Tom Doak Course Closed

The Apache Stronghold Golf Course, built by Tom Doak about two hours east of Scottsdale, has shut down temporarily. The San Carlos Apache tribe, owner of the adjoining casino, also laid off 9 percent of its work force yesterday, reports the Arizona Republic. That's roughly 45 people.

Arizona's 23 tribal casinos posted revenue declines of 16 percent in last year's fourth quarter, according to the newspaper.

Built in 1999, Apache Stronghold is No. 38 on Golf Digest's ranking of the best casino golf courses. It earns 3 1/2 stars (out of a possible 5) in the magazine's Places to Play reader ratings.

A notice on the casino's web site reads, "The Apache Stronghold Golf Course is closed until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience." The tribe hopes to reopen the course in a month or two, the Republic says.

-- P.F.