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Westbrook Village Golf Club
Course Conditions

Vistas Irrigation/Well Update - Rumors are like wildfire, spreading fast and often inaccurate!

Vistas Irrigation/Well Update
Rumors are like wildfire, spreading fast and often inaccurate!
There is significant buzz around Westbrook Golf Club on two very important Club concerns: the Vistas irrigation system and the Vistas well. The board has initiated a process to study both in order to:
  1. Evaluate the Well and Irrigation System's current status
  2. Determine priorities
  3. Identify funding sources
We encourage attendance to the February 4, 2026 Member Annual Meeting which will be dedicated to sharing the status of strategies at that time. Meanwhile, we will provide information updates via member emails and our member website. Rumors are difficult to deal with and opinions are plentiful and variable. Education is knowledge and your BoD will impart knowledge and understanding about these very serious projects once they are ready for sharing. 

Our top priority is developing a long-range plan that prepares the Club for the upcoming Vistas irrigation and well replacement. At the same time, we aim to maintain our courses and facilities in top quality while delivering exceptional golf experiences for our members and their guests — all within reasonable budgets and available funds. This will be the focus of our first “information update."

We are currently assessing the existing well's condition and history of repairs. There is uncertainty about when the well might collapse, but it is inevitable. It is over 75 years old.

The BoD met with Marvin Glotfelty, of Clear Creek Associates and Mike Mullin, Empire Pump, to assist in the review and identification of “best and worse” case scenarios about the well. Both Marvin and Mike were key players and experts for the Lakes Well replacement. 

A summary from that meeting follows!

Both Marvin and Mike suggested that the Well be replaced before the irrigation system. It is believed that we can maintain the irrigation system internally with the understanding that by so doing, over time, we will increase irrigation maintenance costs and lose water usage efficiency on the golf course. If the well decides to not play on our timeline, and we do the irrigation first, we have no water to pump through the irrigation system. This might sound familiar with our members who lived through the Lakes Irrigation Project in 2015 and the Lakes Well Replacement in 2021.

There was a discussion about the possibility of rehabbing the well, similar to what we first tried at the at the Lakes before its ultimate replacement. However, it was determined that this approach would not heal the well nor increase the water supply. Essentially, it would be a costly endeavor that wouldn’t address the underlying issue. Rehabbing the well doesn’t make it younger or healthier.

As we all know, there are no guarantees about the well’s lifespan, so we must weigh the risk of an extended delay.

Marvin confirmed that the phased approach was a very solid approach and the three phases and timeline between them are:

Phase 1: Ensuring compliance with local and state regulations governing groundwater extraction and well replacement in Arizona. This involves obtaining necessary permits and approvals from relevant authorities, such as the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). Adhering to these regulations will prevent legal issues and ensure the smooth progression of the project. Permits have an expiration date, but they can be extended.

Phase 2:  Borehole Drilling, site preparation, well installation, development, completion and testing.

Phase 3: Design and placement of pumping equipment. Marvin and Mike emphasized that the time between phases 2 and 3 should not exceed one year. They explained that a well sitting without the pumping of water causes an accumulation of sludge, which necessitates removal before phase 3 commences.

Site Selection: We visited the site and considered three locations for the replacement well: near the current well, across the fairway on the left of the tee boxes, and on the black tee box. The black tee box was recommended due to its equal proximity to neighbors, ease of access for construction and maintenance, and proximity to the electrical box and water source. A replacement well MUST be placed within 600 feet of the existing well in accordance with ADWR requirements.

Submersible well: This option was discussed and the negatives were greater than the positives for the added cost. 

Funding discussions are underway. Keep in mind prices never fall.  One meeting with the experts does not provide all the answers. We are still evaluating the current status of the Vistas well and irrigation system by meeting with our well and irrigation experts. Take a deep breath. Play golf. Enjoy your retirement. And close your ears to rumors. Read the articles we share for greater understanding about both AZ golf course wells and irrigation. We promise to keep you informed. And be sure to mark your calendars for the Member Annual Meeting, February 4th, 2026.

Respectfully, Your Board of Directors

2025 USGA Agronomy Report – Course Insights & Recommendations

We’re pleased to share the recent USGA Green Section Agronomist Report from their April 3, 2025 visit to Westbrook Village Golf Club. This visit, conducted by Brian Whitlark, USGA Agronomist and Regional Director, was part of our ongoing commitment to professional course evaluation and continuous improvement.

The USGA Green Section is the gold standard in turfgrass science and golf course management. Their on-site evaluations offer unbiased, research-backed guidance on agronomic practices, resource sustainability, and golfer experience. Below is a summary of the key findings and recommended actions from the report:

View the full 2025 USGA Report

πŸ§ͺ Key Agronomic Insights & Recommendations

1. Vistas Course: New Well & Irrigation

  • Observation: The current irrigation system is reaching its end of life.

  • Recommendation: Prioritize funding a new water well and plan for full irrigation system replacement. Efficient water delivery is crucial for turf health, particularly in the desert environment.

2. Putting Greens: Transition is Already Underway

  • Observation: Bermudagrass is starting to emerge early under the winter overseed.

