by Angela and Wes Bolyard

Situated high in the majestic White Mountains in Show Low, Arizona, about three hours from either Phoenix or Tucson, is a semi-private course offering a stunning combination of 18 picturesque golf holes, several of which snake through tall pine trees while others meander through a spacious grand meadow. In 2005, Bison Homes acquired the Show Low Country Club and Golf Course plus an additional 360 acres of heavily wooded, undeveloped land. Three new golf holes and a driving range were built on the new acreage, while the existing holes were redesigned. Luxurious cabin homes were mindfully placed amongst the pine trees along the fairways of the three new holes. The overall master planned community, Bison Crossing, opened in 2007 along with the golf facility rechristened as Bison Golf & Country Club.

The course design was done by PGA Tour player and former ASU star, Billy Mayfair. “The golf experience”, says Mayfair, “is fun, fair, and provides an enjoyable golf experience to players of all levels and abilities”. Mayfair has blended the new golf holes skillfully into the surrounding environment while enhancing the existing holes with his unique redesign touches. Every hole is now distinct with premiums placed on approach shots, distance control and mid-range iron accuracy. The highlight of the Mayfair design is the new signature hole, # 18, a nasty par 5 (626 yards from the “tips”) that snakes narrowly through some of the tallest pines on the property. Nicknamed “Thunderbeast”, this hole features a small, well-protected green that is rarely reachable in two.

There are very few bunkers on this seemingly short course at 6,413 yards from the back tees, but many aren’t needed considering the narrow tree-lined fairways All the new greens are constructed with Mackenzie bent grass (named after Alistair Mackenzie whose golf designs are recognized as classics that demand performance for nearly every shot. Only a bent grass that forms the highest quality greens, tees and fairways deserves to be named for the master, and Mackenzie is that bent grass). “The best greens you’ll probably play on any public golf course,” says General Manager and PGA Professional Lloyd Harvey.

Currently, a temporary clubhouse and full-service pro shop are located in the Activity Center decorated with western style bronze statues and wall-mounted heads of bison, elk and moose. The center also includes a grill room, large recreation room with game tables, an outdoor deck which seats up to approximately 40 people, locker rooms, and a lobby/meeting area with tables and conversational chairs. Adjacent to the Center is the Rustic Cowboy Camp which plays host to entertainment and cookouts.

Open from March 15 to December 15, the golf course is open to the general public, however a Golf Membership is available for the frequent player, which includes tournaments and social events. Premier Golf Memberships, available only to Bison homeowners, offer more features (i.e. family play) and are transferrable to a new homeowner when sold. They can also temporarily be transferred to a renter or friend using the home. Homeowners also have access to the well-equipped fitness room in the Center.

Bison Crossing is the crown jewel of the Bison Homes family of resort lifestyle communities. From retreat cabins in the cool pines to golf resort living, from family activities to maintenance free resort suites, this mixed use development brings together the finest elements of the Bison Homes resort lifestyle philosophy. Since its inception, the Crossing has steadily evolved to become the destination of choice in the White Mountains.

A variety of housing is available in five different communities:

• The Retreat: Single family cabin homes situated on the new holes of the golf course.

• The Retreat Villas: Duplex homes alongside the new first hole of the golf course.

• The Preserve: Single family home sites secluded in the pines off of the golf course.

• The Golf Estates: Single family homes in the Grand Meadow area of the existing course.

• The Golf Estate Villas: Duplex homes cradling the 11th green and 5th tee on the existing course.

Serving as the “Hub” of Bison Crossing will be The Commons. This expansive area will offer such amenities as shopping, dining, the Bison Hotel, walking trails, resort condominiums, and other commercial properties.

For temporary lodging before or after your round, a Bison Homes cabin can be rented in the cool pines through Cool Mountain Vacations (CMV) where you’ll find great rates and first class hospitality. If you rent through CMV, ask about the special rate on golf at Bison Golf & Country Club. CMV offers online booking at coolmountainvacations.com. For sale or rent of privately-owned Torreon golf villas, contact Lloyd Harvey at the number below.

Overall, Bison Golf and Country Club is a very intriguing golf course requiring uphill and downhill shots as well as fade and draw shots to negotiate the doglegs. Your reward? Putting on perfect greens! Should this golf course beguile you, consider acquiring property at Bison Crossing. Call 928-537-4564 or visit www.bisongolf.net or www.bisonhomes.com for more information. Contact 928.537.4564 or visit www.bisongolf.net or www.bisonhomes.com to consider your options for full time or vacation/summer sites.

To find the Bison Golf and Country Club clubhouse, disregard mapping software on the internet, which directs you to the previous location. Stay on Hwy 260, then turn North on Bison Parkway.