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IGT13 11/7/13 3:41 PM Page 1 USA GETAWAYS 29 BY JEFF SUTHERLAND Arizona's Canadian Content: Las Sendas It's hard to argue that there's a Canadian connection with Arizona. Golf playing snowbirds should almost be considered an indigenous species here but it's not every one who decides to buy a course. Calgary brothers Lloyd and Wayne McBean saw the course go nearly into receivership in 2009. They decided to buy the track located just 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and bring it back to the high standards for which it had been known since opening in 1995. was for better-than-average golfers going back to his dad's philosophy that golf should be "hard par, easy bogey." The result is a demanding desert-style layout winding through the Usery Mountains in east Mesa, different than many of the area's target-oriented courses. It is rather a strategic course, Ongoing tweaks to upgrade the course followed and the changes have not gone unnoticed confirms Lloyd, "Ninety percent of the comments we are getting today are from area home owners who are thrilled with the improvements we are making and the quality of the routing." There is no question they have taken great pains and expense to bring the entire club to a new level. If you want to stay longer than a vacation, why not live here? Sprawling over about 2,400 acres, the Las Sendas community features a multitude of oncourse homes. Residents enjoy easy access to grocery stores, retail shopping, movie theaters, a n d countless restaurants. Another big The biggest news is Tr The East Vall ib e benefit to this the brand new cho une has a read y ice po er's master-planned banquet facility and in ll each year 2013 area is the Trailhead (see sidebar). Senda Las s Members Club, a Other recent locals' to earned the Voter p selection 12,000 square-foot enhancements co . "A tru mments like complex with a stateinclude beautif ly beautiful, of-the-art fitness center, redesigned ul cour se" are testam pool and racquet facility. driving e facility nt to the Highlighting the new projects was the stand-alone banquet facility that hosts 400-500 range tee 's wor th. guests with more than ample elbow room. Intended for golf tournaments, corporate outings, And if you are living here, decks, weddings and member events, this 13,000 square foot facility includes its own kitchens and why not get a golf brand new carts offices. Says Lloyd McBean with obvious pride, "Aside from all that this building offers, it also has the best views in the valley." membership? with the latest braking technology, full cart paths In an interview with David R. Holland, requiring you to learn the preferred route to minimize the wear and tear on the Says McBean,"At Las Sendas Golf Club, Lloyd, now the PGA Executive Director from tee to green... a walk through the desert environment, complete desert we are one of the only golf facilities in explained their rationale for the purchase, desert attracting you with beauty and clean up to build on the local fauna and Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa who are "We liked Las Sendas because it is a challenging you with shot options. beauty and new on-course bathrooms debt free! Construction is complete on quality layout designed to create and halfway house. Overall, their second our new pro shop, locker rooms, halfway challenges from the desert and mountain The new owners did not rest on Las phase of capital projects will be house and restroom facilities. Over $4 landscape with elevation changes and Sendas' laurels either. They made many completed by November, 2012. million was spent to complete all of the some amphitheater-like green changes that include a $2 million Phase One capital projects. We have one clubhouse renovation. Said Lloyd complexes." Concludes Loyd with a smile, "...but there of the only 100% refundable McBean, "The golf course was in dire is one thing we didn't do and that is membership programs with flexible The Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, his need of capital, it was going downhill spoil any of what Las Sendas has become financing options and low monthly fees first in Arizona, has received many and the homeowners in the area weren't known for - mainly our greens run true with no minimums." accolades. Two Zagat surveys have ranked getting what was promised." and fast!" it among the top 50 U.S. golf courses For more information, visit and Golf Magazine has put it in the Top lassendas.com or call 480-396-4000. Las Sendas translated means "The Paths" and in terms of 10 you can play in Arizona and at one Address:7555 E. Eagle Crest Drive, restaurants this means leading you to not just one but three time, Golf Digest said it was the No.1 Mesa AZ 85207. wonderful dining experiences– Bogey's, The Patio and The Grille. public golf course in the state. Under the Director of Food and Beverage, Dennis Shaw's and What makes it so well received is a great design in an unparalleled setting married to a strong commitment to service. Jones wanted a golf course that his intense passion for hospitality, dining at Las Sendas also lets guests enjoy the most breath taking views of the mountains, valley, sunsets and city lights across 280° in the Phoenix Valley. Says Shaw, "We take pride in our iconic venue perfect for gathering together with family, friends and guests."