  • Action: Apply additional nitrogen fertilizer to accelerate healthy regrowth. This ensures a smooth and firm putting surface through the summer transition.

3. Fairways: Fertility & Recovery

  • Observation: Spring transition is underway for our common bermudagrass.

  • Action: Increase water and fertility inputs. Products like Sapphire® are helping push the turf through transition and improve coverage.

4. Tees: Leveling & Expansion

  • Observation: Tee leveling projects are well underway.

  • Action: Continue and expand these efforts. Level, well-sized tees enhance aesthetics and playability for all skill levels.

5. Bunkers: Sand Consistency

  • Observation: Playability is improved with added sand and aggressive raking routine.

  • Action: Additional rototilling will help fluff compacted sand and provide consistent lies throughout the season.

6. Lakes Practice Tee: Surface & Longevity

  • Observation: Uneven surfaces impact practice quality.

  • Action: Plan for tee leveling this summer and consider integrating synthetic turf in select areas to withstand high traffic and conserve water.

View Past USGA Reports

View the 2024 USGA Report
View the 2023 USGA Report
View the 2022 USGA Report
View the 2021 USGA Report
View the 2020 USGA Report

β›³ Why This Matters

Our partnership with the USGA ensures that our course care is backed by the latest turfgrass research and best practices from clubs across the country. By following their recommendations, we enhance:

  • Turf health and year-round consistency

  • Water use efficiency in our desert climate

  • The overall member and guest playing experience

You can read the full report here:
πŸ“„ Download USGA Agronomist Report – April 2025

We appreciate your continued support and feedback as we invest in the long-term quality and sustainability of both our courses.

Adopt a Hole Program - Meet the Volunteers - Thank You for All Your Help in Keeping the Courses Beautiful!

 
Pam & Randy Rheingans filling divots on Lakes #4

Dusk and dawn are not only great times to experience nature at its best, but they are also when you’ll commonly see Adopt-a-Hole Team members working on the fairways and greens they have adopted at WBV. In addition to taking care of divots and ball marks while playing, early mornings and evenings are the best times for the Adopt-a-Hole Team to fill divots on the fairways and repair ball marks on the greens. We always do our best to avoid interfering with golfers.

WBGC has had an active Adopt-a-Hole program for over nine years, beginning with the Lakes Team in 2016. We expanded by adding the Vistas Team in 2017, and today, we have over 100 members filling divots and repairing ball marks on a weekly basis. However, we still have room for more volunteers to ensure full coverage on each hole and course.

Dave Escobedo has provided outstanding support by supplying divot mix, five-gallon buckets, repair tools, instructional videos, and all the necessary equipment for our team to efficiently carry out its mission. Brandon Evans ensures carts are available when needed and has played a key role in promoting and recruiting for the program.

Although some members maintain their adopted holes year-round, our official season runs from November 1st to April 30th. A typical week involves approximately one hour of work and the application of 6–10 gallons of divot mix per person on the fairways. To grasp the impact of this effort, consider that with over 100 team members, we collectively contribute more than 2,000 hours annually and apply over 5,000 gallons of divot mix. That is true dedication and passion for our golf club and courses!

There is no doubt that the Adopt-a-Hole program has significantly improved the appearance and playability of the Lakes and Vistas courses.

Ron Sellnow, a WBVGC member since 2019, shared his thoughts:
“There are many benefits of being a member, but one of the best is being able to play on well-maintained golf courses. By participating in the Adopt-a-Hole program, I have the opportunity to give something back to the club.” Ron takes care of hole #14 at the Lakes with Ron Laumann.

Dean and Liz Armitage, members for six years, have adopted hole #8 at the Vistas, along with Dewey and Janet Cannon. When asked about being part of the Vistas Team, Dean said:
“I actually enjoy walking out my back gate as the sun sets, filling divots, and fixing ball marks on the green.”

Below are the latest team rosters for the Lakes and Vistas courses.

Current List of Adopt a Hole Volunteers

Vistas Course

  1. Sonny Younger , David & Barbara Corn, Carmen Sirmon
  2. Ed Parker, Dwight Groves
  3. John Holt, Richard DeRoche, Steve Burnham
  4. John Holt, Rob & Barbara Thurman
  5. Dave & Barb Bellitt, Sharon Bolender
  6. Kurt & Sally Kimmerling, Phil Crisp
  7. Dwight Groves
  8. Dewey & Janet Cannon, Dean & Liz Armitage
  9. Joanie Hopp, Tim & Alex Miller, Robin Krapfl, Karen Hagan
  10. Bill Allen, Harris Allen
  11. Mike & Mary Ann Porter
  12. Lee & Kathy Theisen, Layne Bond, Alex Brundage
  13. Dan Tennessen
  14. Joe & Shelly Riha
  15. John Mullin & Betty Ashby, Cathy Raich & Di Gadow, Russ Fowler, Damon & Mary Milner
  16. Randy Korodi, Pat Dixon
  17. Robin & Kay Hill, Pat Dixon, Bruce Miller
  18. James Spjut, Frank Frayer, Michael Giroux

