The signature hole at Kierland Golf Club is without question the 9th at Acacia. With the pristine and award-winning Westin Kierland Resort looming behind the green, this par-5 will test any golfer. One thing I have always loved is a par-5 in which you can see the green in plain view—this is certainly the case here. From the elevated tee you can practically see your reflection in the 15th floor windows of the hotel.
While there are many great holes of golf on this golf course, The “Signature” hole is #18. It is a 545 yard par 5 guarded by two bunkers on the right side of the fairway. An uphill approach with another green side bunker to the right and a significant drop to the left of the green makes this approach difficult to get to the pin. There are three grain silos just off the tee on the right which are a historical land mark for the Heard farm owned by Dwight B. Heard.
This course could have two signature holes— and the par-5, 512 yard 18th hole should join hole #10 as “star for the course.” With a rolling, tree-lined fairway, a mountain backdrop and a lake guarding two-thirds of the green, this finishing hole rivals any other on the Phoenix-Scottsdale golf scene.
This isn’t a well-kept secret, and my praise shouldn’t shock you. Golfweek Magazine recognized The Golf Club of Estrella as the No. 7 “Best Golf Courses You Can Play in Arizona” in 2008. Estrella also received accolades for the No. 7 “Best Arizona Public Golf Courses” by RANKING ARIZONA. Most residents are surprised when they learn the Club is public. It’s true—this desert gem is a prestigious and affordable golf destination located just 40 minutes southwest of downtown Phoenix.
As I headed to my round at The Raven Golf Club at Verrado on a cold, gray, misty morning in December, it was the perfect day to envision that big black bird that looks like a crow on steroids. The raven is mysterious and powerful, soars to great heights and can be intimidating.
Carved through the foothills of the Sonoran Desert, just minutes north of Phoenix, Rancho Manana Golf Club offers spectacular views combined with a more-than-meets-the-eye golf experience. Elevation changes abound on this course and the views are truly breath-taking.
Eagle Mountain Golf Club is one of the most scenic, adventurous desert style courses that Scottsdale has to offer. The course is located in upscale Fountain Hills which is just east of Scottsdale. Unlike your typical Arizona desert course, Eagle Mountain presents many generous rolling fairways…
When playing Las Sendas, chances are you will not see another fairway from the fairway that you’re playing from. Each hole is its own—the mark of true desert golf.
SunRidge Canyon plays just over 6800 yards from the tips and par is 71. But the back nine plays uphill so add another 300 or so yards to the distance. “Take one-to-two extra clubs on those holes,” says head golf pro Jeff Newell. “And if the pin is in the front of the green, play it as though it were in the back so give yourself another five yards.”
Two paths diverged on a golf course. One headed toward the first tee box, the other toward the tenth. Depending on which one you take, that will make all the difference.
