PGA WEST® Announces Next Restoration Phase of iconic Pete Dye Stadium

PGA WEST® Announces Next Restoration Phase of iconic Pete Dye Stadium Course

 
PGA WEST Pete Dye Stadium Course Hole 6 "Amen" John Henebry Photography

Known for hosting several of the most memorable moments in golf history, the PGA WEST® Pete Dye Stadium Course is set to undergo phase two of an extensive multimillion dollar restoration that started in 2022. The second part of the restoration project will commence on May 1 and is slated for completion this fall.

“For nearly four decades, the Stadium Course, one of Pete Dye’s most challenging designs, has been on the ‘bucket list’ of golfers worldwide,” says PGA WEST® Executive Director Ben Dobbs “Certain elements of the course have been impacted by the forces of nature throughout the years. Our goal is to restore the course back to its prime, offering an unforgettable experience that will attract golfers from every skill level.”

The infamous Hole 17 "Alcatraz" under construction in 1986 and present day 2024. 

As in the initial phase, Tim Liddy, ASGCA Fellow, will oversee the restoration. Liddy led the recent update of the Pete Dye Mountain and Dunes Courses at PGA WEST®.  Michael O’Conner, who also worked with Pete Dye for several decades, will join Liddy on this project. Together, they have over 60 years working directly with Pete Dye on courses that have held approximately 11 major championships, two Ryder Cups, two Solheim Cups, and countless PGA tournaments.

“Our personal experience standing at Mr. Dye’s side for so many years will guide us on the details of this important update of the Stadium Golf Course,” says Liddy.

 

Improvements to the Stadium Course will include:

• Expanding the greens back to their original sizes
• Bringing the greenside bunkers back to Dye's original design
• Replacing existing outdated and segregated bermudagrass with a new variety for better green surfaces
• Upgrading to a more efficient irrigation system around the greens

“The TifEagle variety are superior greens from both an agronomic and golfer’s perspective,” says PGA WEST® Director of Agronomy Brian Sullivan. “TifEagle is drought-tolerant, resistant to cold, and responds well to overseeding. It also offers a more appealing, uniform and higher quality putting surface with no history of segregation of the improved variety.”

“The Stadium Course will evolve into a more challenging course post-restoration. We will be able to place hole locations adjacent to the water’s edge. It will revitalize the essence of Mr. Dye’s vision, delivering an exciting and dramatic golfing experience,”adds Liddy.

The restoration projects are part of an ongoing effort by Century Golf to reaffirm
PGA WEST® as The Western Home of Golf in America™, including upgrades to all nine of its renowned courses, five of which are Resort Courses open to the public. Unlike any place else in the world, the course architects represent the best of the best in golf: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Tom Weiskopf and Pete Dye.

Stadium Course hole #2 "Craters" in 1989

We encourage you to immerse yourself in golfing history in 2024 by playing the PGA WEST Pete Dye Stadium Course before and after its historic restoration—don't miss out, book your rounds here and now!

Other PGA WEST® Resort Courses: Mountain and Dunes Course, Nicklaus Tournament Course, and Greg Norman Course, and the PGA WEST® Member courses remain open for play over the summer – get the latest course updates here; be sure to book your tee times in advance.

Please reach out to Janet Galippo, PGA WEST® Director of Communications with any questions or media inquiries: [email protected]