The golf course at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, is to undergo a major renovation and reconfiguration.

Led by Phil Smith Design, the course will be reduced from 27 holes to 18 holes.

Two new holes will also be added to the layout, replacing existing holes. These will become the new par four ninth hole and par four sixteenth on the revised layout.

The project will see the removal of most of the ‘Desert’ nine, where a number of holes are carved into the base of Camelback mountain, including the 100-yard drop shot eighth that offers wide-ranging views over Scottsdale. Also among the lost holes is the former ninth on the Oasis nine, which Forrest Richardson had previously redesigned to include a sand island green. The removal of these holes will make room for resort expansion and further development areas.

Tees will be repositioned across the course to enhance strategy, while greens will be rebuilt and resurfaced with a new hybrid bermudagrass. Greens will also now be able to accommodate more pin positions.

Fairways will be recontoured, while bunkers will be relocated and rebuilt to enhance playability and improve maintenance.

Overall irrigated turf on the course will be reduced from 103 to 66 acres, helping to make significant water savings. Lake repairs will be carried out, and new retention areas will be developed to better conserve water.

The project is scheduled to commence in January 2018.