Rave reviews showered upon renovated pro shop

Improvements to the Stardust Pro Shop in Sun City West didn’t surprise resident Dan O’Connell one bit.

The resident and golfer said the $265,000 worth of additions is typical of the community he couldn’t resist moving to.

"That’s the thing in Sun City West — they keep the properties up," he said. "If you look at all the buildings in Sun City West and you look around and look for old dirt and things falling apart, you don’t see it."

The pro shop was reopened Monday morning following a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was attended by the Recreation Centers governing board, staff members and several eager residents and golfers.

The pro shop had been closed since July 1 to accommodate the renovation project, which included bathroom improvements, an extended patio, large additions to the inside of the shop and fresh paint and carpeting.

In addition, two 47-inch televisions were installed that will broadcast outside sporting events and serve as a scoreboard and informational board for local events.

The improvements elicited pride from golfers, staff and board members alike.

"I’d like to thank the governing board that allowed us this opportunity to work this project and get it done. We’re just so happy we just can’t hardly stand it," said Rose Putz, Stardust manager. "We want to welcome you to our beautiful new clubhouse that we thought for a while wasn’t going to be open today."

Sun City West resident and biweekly Stardust golfer Doug Rhodes attended the event and was also pleased with the results of the project. He said the expanded pro shop will accommodate more golfers.

"It’s fantastic. I’ve been waiting for it," he said. "It was small and in need of improvement ... (now) it gives us a little more room in there."

Governing Board President Ron Gillmeister, who cut the ribbon at the ceremony, said the board made the right decision and showcased fiscal responsibility in opting to renovate rather than rebuild the shop.

"It was a big task and you’re seeing it come to a good conclusion here. The building is unbelievably different. People who play this course may not be able to recognize this as the pro shop anymore," he said. "I’m really pleased that this has turned out the way it has. We’ve satisfied just as many of the needs of the residents and the golfers who play here and the staff that has to operate this building. We’ve made some significant changes that we’re very happy with."

"My understanding is we made the budget and we did a few extra things with our own people ... and we’re on time. Everything came together just fine," he added.

Further, Gillmeister said he was excited to take advantage of the new shop as a golfer.

"I think I’m going to sit here and have a few coffees before I go out and have a beer after. We now have the room and the facility to do that. We really didn’t have the space before," he said.

The re-opening celebration will continue Thursday and Friday for all residents and Controlled Neighborhood Play golfers with drink and snack specials at the shop. One dollar specials will run for a glass of beer or a hot dog and bag of chips combo.

The pro shop is at 12702 W. Stardust Blvd. in Sun City West.