FireRock Country Club members have overwhelmingly approved a multi-million dollar golf course enhancement project that will take place this summer.

The 430-member club will close the golf course May 13 to undergo the project aimed at refining and revitalizing the 19-year-old golf course.

In addition to the on-course enhancements, FireRock clubhouse will receive a new roof, new doors and windows, and new interior paint.

Flooring, electrical and plumbing in the hallways, restrooms and locker rooms will be replaced. On-course restrooms will also be refreshed.

“All of the course improvements are focused on building upon the course golfers enjoy today. The changes will provide our members with better playing conditions in this amazing setting that fits so naturally within the elevation changes and desert scenery of FireRock,” said general manager Tim Geesey. “The membership support that we received is a significant statement about the position of our club just a few years after transitioning from the original developer."

The course, originally designed by Gary Panks, was recognized as the “#1 New Golf Course in Arizona” when it opened in 2000.

To oversee the renovation project, the club selected Andy Staples, a Scottsdale-based golf course architect, to lead the design.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for me,” said Staples. “When I first walked onto the property, I was struck by the incredible views, and the quality routing. My plan is to bring out the best of the site by instilling a more strategic, natural style of bunkering, with drama for every level of player.

“We’ll also look to the future by finding ways to make the club’s operation much more sustainable.”

Course enhancements will include:

*Fairways, rough and tee boxes will be re-grassed using “Celebration Bermuda.”

*Bunkers will be renovated and some will be eliminated or relocated.

*Greens will be refined to create more options for hole locations (without changing the character of the greens).

*All existing tee boxes will be rebuilt and additional tees will be added, including a significant number of new forward/family tees. A new combined back tee will be added for holes 3 and 9.

Staples Golf is a golf course architecture firm based in Scottsdale.