ASU Karsten Golf Course: A Phoenix Gem
ASU Karsten Golf Course, once a prominent fixture in Phoenix, Arizona, was the home course for the Arizona State University Sun Devil golf teams. Designed by renowned golf course architect Pete Dye, it offered a challenging and visually stunning experience for golfers of all skill levels. Unfortunately, Karsten Golf Course closed permanently in 2020.
A Course Steeped in History
Opened in 1989, ASU Karsten Golf Course quickly gained recognition for its unique design and challenging layout. The course was named after Karsten Solheim, the founder of PING golf equipment, a significant benefactor to the ASU golf program. The course was specifically designed to mimic a Scottish links-style course, featuring undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging water hazards. This distinct design made it a favorite among local golfers and a popular destination for tournaments and events.
Pete Dye’s Design Philosophy
Pete Dye, the architect behind ASU Karsten, was known for his innovative and often unconventional design principles. He aimed to create courses that tested golfers’ strategic thinking and shot-making ability. At Karsten, this was evident in the course’s elevated greens, railroad ties used as retaining walls, and the penal bunkers that demanded precision. Dye’s design philosophy emphasized risk-reward scenarios, forcing golfers to make calculated decisions on every shot. You can read more about Pete Dye’s impressive career and design influence on Wikipedia.
Legacy and Closure
For over three decades, ASU Karsten Golf Course served as a premier golf destination in Phoenix. It hosted numerous collegiate and amateur events, including NCAA championships and USGA qualifiers. The course was also a popular spot for casual rounds among locals and tourists. However, in 2020, Arizona State University made the decision to close the course permanently. The land was repurposed for the Novus Innovation Corridor, a mixed-use development project aimed at fostering innovation and economic growth within the university district.
What happened to ASU Karsten golf course?
ASU Karsten Golf Course permanently closed in 2020, its land repurposed for the Novus Innovation Corridor, a mixed-use development project.
Who designed ASU Karsten Golf Course?
The course was designed by the acclaimed golf course architect Pete Dye.
What style of course was ASU Karsten?
ASU Karsten was designed in a Scottish links-style, featuring undulating fairways and strategic hazards.
When did ASU Karsten Golf Course open?
ASU Karsten Golf Course opened in 1989.
Why was ASU Karsten named Karsten?
The course was named after Karsten Solheim, the founder of PING golf equipment, in recognition of his contributions to the ASU golf program.
Summary
While ASU Karsten Golf Course is no longer in operation, its legacy as a Pete Dye masterpiece and a prominent fixture in the Phoenix golf scene remains. The course provided a challenging and memorable experience for golfers for over 30 years and played a crucial role in supporting the ASU golf program. Although the land now serves a different purpose, the memories of Karsten’s unique design and challenging layout live on.
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