The Westin Kierland Golf Club Named NGCOA Arizona Course of the Year

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) –  The Westin Kierland Golf Club has been named the “2017 Arizona Golf Course of the Year” by the National Golf Course Owners Association of Arizona (NGCOA Arizona). Managed by Troon Golf, The Westin Kierland Golf Club was selected by the NGCOA Arizona for its industry-leading innovation in programs and amenities, impact on the community and for environmental stewardship.

Among the many innovations in place at The Westin Kierland Golf Club are the methods available to navigate the golf course. In addition to traditional golf carts, the Club offers golf bikes, Segways, GolfBoards and the recently introduced TurfRider. The Westin Kierland Golf Club’s programs include family-friendly “Friday Night Lights” activities, “Nine and Wine” social events, very active Junior Golf leagues, and the Fore-Max golf fitness program.

“Staying fresh and embracing innovation are key elements in golf’s endeavors to attract new golfers and appeal to broader segments of the population,” said NGCOA Arizona Executive Director Marc Connerly.  “Westin Kierland management should be applauded for their willingness to innovate and test drive nontraditional golf course amenities.”

The Westin Kierland Golf Club’s impact on the community also figured in the award decision. Fundraising events held at the Club in 2017 raised more than $1.2 million for charities, including the Children’s Cancer Network, the Bruce Arians Foundation and Folds of Honor, benefitting military families. The Westin Kierland Golf Club has also demonstrated exceptional water stewardship practices, converting more than 30 acres of turf to drought-tolerant plants and landscaping, native trees, and 3,000 tons of decomposed granite.

"I would like to thank the NGCOA for their wonderful acknowledgement as we consider it testimony to both our agronomic and unique service practices at The Westin Kierland Golf Club,” said The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa’s Managing Director Bruce Lange. “Our AZ Course of the Year award further reinforces our commitment to adhering to the public's environmental stewardship expectations of us, living within our annual water allotments all-the-while looking for ways to reduce our water consumption and bringing the concepts of creativity and fun to the conversation of golf that will ultimately bring value to our enterprise and grow the game we love so much."

The NGCOA Course of the Year award honors an Arizona golf course and is based on exceptional quality of the course, exemplary water stewardship practices, exceptional quality of ownership and management, outstanding contribution to the community, and significant contributions to the game. The National Golf Course Owners Association of Arizona (NGCOA Arizona) represents more than 400 golf courses in Arizona, responsible for the employment of more than 41,000 Arizona citizens, with wages in excess of $1.5 billion and a state-wide economic impact exceeding $3.9 billion.

The Westin Kierland Golf Club is a Troon-managed course designed by Scott Miller featuring 27 holes that form a complementary collection of nines – each with its own flavor and strategy but all equally enjoyable and challenging. Golfers may also enjoy a covered driving range. Traditional golf instruction by award-winning instructors Mike and Sandy LaBauve is offered at the LaBauve Golf Academy, and Director of Instruction Lindy LaBauve, PGA offers professional instruction through the Kierland Performance Center. The Club’s innovative FORE-MAX program helps golfers step up their performance through improved fitness, flexibility and nutrition. With its customized workouts, FORE-MAX is also a popular fitness option for those who don’t play golf.  For a unique golf experience, The Westin Kierland Golf Club also offers a Scottish golf program, where golfers play in a traditional Scottish kilt.

For information about The Westin Kierland Golf Club or to book a tee time, call 480-922-9283 or visit www.kierlandresort.com.

For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.