as visually enhancing the course. The
result is a course that is great fun
to play, but can also challenge the
highest caliber of golfer. It hosted a
U.S. Open qualifier in 2014 and is the
new home to the University of Arizona
Men’s and Women’s Golf Teams.
Sewailo Golf Club has now
completed its first full year and the
Troon Golf-managed property is
enjoying its early success. “They met
all their goals in terms of rounds and
reports are that everyone who plays
the course has great things to say.
Notah and I could not be happier with
the results and the Pascua Yaqui have
a great course for their tribal families
to use, as well as for guests of the
resort to enjoy,” concludes Butler.
A waterfall provides the backdrop to the final hole
on the new course, which was designed to relect
the Pascua Yaqui’s hope of returning to ‘Sewailo’
Images: Tom Breazeale