Starfire Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona plans to open the its new 22,000 s.f. putting course in early 2026
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Currently known as Starfire Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, the daily fee facility will open “The Bandana” putting course in early 2026. The 22,000 s.f. green was designed by Arizona-based Forrest Richardson, ASGCA. Originally founded in 1943 as an 18-hole resort course designed by Lawrence Hughes, ASGCA, the club will also return to its iconic name — Scottsdale Country Club — in 2026.
“I grew up near Scottsdale Country Club,” notes Richardson. “Besides playing there as kid hooked on golf, my brother and I rode dirt bikes in the desert just north of the course. At one time it was at the edge of town, with nothing but desert beyond the course.” Today, the course is among the last remaining courses open to the public in Scottsdale.
Besides The Bandana, Richardson is underway to create “The Six Shooter,” an innovative 10-hole short course at the club that will feature a ‘Par-2’ putting hole as part of the experience. “The idea to bring fun to the historic property,” says Richardson. “Arizona has lost many of its pre-World War II courses to housing development and a general lack of preservation. The plan here is to uphold many of the old Scottsdale Country Club hallmarks, but in a fresh spirit that speaks to a new generation of Scottsdale residents and visitors.” The Six Shooter’s par-2 hole has been named ‘Shorty,’ to be joined by other holes such as “Raisin’ Cain” and “Dick’s Hat Trick.” The par-29, 10-hole routing, is scheduled to open in mid-2026 and will complement the 18-hole championship course that is also being prepared for the future. Richardson’s vision for the 18-hole layout includes a total refresh with new bunkering, expanded greens and turf reduction to meet water conservation goals. Those plans are scheduled for a 2027 start.
At The Bandana, a multi-hole putting course will change direction and hole locations every few days. Richardson’s centerpiece is a rock garden with native desert cactus and plants. The regionally-sourced rock used features veins of Chrysocolla, a silicate mineral that is often found with Copper. The vibrant blue-green color is reminiscent of turquoise. The Bandana green plays around this ‘island’ of rock and cactus, sharing space with the Six Shooter’s 6th Hole, ‘Shorty.’ Richardson explains, “We wanted an experience where those just out for a friendly putting match would interact with players on the short course. The large green is meant to be an inclusive golf space, and I’m fully prepared for the occasion where groups will have to communicate with each other if their putting lines are in each other’s way. Imagine that, people talking instead of just focused on their cell phones.”
The Starfire Golf Club’s improvements and name change are being led by owner group, Swing First, with hands-on input from its partners, Jeff Lundgren and Dave Ashton. Firmly committed to bringing new players to the game, Swing First is focused on thoughtful enhancements that will position its courses for a new future of players. The group currently owns five other Arizona courses. Wadsworth Golf Construction is building the current improvements at Starfire, led by veteran Construction Superintendent, Art Jenkins.
