With the GK group tee time at Boulders for 10:00, my options were somewhat limited to try and squeeze in a morning round. Dove Valley Ranch turned out to be the best option as it was close by, afforda... Continue »

With the GK group tee time at Boulders for 10:00, my options were somewhat limited to try and squeeze in a morning round. Dove Valley Ranch turned out to be the best option as it was close by, affordable ($39 + tax) and they had a 6:00 tee time available for this morning. I thought that was the first group out, but they let me know there was one group of members before that. However, he offered to pair me with him. The twosome behind (the group I was supposed to be in) seemed like they were going to ride us, but we left them in the dust after the 1st hole. The guys I played with met my "3-F" requirements for a quick early morning round if I have to be paired with someone: fun, friendly and, most importantly, FAST! We were on a sub-3-hour pace until we caught a slower back-nine-only twosome for the final 4-5 holes. Still a total pace of 3:15 worked out perfectly for me!

The course was in decent late summer condition and saw some wear from the hard storms overnight. A few wash areas were a bit muddy and there were some low-lying spots on the course that were pretty squishy. Otherwise, good enough. Nice tee boxes. Fairways had some scattered thin/bare spots, but adequate coverage for the most part. Rough was pretty good throughout. Cut down and easy to play from. Bunkers good, as well. Greens were firm and a tad crusty. A bit bumpy and rolling at slow-ish speeds.

This is a solid, but not spectacular layout. The front nine is quite forgiving and then the back nine tightens up significantly. Flat overall terrain. Back nine requires some forced carries as you hit over sandy desert washes many times playing from one target landing area to the next. Recommended at the right price and a good value for summer, but not one most folks need to put on their Scottsdale wish lists.