Raising Arizona

Globe-trotting PGA Advanced Professional Paul McLoughlin (centre with Tom Weiskopf right)) has presided over the reopening of the Tom Weiskopf-designed layout at Capital Canyon Club in Arizona.

The par 71 course recently underwent extensive renovations totaling more than $6million which completed a total restoration of the former dormant golf course which opens for play on July 1 with a celebration event planned for three days later and a grand opening on August 15.

McLoughlin is director of golf operations at the country club and his appointment to the prestigious club reflects the international standing of British PGA pros overseas.

It’s also another high profile role for the 38 year old in a career that has taken him across the world – from his native Ireland, to Poland, China and back to America – and he is relishing his latest challenge.

“We couldn’t be more excited to introduce a vastly-improved golf course to our members. Tom Weiskopf visited the club last month and we have some exciting new changes being developed,” said McLoughlin.

“It was truly a great experience to spend the day walking the course with Tom and discussing plans to further enhance an exceptional round of golf. The end result will be simply spectacular.”

Prior to his new position at the Capital Canyon Club, McLoughlin was director of golf operations at the Lake Malaren Golf Resort in Shanghai, China where he was instrumental in the formation of the world-renowned Shanghai Masters with International Management Group in 2011.

He also negotiated and planned a Final Series event with BMW that has since developed into the BMW Masters, one of golf’s top events.

With dramatic elevation changes throughout the landscape, Capital Canyon Club feautres re-shaped and sweeping fairways giving way to undulating greens, some widened and even made narrower to improve playability.

The San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff provide a dramatic backdrop to the golf course.