What’s your absolute favorite hole to play in the Phoenix area? Seems like an innocent question, but can you answer it? We know you have a running list of your favorite courses; these days, it seems everyone has a different record of their top tracks around town. Ask any golfer, and you’re likely to hear the names of five or 10 courses spewed right off the top of the golfer’s head.
We live in an age of hotly debated golf course rankings, and there was never a shortage of opinions after we unveiled our Best of Public and Best of Private issues. We decided it was time to take a closer look at golf in the Phoenix area.
The truth of the matter is that the single most critical element to judging courses – the quality of the holes themselves – often is overlooked in all this ranking business. Any list worth its weight must be largely based on the aesthetic and shot-making value of the golf offered at the courses or clubs, as well as the number of memorable holes at each facility.
Ranking golf courses without discussing which holes make the respective courses so great would be akin to ranking the best college football conferences without talking about what each individual school brings to the table.
So, when it comes to golf in the Phoenix area, do you favor long, challenging par 5s with forced carries and danger lurking all around? Or do you like picturesque par 3s presenting hole-in-one opportunities? Maybe drivable par 4s are your thing.
Whatever type of golf hole tickles your fancy, you’re sure to find a few examples in our Phoenix area Dream 18 list. We hope you enjoy the rankings, and you better start forming your own … someone, somewhere, just might put you on the spot and ask for your list of top holes in the area.
Private Par 3s
No. 7 • Desert Mountain, Cochise Course
Measuring a robust 215 yards, the seventh on the Cochise Course at Desert Mountain won’t be remembered most for its yardage. Rather, it’s the island green and the downhill drop from tee to green. This hole is simply fabulous – the views, the island green and the rocks surrounding it, etc. But a downhill par-3 to an island green is pretty demanding, that’s for sure. At least the target is huge, as the seventh shares the same green as the 15th hole.
No. 11 • Arizona Country Club
Just a shade under 200 yards, the 11th at Arizona Country Club is all the hole that you want. And the hardest thing is picking the right club on this hole because the prevailing wind is a hurting one. Tee shots must avoid the bunkers left of this green and a lake butting against the putting surface on the right. A white-knuckle scenario: going after a back-right pin on this hole. This hole is part of the course’s Amen Corner; in fact, the 11th has a miniature version of the Hogan Bridge.
No. 11 • The Estancia Club
Normally, 137-yard holes don’t garner top consideration unless it’s truly photogenic or downright challenging. The 11th at Estancia is both. Huge saguaros and impressive boulders surround this hole, which features a green wedged into a desert swale. The bunker front left gets plenty of action, especially when the pin is tucked on the left. There might not be a scarier short iron/wedge tee shot in the Greater Phoenix area.
No. 14 • Whisper Rock Golf Club, Upper Course
The signature hole on this course, the 14th tips out at 169 yards but plays downhill. The green sits at the base of a mountain, which makes the hole breathtaking. And standing on top of this tee, golfers can see the University of Phoenix Stadium. A deep bunker fronts this green on the left, and right of the putting surface are plenty of boulders. Stunning and sturdy.
No. 15 • Troon Country Club
Like the 11th at Estancia, the 15th at Troon Country Club is a short par-3, measuring just 139 yards from the tips. Yet, this hole will test every golfer’s ballstriking and putting prowess. The signature hole at Troon CC features bunkers all around its multi-tiered green. Thankfully, the towering mountains in the background make for some nice views off this tee.
No. 18 • Desert Mountain, Geronimo Course (Pictured Above)
Only a few courses end with a par-3. Pasatiempo in California, Oak Hills in Texas, East Lake in Atlanta, and Congressional in Washington D.C. instantly come to mind. Might be worthy to add the Geronimo Course at Desert Mountain to this famed list. Measuring 181 yards, this dramatic hole finishes beside the stunning Cochise/Geronimo clubhouse. The terraced tee boxes and a dramatic water feature separating the golfer from the green makes this hole both visually appealing and intimidating.
Honorable Mentions:
No. 2, Phoenix Country Club; No. 7, Mesa Country Club; No. 9 Pinnacle Peak Country Club; No. 9, Quintero Golf and Country Club; No. 11, Tatum Ranch Golf Club; No. 13, The Country Club at DC Ranch
Private Par 4s
No. 1 • Desert Highlands
Definitely the best opening hole in the Greater Phoenix area. The tee boxes are perched atop a granite grotto 125 feet above the fairway. The landing area is very generous on this hole, and because it measures just 350 yards there’s no excuse for missing the fairway. This dramatic tee shot is what makes this layout stand out, and the view looking back from this green is just as amazing.
