Golf Arizona Magazine 2008

How does an interest in landscaping turn into a lifelong career of golf course design? That’s one of the questions I asked Arizonan Gary Panks who has to be the most prolific golf course designers in Arizona for the past 20 years. If you have ever played golf in Arizona before, you have probably played one of his many layouts. From Phoenix’s Raven at South Mountain, to Scottsdale’s Grayhawk (Talon), to Sedona’s Golf Resort, to Whirlwind’s Golf Club on the Gila River Reservation, Gary Panks has certainly been busy for the past two decades. I first met Gary Panks 20 years ago just after he designed and built Silver Creek Golf Club; a charming yet very challenging course outside of Show Low. The golf pro stated “stay below the cup for that second putt, or pay the consequences.” I was young and aggressive (on the greens) so I paid the penalty with numerous 3-putts. I played Silver Creek this past spring and I found the course as beautiful and challenging as ever. That’s a testiment to Gary’s Panks designs. They stand the test of time. Golf Arizona Magazine (GAM): How does an interest in landscaping turn into a lifetime career of golf course design? Gary Panks (GP): I graduated with a degree in landscape architecture (comprised of students in hortaculture, site planning, and land engineering). These studies gave me a basis (along with a golf background) to pursue golf course design. GAM: Gary, do you have a specific theme for each course you design? GP: Environment. The theme is usually based on compatibility with course environment. GAM: And how can we score better when we play one of your courses? GP: Look for fairway landing areas that you can easily play to (given your distance and accuracy capabilities). Play for par or bogie on most holes. There are always par fives and a couple short fours that will yield birdies. GAM: What are your future plans? GP: I’m now limiting my work to one new course per year and plan to keep it that way for the near future. GAM: What has given you the most satisfaction during your career? GP: Crafting courses that are compatible with the environment, enjoyable to play, and receiving positive feedback from golfers of differing skill levels. GAM: Is there anything you have not yet done that would excite you? GP: One more world class site to work on with an owner who has a passion to build a great course. An owner who wants every detail to be a source of pride. GAM: How’s your golf game currently? GP: I have not played since August.’07. My 3 handicap will probably cost me some money for a while when I resume play. GAM: Hey Gary, let’s tee it up. By the way, can you give me a few strokes?! I personally hope Gary Panks gets that opportunity to design a world-class project. He certainly deserves it. Sedona Golf Resort, Sedona Seville Country Club, Gilbert Raven at South Mountain, Phoenix

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Golf Arizona Magazine 2008

Golf Arizona Magazine 2008 Table of Contents Scottsdale & Phoenix Fountain Hills Mesa SouthEast Valley Westside Golf Southern Arizona Northern Arizona Arizona Map Colorado River Golf Trail Real Estate Golf Communities Features

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