Maryvale GC, now known as the Grand Canyon University course after a complete overhaul, is nothing like it was for the past decade+. Formerly a flat, open course with mature trees, it has been toughe... Continue »

Maryvale GC, now known as the Grand Canyon University course after a complete overhaul, is nothing like it was for the past decade+. Formerly a flat, open course with mature trees, it has been toughened up considerably, not the least of which was adding another 500 yards to now stretch it out to over 7200 yards from the tips. An old William Bell design (Papago and Torrey Pines are other courses in his portfolio), it has been refreshed by adding many bunkers (which are excellent) which frame the shots very nicely. Considerable dirt was moved and there is now a lot of movement and vertical in the fairways and many greens have been built up slightly. Most of the mature trees have been retained so it still has a parkland feel. Maybe the most interesting change is the putting surfaces. They put in Champion Bermuda, a relatively new "ultradwarf" Bermuda with fine texture compared to more traditional Bermuda. It has not been overseeded and is a very fast (probably running about 11+ right now), extremely true putting surface. A brand new restaurant and pro shop was added that is likewise very well done. A new must-play in Phoenix, especially with the reasonable pricing. Only complaint I had was the pace of play, and I will be back!

I played Maryvale 10/10 around 1230 for a $30 GN rate. The course was busy because it is not in overseed and will not be until it closes for renovation in January. Yesterday was my first time playin... Continue »

I played Maryvale 10/10 around 1230 for a $30 GN rate. The course was busy because it is not in overseed and will not be until it closes for renovation in January. Yesterday was my first time playing the course.
The driving range is on the cozy side with not many hitting areas. The hitting area pretty close to the cart path and made it feel more cramped than maybe it really was. The range does have plenty of length and you are able to hit driver.
I was paired up with two other golfers and pace of play was not an issue all day. Even with the course being busy we still got around in a little less than 4 hours.
The course itself was in great condition especially considering the price. For a muni it far exceeded my expectations. Tee boxes, fairways, and greens were all in good to great shape. Maryvale isn't going to beat you up with desert areas or a lot of hazards. Even off-line tee shots are kept in play. Tall, mature trees line most holes and can be difficult to get out of if you go in there. Holes were a good variety of some short and medium length par 3s and 4s. The par 5s were mostly on the shorter side but still a challenge.
The customer service was surprisingly friendly for the municipal course. I was worried conditions would be poor because they are closing the course in January but I was pleasantly surprised they are making an effort to keep it up until then. I'm not sure how the course will look in November and late December but for now it is a great place to play for an affordable rate. Don't go expecting high-end customer service and F&B and you will have a fun day of golf.