No. 10 • Mirabel Golf Club
Of all the par 4s on private courses, this might have the best mix of beauty and brawn. Measuring 449 yards, this downhiller features bunkers on both sides of the fairway at the precise spot for drives. The most crucial shot on this hole is the approach because the green wraps around the back side of a lake, which means attacking a back-left pin is a dicey play.
No. 12 • Encanterra (Pictured Above)
A “Best Holes” list has to include a risk/reward par-4. There might not be a better one in the Phoenix metro area than the 12th at Encanterra. Measuring just 322 yards, the 12th is tempting to attack. However, a lake on the left and the beautiful rock wall lining the left part of the green will thwart those plans. Bail out to the right in order to avoid the water, and bunkers await.
No. 14 • Desert Highlands
Two words are all that’s needed when talking about this hole’s best features – Pinnacle Peak. The mountain is very tantalizing and distracting. Many rounds have been ruined on this 418-yard dogleg-left because of the views. And common throughout Desert Highlands and many Jack Nicklaus designs, the 14th has a tricky and terraced green.
No. 15 • Desert Forest Golf Club
Become one with nature on this 410-yard downhill beauty, which offers native areas bordering both sides of this generous fairway and breathtaking mountain vistas at every glance. The flatstick might be the most important tool on this hole because of the back-to-front sloping green.
No. 16 • Troon Country Club
Measuring just 347 yards, the 16th at Troon CC has a wash running in front of the green that should eliminate any thoughts of going after the target with the tee shot. But that’s not the only intricacy that makes this hole stand out. The target line for the tee shot must go in between two large rock features, and favor the right side of the fairway for the best look at the green. It’s vital to know the pin location, given the many undulations and swales on the putting surface.
Honorable Mentions:
No. 5, Blackstone Country Club; No. 9, Paradise Valley Country Club; No. 10 Whisper Rock Golf Club, Lower Course; No. 13, Whisper Rock Golf Club, Upper Course; No. 18, The Silverleaf Club; No. 18, Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club, Lost Gold Course
Private Par 5s
No. 11 • Whisper Rock Golf Club, Lower Course
Tipping out at 554 yards, the 11th on the Lower Course at Whisper Rock features a large rock outcropping on the right side of the fairway. Long knockers can carry the rocks and go for the green in two. Mere mortals will have to favor the left side and play this as a three-shot hole. The fun doesn’t stop around the green. Not only is it long and narrow, the putting surface slopes from front to back. And undulations around the green make for a difficult up-and-down.
No. 15 • Desert Mountain, Cochise Course
The 15th shares a green with another hole on this list, the par-3 seventh. So golfers get to tackle this picturesque island green from two different angles. And yes, boulders also surround the green on this hole. Even though Jack Nicklaus designed the Cochise Course, it was Gary Player who had the most success here. He’s one of a very few golfers who have aced the seventh hole and eagled the 15th. That’s definitely a worthy accomplishment.
No. 16 • Desert Forest Golf Club
A “Best Holes” list for the Phoenix area is a complete farce if it doesn’t have this hole on it. At 523 yards, the 16th will separate those who are players and those who think they are players. There’s a lot of temptation to attack this hole off the tee down the shorter, left side but that brings the desert into play. The right side is the safer play, but that makes the hole play longer. The key is a diagonal ridge in middle of the fairway that will factor in on the second shot. Risktakers can go full throttle for this green in two, but that’s a very risky shot. Those who lay up though, must contend with a massive mesquite tree plugged into a mound at the middle-left of the fairway, 150 yards from the green. If that’s not enough, bunkers protect this green. Such a grueling, and splendid, hole.
No. 17 • The Estancia Club
A topsy-turvy hole to say the least. Stretching to 584 yards, the 17th at Estancia demands a tee shot that pierces through a small opening in between boulders. These spectacular rock outcroppings continue throughout the hole, which runs downhill toward the green. A large bunker sits front and right of this green, which is elevated above a deep swale. The views from the fairway are simply fabulous – miles and miles of unspoiled desert with the towering mountains off in the distance.
No. 18 • Desert Mountain, Apache Course
The scorecard for the Apache Course looks normal for the most part … except for the 18th hole. From there it looks like a spreadsheet, with two rows of numbers and an “L” and “R” next to them. That’s because the finishing hole on the Apache Course has two separate greens. The “Left” green pushes the distance of the 18th to 551 yards from the tips. This green is set into a hillside and fronted by an unforgiving wash. The “Right” green stretches this hole to just 496 yards, and this green can be had with a precise second or approach shot.
