Blackstone Country Club at Vistancia welcomes golfers who belong to other Arizona clubs to play the Jim Engh-designed course without being a Blackstone member.

"Private clubs in Arizona and throughout the country are looking at ways to increase profits at a time when costs are rising steadily and club memberships are down," said Curt Smith, chief operating officer for Sunbelt Holdings, one of Blackstone's developers.

Blackstone's new program allows for tee times to be made 14 days in advance on a space available basis, and special rates are offered.

Blackstone also has introduced flexible membership options, enabling a member to defer 90 percent of the equity membership price for up to three years while enjoying full club benefits.

Blackstone is a 570-acre private, gated community in Peoria located west of Lake Pleasant Road and north of Happy Valley Parkway.