Played here today (6/10) as part of my GK Cup match against the legend Matt "LOTR" Schliebe on a perfect starting, slightly warm finishing Scottsdale day. First time on this course which just recently... Continue »

Played here today (6/10) as part of my GK Cup match against the legend Matt "LOTR" Schliebe on a perfect starting, slightly warm finishing Scottsdale day. First time on this course which just recently wrapped up hosting the NCAA Men's College Golf Championship. Great course and facilities in a swanky part of Scottsdale with lots of mansion-like homes around but never in your face of play. Conditions today were excellent (as you'd expect after the last sentence) and although the match didn't go my way, I loved this course.

Tees: The Palo Verde tees were played today by everyone (and most people I would assume) and they were in good-great shape with plenty of turf to hit from. Par 3's a tad more chewed up but nothing crazy.

Fairways: Excellent shape. Still about 90% carpet and people did a good job fixing divots. I felt roll was more than fair, lies were nearly perfect, and they were visually pleasing to the eye.

Rough: Not much traditional rough to speak of; as Matt mentioned to me, it was clearly mown down after the NCAA was here and it showed. Far more penal than the rough (perhaps not even a club up) was the natural landscape areas that would just eat up errant drives.

Sand: Was in a few bunkers and although the bases of them were a bit wet, there was enough sand to shape the shots (although this eluded me today). Rakes were present in every bunker and they were all well manicured.

Greens: Good shape. Visually they didn't look special (the practice green was far more visually pleasing) but the roll was true and fast. Breaks on these greens were very tough at times, exacerbated further by some outrageous pin placements. A great test of golf!

ETC: As mentioned, facility was all class. Got to tour the clubhouse after the round and one Phil Mickelson is featured everywhere, including the wonderful locker room (this course hosted the FRYS.com Open for 3 years). Staff was amazing and pleasant, from the bag attendants to the starter to the beverage cart. Layout was very fun, and as Matt made mention to me, has very strong "Indian Well-vibes"; I concur. Nice mix of holes and even though everyone started on 10 today, it was a great time had. Lots of people out today, but still had a great POP at a shade under 4.5 hours. Highly recommend.