No. 18 • Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club, Prospector Course
Truly an outstanding and memorable hole. This 553-yarder is set in an amphitheater-type setting with the Superstition Mountains in back and the clubhouse ahead. A huge lake engulfs the entire left side of the fairway and runs the entire length to the green. The yardage gives players hope that the green is reachable in two, but the lake will have them second-guessing that play. Those who dunk their tee shots into the water shouldn’t feel too bad about it, though. After all, it happens to the best players. Lorena Ochoa lost the 2005 Safeway International when she hooked her drive into the drink.
Honorable Mentions:
No. 3, FireRock Country Club; No. 5 The Golf Club Scottsdale; No. 5, Whisper Rock Golf Club, Upper Course; No. 9 Desert Highlands; No. 13, Encanterra; No. 18, Tatum Ranch Golf Club
Public Par 3s
No. 7 • The Boulders Resort, South Course
The resort’s most recognizable formation – “Rosie’s Rock” – sits to the right of this hole’s back tee box. What essentially looks like a giant golf ball on a tee makes this 187-yarder a memorable one to say the least.
No. 8 • Grayhawk Golf Club, Raptor Course (Pictured Above)
Strategically, the play here is to favor the left side of the green to take advantage of the slope that funnels errant shots left to right. A greenside bunker sits to the green’s right side, tempting golfers if the pin’s on the right. Golfers who short-side themselves on this 174-yard hole will face a difficult up-and-down.
No. 11 • Grayhawk Golf Club, Talon Course
Golf Digest once voted this 175-yard hole one of “The Best 18 Holes You Can Play”. Called the “Swinging Bridge”, this hole requires golfers to carry a desert hollow and a deep front bunker to a wide and deep green with a ridge in its center. Missing the green here will force golfers to get cute with their up-and-down.
No. 16 • Grayhawk Golf Club, Raptor Course
This is perhaps the most scenic hole on the golf course. Stretching to 211 yards, the 16th plays downhill into a natural amphitheater with a creek tumbling down the left side that empties into a greenside pond. The ideal play is to aim at the collection area right of the green and work the ball back to the green. Be weary of shots missing the putting surface; challenging lies await in the mounds and grassy swales.
No. 16 • TPC Scottsdale, Stadium Course
Widely known for being the rowdiest hole in golf, this 162-yarder is famous not for its length or difficulty, but for the eruptive crowds it elicits every year at the Phoenix Open. Just because the stadium of fans are absent 51 weeks out of the year, that doesn’t mean it’s not one of the more memorable par 3s in the Valley.
No. 16 • Troon North Golf Club, Pinnacle Course
Tipping out at a mere 140 yards, the 16th is arguably Pinnacle’s signature hole. While not lengthy, this downhill “postcard” par-3 plays shorter than its yardage. Yet, with water lurking in front and bunkers left and right, precision is key on this hole.
Honorable Mentions:
No. 2, Raven at South Mountain; No. 5, The Duke Golf Club; No. 5, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Cholla Course; No. 14, Gold Canyon Golf Resort, Dinosaur Mountain Course; No. 16, ASU Karsten Golf Course; No. 17, SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
Public Par 4s
No. 4 • Gold Canyon Golf Resort, Dinosaur Mountain Course
The tee shot on this hole is from an elevated tee that overlooks spectacular views of Dinosaur Mountain. A narrow-neck of fairway awaits with desert running the length of the short grass to the left. This 467-yard hole is no guarantee par; the small, firm green that slopes back to front makes for a difficult birdie opportunity.
No. 6 • Troon North Golf Club, Monument Course
The sixth on the Monument Course is named “Gamble” because of its Tom Weiskopf-Jay Morrish trademark risk-reward design. This short, tricky par-4 stretches to 306 yards. There are four bunkers down the fairway – the one on the right is huge, and a boulder is in the middle of most golfers’ line-of-sight.
No. 13 • Grayhawk Golf Club, Talon Course
The tee shot at the 13th calls for a risk/reward decision. At only 303 yards, the green is drivable but a miss-hit could end up in the large bunker short and right of the green. Short isn’t the only errant shot to fear – a block right will find its way into a deep box canyon. An iron off the tee is the conservative play and more often than not, the smart choice.
