Grande Renovation

One of Arizona's more historic golf resorts has undergone a complete $8 restoration and re-opened for business.

The Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort outside Casa Grande -- about halfway between Phoenix and Tucson -- was originally built in 1961 by Horace Stoneham, owner of the San Francisco Giants, as the Spring Training home for his team. It wasn't unusual in those days to see such Giants stars as Willie Mays tee it up at the resort's course during Spring Training.

The resort's top-floor patio roof looks like the enormous brim of a baseball cap; the swimming pool is shaped like a baseball bat and the accompanying Jacuzzi like a baseball.

Another American icon -- John Wayne -- owned a penthouse at the resort, which isn't far from his Red River Ranch. The newly-renovated bar, "Dukes,'' is named in his honor.

The golf course, originally designed by Ralph Plummer, has new irrigation systems, fountains, tees and even copper-colored carts all point to a new game. The renovation has given the course five sets of tees ranging from 5,224 yards to 7,545 yards.

Francisco Grande's renovation project also includes the restoration and new interior design for all 64 of the nine-story tower's suites, guest rooms and common areas. Each of the rooms and suites overlook the golf course, which has more than 1,500 around the fairways, including Eucalyptus, Pine, Palm, Mesquite and Olive trees.

The course is managed by PGA Professional Roger Maxwell and his Phoenix based company, In Celebration of Golf, Inc.