I got down to Marana to play Dove Mountain. I purchased the Underpar deal for two players at about $70 including a free replay. I went down there with high expectations given the reputation of the cou... Continue »

I got down to Marana to play Dove Mountain. I purchased the Underpar deal for two players at about $70 including a free replay. I went down there with high expectations given the reputation of the course and the association with Ritz-Carlton.
I was surprised with the lack of Covid precautions. The shop attendant was not masked and neither were any of the employees. Pins were raised, no sand bottles on the carts yet they had rakes in every bunker.
The bag drop was unattended when we showed up. The number of employees seemed on the light side with no designated starter and the two attendants pulling range duty, loading bags and being the starter. We tried to purchase some drinks before going out but were told the restaurant was closed. Turns out it didn’t open until 3pm. The halfway house was closed all day and only one F&B employee was on duty trying to run the halfway house and the beverage cart. When we inquired about getting food at the turn we were told our only option was turkey wraps but no place to get a drink or chill out for a few before our second 18. I was surprised at the lack of services and employees on a weekend morning at a high end course like here.
Onto the course. Conditions were mixed. Tee boxes were all level but were on the thin side with lots of bare spots and divots. The fairways were all thin with little grass and numerous bare spots. We did get a lot of roll out on tee shots which was good and bad. Many good drives ended up rolling through the fairway or into hazards. The bunkers were all in good shape but had a number of large rocks. The greens were mostly good. They were very receptive of shots but were filled with ball marks, bare spots, old hole locations and sanded spots. They were difficult to get a read on and very undulated. You definitely needed to be on the right level and side of the hole to have a chance at your putt. A two putt from distance felt like making birdie and not par.
I thought the course was challenging overall. Many holes required less than driver and would still require a mid iron to the green. You definitely have to place your shots in the right are to have a chance. The course appears tight than it really is from the tee box. You have to deal with a lot of desert on approach shots. Most par 5s required lay ups unless you can accurately hit a 300++ yard drive.
I would enjoy playing this course again with better conditions. I’m not sure how they are getting any play especially at the “normal” price they are charging. The Underpar deal was good and I will probably purchase again next year if the run it again.