Back in 2013, members of the local FireRock Country Club purchased the club from its previous owners before hiring Troon Prive to handle the management and operations.

Since then, the course has undergone a few changes, including renovated facilities, new programs and more. A private club, several members of Troon’s staff, including General Manager Denis Matte, Membership Director Karen Meyer and Head Golf Pro Chris Morrison, want to let Fountain Hills residents know about these changes, what’s remained the same, and what FireRock has to offer golfers and non-golfers alike.

Denis Matte came in as an interim director initially in 2013 before being asked to come back on as the full-time director.

“The club has so much potential,” Matte said.

“We’ll be able to do some very wonderful things here, because we have a very supportive membership and a very supportive ownership.”

Matte said that member ownership provides the club with a different dynamic, as well as a sense of pride you can only get in a member-owned environment.

“You have to have a great offering to be attractive in this economy,” Matte said.

“It starts at the golf course, let’s not kid ourselves, but you have to also provide great facilities, great programs, great service and great food. If you can provide all of those things, you can be successful, and that’s exactly what we provide here.

“We’re building on what’s already here and, moving forward, I think we’re going to be able to do some pretty great things.”

The facilities

Membership Director Karen Meyer is likely the first person visitors to FireRock Country Club will get to know. Part of her job is to familiarize everyone with the facilities, giving tours of the clubhouse and dishing details on weekly events.

Making her way through the clubhouse, Meyer pointed out several of the facility’s renovations, including LCD lighting retrofits, new carpeting and furniture and more.

The top floor of the clubhouse is dominated by the two dining facilities, as well as the pro shop. Downstairs, the clubhouse turns into an all-in-one hangout, featuring large locker rooms, his and her private lounges with their own bar and snacks, a co-ed gym with personal trainers and, outside, a smoking patio and fire pit.

From live music and yoga lessons to wine tastings, movie nights and more, Meyer said that the clubhouse becomes a one-stop location for those looking to stay busy and entertained at the club, as well as enjoy the available pool, tennis courts and saunas.

The course

Head Golf Pro Chris Morrison is eager to take folks out onto the course, a long 18-hole journey that twists and turns through the surrounding hills.

The SunRidge season runs from November until mid-May before closing for overseeding.

“The thing that sets this course apart are the views and the playability,” Morrison said.

“It’s a friendly course off of the tee, but it can be challenging, too.”

Since the club was purchased by its members, Morrison said that the club has moved in a positive direction, picking up new members and improving the facilities one step at a time.

“I think it’s that sense of ownership that makes the difference,” he said.

“I think members take even more pride in it now.”

Memberships

For those interested in seeing what FireRock is all about, the club available for tours. For more information, call 836-8100.

Membership is necessary to enjoy the facilities, but you don’t have to live in the FireRock community to become a member. Memberships are available for those looking to get the most out of their golfing experience, those who want to play a little bit of golf a month, those who want to use the sports facilities and clubhouse exclusively, social members and dining members.

For more details on pricing and what each of these memberships offer, visit firerockcc.com/membership.aspx.