No. 17 • TPC Scottsdale, Stadium Course
The 17th on the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale is a 332-yard drivable par-4 that has been known to tempt players with even the most conservative playing philosophies. A great drive here will surely be rewarded, but a wayward shot can very easily find the water left of the green. A fun trivia fact: the 17th is the site of the only ace on a par-4 in PGA Tour history (Andrew Magee, 2001).
No. 18 • Eagle Mountain Golf Club (Pictured Above)
Course designer Scott Miller built Eagle Mountain directly into the mountains, resulting in elevated tee boxes and greens throughout. The 420-yard 18th drops more than 100 feet from tee to green, and is the only hole on the course with water. The drink lines the right side of the fairway and the green, welcoming errant shots from tired golfers.
No. 18 • SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
Even big boppers off the tee will still find themselves left with a long uphill approach to a highly raised green guarded by sand bunkers and boulders. Errant approaches can ricochet out of play after making contact with these large boulders … so be careful! If golfers are not deadly accurate, a good round could go south real fast on this 432-yard finisher.
Honorable Mentions:
No. 1, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Cholla Course; No. 7, Talking Stick Golf Club, North Course; No. 9, McCormick Ranch Golf Club; No. 10, The Pointe Hilton Golf Club at Lookout Mountain; No. 13, Raven at Verrado; No. 18, Papago Golf Course
Public Par 5s
No. 3 • Gold Canyon Golf Resort, Dinosaur Mountain Course
The third hole demands a tee shot that carries a canyon to a fairway that significantly slopes right to left. The second shot on this 514-yarder will likely be an uneven lie, so lay up and play the shot smart so as to leave a short pitch into the narrow, two-tiered green. Definitely keep the ball below the hole here, as the green slopes back to front significantly.
No. 5 • The Boulders Resort, South Course
The par-5 fifth demands a tee shot that carries the desert to a narrow landing area. At 545 yards, not the longest hole but it certainly requires three precise shots, with extra emphasis on the third shot. Bunkers on all sides heavily guard the green; missing it will make for a tough par save. Back left of this green is the signature “Boulder Pile.”
No. 8 • We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Cholla Course
The 587-yard eighth hole is a downhill dogleg-right that runs along a box canyon. The approach must carry an arroyo waste area to a pint-size putting surface. A difficult hole to say the least; but definitely a beautiful one.
No. 14 • Troon North Golf Club, Monument Course
Word far and wide is that this par-5 is one of the grandest in the land. Golf Digest tabbed this 604-yarder as one of “The Best 18 Holes You Can Play”. With water to the right off the tee, mountains in the back and a fishbowl fairway, this dogleg-left is as beautiful as it is challenging.
No. 15 • TPC Scottsdale, Stadium Course
This dramatic, 560-yard hole is reachable in two for most players, but can cause hiccups on the scorecard if improperly played. Water to the left comes into play off the tee shot, while the second shot requires precision to an island green. Scores range from 3 to 7, making this hole pivotal and exciting to the spectator.
No. 18 • The Duke Golf Club (Pictured Above)
The 523-yard finisher at The Duke has a lake running the length of the hole to the left and desert all along the right side. The green is a small, back-to-front sloping complex with a false front. There’s a bunker front left and not much of a bailout area to the right – certainly a test before heading to the 19th hole.
Honorable Mentions:
No. 9, Kierland Golf Club, Ironwood; No. 9, Papago Golf Course; No. 16, Legend Trail Golf Club; No. 16, Stonecreek Golf Club; No. 18, The Pointe Hilton Golf Club at Lookout Mountain; No. 18, Trilogy at Vistancia
Best Holes By Numbers (Public and Private)
No. 1 Desert Highlands
No. 2 Phoenix Country Club
No. 3 Gold Canyon Resort, Dinosaur Mountain Course
No. 4 Gold Canyon Resort, Dinosaur Mountain Course
No. 5 The Boulders Resort, South Course
No. 6 Troon North Golf Club, Monument Course
No. 7 Desert Mountain, Cochise Course
No. 8 We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Cholla Course
No. 9 McCormick Ranch Country Club
No. 10 Mirabel Golf Club
No. 11 The Estancia Club
No. 12 Encanterra
No. 13 Grayhawk Golf Club, Talon Course
No. 14 Desert Highlands
No. 15 The Boulders Resort, South Course
No. 16 TPC Scottsdale, Stadium Course
No. 17 TPC Scottsdale, Stadium Course
No. 18 Eagle Mountain Golf Club |