Lakes Course

  1. Claudia Carr, Rick & Brenda Walker
  2. Tom Lodge, Frank Ward
  3. Randy Hopkins
  4. Mary Ann Wiedeman, Randy & Pam Rheingans, Randy & Robyn Walters
  5. Rick Meggison
  6. Mike Gubrud
  7. Dan & Thelma Benefiel, Leigh Crotts
  8. Marsh Lindell, Bruce Cole
  9. Terry & LuAnne Glasgow, John McCormack
  10. Randy & Patty Trine, Gregg Thompson
  11. Art Magee, Blaine Nelson
  12. Debbie & Grant Stephanson, Bob & Mary Ann Kenrich
  13. Tim Messink, JR and Lana Lee
  14. Ron Laumann, Ron Sellnow
  15. Tony Nowak, George & Evonne Lund
  16. Vern Krueger, John Volkerding, Ron Herem
  17. Rob Affalter, Bill & Sharon Artist
  18. Bob & Diane Jungbluth, Bob & Diana Ingersol, Jose David, John Benz, Barry Peterson

When you see any of these team members out on the course, whether working or playing, please take a moment to thank them for their efforts. Their dedication is truly making a difference and contributing to our goal of providing "the best value and best golf experience in the West Valley."

Aside from volunteering for a hole, you can support the teams and the club by ensuring all divots are filled and ball marks are repaired while you play. Encourage your playing partners to fill their divot mix containers before teeing off and to empty them before finishing their round. No one should leave the course with divot mix still in their carts—use it up!

Thank you, Adopt-a-Hole Teams!

Bob Jungbluth & Dwight Groves
WBVGC Members

If you are interesting in being a volunteer for a hole at either course please contact Bob Jungbluth and Dwight Groves below:

Lakes Divot Repair Team Contact
Robert Jungbluth
Rjungbluth54@gmail.com 
507 363 9004.

Vistas Divot Repair Team Contact
Dwight Groves
dwgroves0@gmail.com
507 573 2935

 

Friday, March 7th, 2025 - Cart Path Only @ Both Courses

Both courses are cart path only all day.

Thank you,

WBGC Staff

The Lakes Course is Now Open - Everything’s Ready βœ… – Let the Season Begin!

We’re excited to share that everything’s falling perfectly into place to kick off an incredible 2024/2025 season!

βœ… Vistas Overseed – Success!
βœ… Vistas Course – Open and Cart Restrictions Removed
βœ… Lakes Overseed – Success!
βœ… Lakes Course – Open Today! (Cart Path Only)
βœ… Snowbirds are Here
βœ… Weather is Great

With everything ready, we’re all set for an amazing season ahead!

πŸŽ₯ For Your Viewing Pleasure πŸŽ₯
We’ve did a flyover of the Lakes yesterday! Take a moment to check it out below and get a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful work that’s been done to get everything ready for you.

Lakes Course on November 1, 2024
Vistas Course on October 25, 2024

Course Conditions and Cart Guidelines:
Our Lakes Course is now open after a fantastic overseed, though we’ll be cart paths only while the grass continues to mature. The good news is, we lifted cart path restrictions at the Vistas Course just yesterday! As you roam the fairways, please remember to use the 90-degree rule where appropriate, and stay on the cart path as much as possible to help keep the turf in top shape.

Course Etiquette Reminders
Please continue to fix your ball marks and sand/seed your divots in the fairway. Every little bit helps, so pay it forward—these small efforts go a long way in maintaining the quality of the course for everyone!

🎟️ Get Your Tickets for the 30th Anniversary Journey Tribute Concert! 🎟️
Tickets are still available for our special Journey Tribute Concert on November 9th in the Lakes Ballroom! But don’t wait too long—we’re going to keep annoying you with this announcement until these tickets are gone, so grab yours while they last! This promises to be a fantastic evening you won’t want to miss.

πŸ›οΈ We Got A Little Dot Happy! πŸ›οΈ
Joan decided to put some more dots out there and start up a Winter Dot Sale! Look out for items marked with:

  • Green Dot – 40% Off
  • Red Dot – 50% Off
  • Purple Dot – 60% Off

Come snag these savings while they last! And don’t worry, men—we’re a bit light on men’s inventory right now, but new stock is on the way. It just hit a little delay, so stay tuned for fresh arrivals soon! We do have plenty of new men's shoe's however!

We’re thrilled to see the season start with you all back on the course. Lets have a great season of unforgettable shots, lots of laughs, and, of course, those elusive birdies!

2024
Business Associate Members
About WBVGC

We are a membership based Arizona golf club providing an amazing experience for your golf lifestyle.

Lakes: 19260 N. Westbrook Parkway
Vistas: 18823 N. Country Club Parkway

Phone: +1 623 566 4548 - Contact Us

Upcoming Events
  • 05.28 - Lakes Closed
  • 05.28 - MGA @ Vistas 8:30AM Shotgun
  • 05.29 - Honeywell @ Vistas Back-9 4:15pm
  • 05.30 - Noto Group @ Lakes
  • 05.30 - 9-Hole Couples @ Vistas Back