Nine holes at stake — but the course is still operating
In north Phoenix, Arizona, close to Scottsdale, the future of Mesquite, one of three nine-hole loops at The Westin Kierland Golf Club, is once again under discussion. Resort owner Host Hotels & Resorts seeks to rezone approximately 71.8 acres occupied by Mesquite for a development called Copper Residences. The current plan allows up to 494 housing units, including condominiums, townhouses, duplexes and detached homes. It is a proposal, not an approved redevelopment.
A fresh milestone is the November 2, 2026 meeting of the Paradise Valley Village Planning Committee. The committee can recommend action; it does not grant final zoning approval. Axios brought renewed attention to the dispute in a report dated October 29.
What happens to the golf
The Westin Kierland currently comprises 27 holes, arranged as Mesquite, Ironwood and Acacia nines. Under the proposal, Mesquite would be repurposed for homes, while Ironwood and Acacia would continue as an 18-hole course. The applicant's timetable says Mesquite is expected to remain in operation through January 10, 2028, with a proposed closure beginning January 11, 2028. Those dates depend on approvals: the course has not yet closed, nor has a closure been authorized by this proposal alone.
The maximum units are split between 180 in the northern development area and 314 in the southern area. Developer materials also describe public walking trails, a pocket park and a linear park. The developer expects fewer maintained golf holes to reduce water demand and operating needs; these are project estimates, not verified post-construction savings.
Why the neighborhood is divided
Supporters argue that 18 holes can meet resort demand while allowing reinvestment and the addition of housing and public paths. The Kierland Community Alliance, which opposes the application, says the change would remove substantial existing open space and alter the neighborhood's character. Both sides are describing potential effects; a formal rezoning decision remains outstanding.
The next decisions
The indicative public timetable lists the November 2 village committee hearing, a December 3, 2026 Planning Commission hearing, and January 6, 2027 City Council consideration. Later dates may be revised. For now, this is an application to reduce a 27-hole operation to 18 holes, not news of a completed closure.
Sources: applicant's plan and hearing timetable; community opponents' project overview; Axios reporting, October 29.
