10 replies to this topic

[teejaywhy]

Riverview Golf Course, the City of Mesa 9-hole Gary Panks designed muni, will host the final rounds of its 25 year history this weekend, closing on Monday March 19 to make way for construction of the new Cubs spring training facility.  The City is running a special "1987 Green Fee" price of $10.50 this Saturday and Sunday.  I actually attended the opening day ceremonies and played a round on that first day of operation in 1987.  The course opened with 9-holes and a plan to expand to 18 after the Loop 101/202 freeway alignments were finalized.  As it turned out, the final plan for the freeway did not leave room for that second nine, so the course remained a 9-holer.   It was always an affordable and easy to get on after work option.  Played many rounds as the sun set.   We affectionately named it "RiverPhew" in honor of the adjacent water treatment facility.  I'm playing in a tournament Sunday at Dobson, I just may swing by after for one last time.  It will be neat to say I played it on opening and closing day.  Sad to see it go.

Edited by teejaywhy, 19 March 2012 - 09:18 AM.

[teejaywhy]

Story:

http://www.eastvalle...1871e3ce6c.html

[fore_life]

Man, I didn't know it was closing so soon! I wish I could make it, wife works all weekend. It was the first course I ever broke 80 on(shot par lol) and I don't think I've been back since.


Will sun be the last day it's open? Or Monday?

[teejaywhy]

Got in a final round at Riverview on a blustery, rainy day.   I played there on opening day in 1987, so I figured it was appropriate bookend its 25 year history by playing on closing day.   Showed up as a single and got immediately grouped with a pair in a cart and another walking golfer.  Teed off about 4:15 and the weather held out until the 7th hole when a squall blew in that was gusting about 40mph with horizontal driving rain.   The two in the cart bailed, and that left the other walker and myself to finish it out.  By the time we got to the 8th tee the rain had stopped and then by the 9th tee the wind died down and the sun peeked out and we played the final hole in relative calm.   Suddenly inspired, I split the fairway with the tee shot, dropped a 3/4 gap wedge to six feet, then left the birdie putt dead center one roll of the ball short.  Dang.

Some pics to share:



Putting green


Empty patio where many a post round beverage had been enjoyed


Last chance to practice a few chip shots


Par-4 Third


Fourth hole


Looking back from behind the Fourth green


The Fifth


Looking back on the fifth


The seventh with iconic water treatment plant that will remain for the Cubs fans to enjoy.


Ninth hole


Future of Riverview

Edited by teejaywhy, 19 March 2012 - 09:15 AM.

[farmer]

That's too bad, this looks like what cities should be building.  Relatively low maintenance and building cost, affordable and fun.  Plus, being 9 holes, you can play a partial round.

[acpar72]

What a waste. No tongue in cheek here...What a waste. Why would you destroy a golf course or even a mini golf course, for anything "Cubs" Loser team, loser fans

[avrag]

teejaywhy, on 19 March 2012 - 09:10 AM, said:

Got in a final round at Riverview on a blustery, rainy day.

Teed off about 4:15 and the weather held out until the 7th hole when a squall blew in that was gusting about 40mph with horizontal driving rain.

What?
I'll be there in two and half weeks, and I am expecting blue skies, sun and warmth and now this? I see clouds, puddles and people who play golf in full rain gear. This is not what I thought spring in Phoenix would be like.
And gust of 40mph with horizontal rain is something I have had to experience here for months now.
Ok, enough of that.
I understand your sadness, because it seems to have been a nice golf course. Being able to play there on the first and on the last day must have been bittersweet.

[Asleep]

Hate to lose little gem golf courses.

[moxie]

Bummer...

I had only played out there once, wanted to get back out. Didn't realize it was closing so fast.

Glad you got to get out there one more time. My round yesterday didn't even get started due to weather.

[fore_life]

Avrag, don't worry the forecast is calling for temps near 90 by the weekend.

Seeing the pictures makes me sad out I didn't get back out there again, it was a really fun course.

[teejaywhy]

avrag, on 19 March 2012 - 04:06 PM, said:

What?
I'll be there in two and half weeks, and I am expecting blue skies, sun and warmth and now this? I see clouds, puddles and people who play golf in full rain gear. This is not what I thought spring in Phoenix would be like.
And gust of 40mph with horizontal rain is something I have had to experience here for months now.

Heh...  we do have the occasional winter weather.   It was mid-80's on Friday and should be back there by the end of this week.

Earlier in the day I played 18 at Dobson.  Kind of a crazy day.   Rained steadily from midnight or so until about 7:30 am.   I teed off at 10:30 in full rain gear,  which came off immediately as the sun peeked through.  But all day the weather alternated between sunny and cloudy, calm and breezy.  On the tenth, it rained hard and then hailed on us as we tried to putt.  Next hole, calm again.   Wind came up again as we stood on the 18th tee, markers were all the way back and the wind right into our face as we looked at the carry over the pond.   A little intimidating but thankfully I was able to find dry land.