Aproven high-quality course, Southern Dunes Golf Club, endures the downside of being out-of-the-way, south of Phoenix. As a Troon-managed facility, Southern Dunes is very attentive to the needs of serious golfers. Great practice facilities, a well-designed clubhouse, superb attention to food and friendly employees make this a worthwhile trip.
Schmidt-Curley Design teamed with Fred Couples to develop a course more like Scotland than the desert. It’s hard to find a cactus here. The course spans 320 acres with not a single home on the course. The course has six teeing grounds and tips out at 7546 yards. Southern Dunes has hosted championship events including a PGA Tour qualifier and a US Open qualifier.
Twelve Acres of Sand
A typical course has a few acres of sand; Southern Dunes has close to twelve acres of sand. If you get frustrated playing from bunkers, then this course might not be for you. However, if you relish the chance to think your way around a course and position each shot, then you should tackle this course. The designers were true to links golf as the fairways and greens are hard and play fast. Green-side areas are shaved allowing for chipping and putting far from the green.
There is a lot of room in the fairway, many over 60 yards wide. The greens are small with numerous large bunkers strategically positioned – thanks to architect Fred Couples. When windy, this course is treacherous but fair. Water is available every three holes and marshals offer icy towels. In the early summer mornings, use the insect repellent provided by the starter.
Fairway bunkering is extensive. Expect severe bunkering around the greens. Although the sand is well prepared and the slopes are moderate, their size makes them hazardous. An excellent short Par4 is Hole #14. There is more sand than grass on this hole.
Southern Dunes is not in the most advantageous location. Visually appealing to those that like the links look, it’s a break from the classic Arizona desert golf. Rewarding golfers who play position golf, it’s long, and the plethora of bunkers are challenging. It’s difficult for the average golfer. They serve excellent food, try the meatball soup.
If You Go:
• Course Info – Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club is a high-end public golf club with one golf course sprawled across 320 acres of the Ak-Chin Indian Reservation.
• Location – One hour south of the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport and twenty miles from Interstate Highway 10.
• Lodging – Harrah’s AK-Chin in Maricopa six miles south.
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