Played this course on Sunday, June 2nd for $16 at 10:15 am with a booked threesome. This course does have a practice range, putting greens without a chipping green and some water/drinks prior to heading to the first tee. We checked in with ease as the cart guys offered us our carts as we pleased; when we approached the first tee we were notified a single had just booked last second with us and we were off.

The course was set up (from tips it plays 6,224, ladies at 4,774) fast and firm from tee to green. The tee boxes were trimmed well and allowed any peg in the ground and didn't have much visible wear (yet, it's early in the summer season). The fairways were green and bounced well with a limited amount of approach-shot divots. The rough and surrounding areas weren't anything to hide your golf ball from but they did impact the spin into the green, which was very important taking into account the greens. NOW, for the greens. First off, this is a retirement "resort" for snowbirds and the older crowd with cheap prices, however these greens were amazing. Fast (at least an 11 on the stimp) and firm, no wedge I hit made an indentation on approach no matter how high I hit them. Every putt was true and tough, the slope on some of the pin placements maaaayyy have been illegal but playing on these greens made for a fun day.

I've written a review each of the past two years for this course, unfortunately no other greenskeeper member has even with it being a value play. The price, the time it takes to play 18 on a Sunday with a foursome playing from 3 different tees (under 4 hours) and the ease of which an enjoyable round appears is outstanding. I've played my handful of Nationally recognized courses in Arizona and other states (notably South Carolina, the mecca of great courses) however I find myself continually smiling as I leave from this course due to its staff, quality of shape and price. Play this course, shoot low and enjoy a day in east-ish Mesa.

As a follow up to my previous review for Ocotillo we returned to play, the exact same threesome, to play this course on September 2nd, 2018 around 11 o'clock for $30. We didn't return in the time allowed for the previously mentioned "improved promise voucher" but the price was right and we decided to revisit.

This review is strictly going to harp on conditions as I've review APLENTY for strategy and service review. Now...the conditions in comparison to early July to middle of August were vastly VASTLY improved. Are they perfect? No. But the bare spots in the fairway almost requiring pick-clean-place in nearest grass is no more. The rough was still "short" but penal if in the thick-er than fairway stuff. The bunkers were also improved, machine raked fairway bunkers and green side bunkers soft for the occasional (rare) up and downs. The greens were the among the largest of pieces of this place improved. The bare spots disappeared, seemed extremely softer and more watered. The greens actually rolled true as opposed to a guessing game; on these crazy curvatures greens that is needed.

The course definitely improved quite a bit, but it's a bit away from flawless as Ocotillo pictures themselves as being. They've laid new sod, placed a lot of time and effort in the small things and continue to water even in the middle of the day. So I'm hopeful it'll only continue to be better.

Played the championship worth course of Ak-Chin Southern Dunes for $45 off GolfNow at 1:50 pm on August 30th. This course presented in the beginning of the outskirts of Maricopa, tree lined once you approach the course from Highway 348. The parking lot/cart attendant assisted me with my bag right away. I showed up early to hit the range which is included in the tee time but it was closed today for reason beyond any explanation given by staff. No cart girl on the course but it was afternoon in the summer, almost to be expected. The course offered water bottles every three holes, FULL WATER bottles, in an ice filled cooler near the hole monument, classy.

This is a course managed by Troon, servicing of the course is to be expected and this place was no different. Tee boxes, which there are six of, were all well manicured and trimmed easily accepting of my tees. The fairways were pristine, of the wide fairways I couldn't find any bare spots or extreme divot damage as sand filled was available on every cart and people seem to use it here. The bunkers, of which there are MANY (I'd say at least 100 even after renovation and removal), were in amazing condition. For the fairway bunkers they were firm and machined raked. The green side bunkers were soft and receptive of errant approach shots making for a guaranteed tough up and down. The greens were firm and a bit dry but they were really really true, the whole course is FIRM to be honest. The greens played like championship greens with complex hills and rolling crevices, all seemingly in the right (or wrong) spots.

This course's strategy (from the tips around 7,540 according to scorecard) test the southwest every year as its the US Open qualifying site and it's apparent. I came here this summer with my best game ready to play this course for the first time and left humbled. Off the tee, the line you want to take is often interrupted visually with a bunker that you later notice once you approach your ball that is actually guarding the green. The course is demanding of you off the tee because you NEED a controllable iron to approach with any chance of a birdie. Long isn't the only trick this course has. The greens have tiers and not necessarily in the sense of elevation but in comparison to bunkers where they're located. A lot of greens have run off areas which is a note to know where to miss the green however the grass is often cut very short to make those shots difficult. The par 5's have chances to score but the greens are well placed, akin to any "short" par 4's.

Service, top notch; conditions, immaculate; strategy, championship worth...cost, priceless. Head out to test your game, soon. This course is worth it. I've played tough tough championship courses and I'll say this one was the most enjoyable.

Played as a twosome on August 26th around 11:20am through the course's website for $15. Showed up to the parking lot expecting a cheap round of golf with below average conditions and service well below average as well. This course is located in the middle of the Apache Wells residential (hence the name) and is tucked between many houses and through a few access roads to nearby leasing offices. Once you arrive you park in an old, in need of maintenance concrete parking lot. However, that's the end of it. The clubhouse also donned the bar/grille area looks brand new, next to the limited space driving range and a full array of different practice greens/putting greens for your pleasure. The service was ample and we were on our way.

The tee boxes, fairways and rough all sat up. The grass clinched your tee on the box, the fairway perched your ball up for any approach shot lucky to hit FIR and the rough did not hide any ball from view however could make you double take if it requires a club up or down depending on its interaction with your ball. The greens looked punched a few weeks ago seemingly with residue of sand in minimal places however the greens were receptive of any play and putted around a 8.5. You needed to strike it well to get it to its destination. The bunkers were soft however a FEW were notably over watered and then baked causing the flaking dirt appearance that dissipated after a suitable raking.

The strategy is simple, much akin to the course I previously reviewed in Viewpoint...come here and shoot a score. Off the tee there are ZERO forced carries basically (I counted a minimal one if you were to hit a BUBBA slice over some property fencing) and little hazards in play. The bunkers are front facing into most greens however absent in the rear. The fairways are primarily straight forward with landing areas clearly defined. While the greens are the course's only realistic defense. Any eagle putt I had (three total on the day) I couldn't convert due to the complexities on the greens and minuscule turning.

This course is what any sub-5 star course should shoot for. I'd say, if 85% of the Arizona cookie cutter courses attempted to recreate this course's conditions in the summer time, they'd be able to charge higher than they currently do...and people would pay. I don't know how this course avoided burn spots in the fairway, crisp baked greens and unplayable fringe cut, but they did. Don't tell me it's only present in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area big hitting courses to have lush fairways and 3" rough, because Apache Wells can. This isn't a drag on Apache Wells, this is a notice to all golfers. Look for courses that offer amazing conditions rather than popularizing "architecture" because I promise those course's conditions will make the day of play MUCH more enjoyable.

I will be back. Often.

Played Viewpoint (18 Holes Reg) on Sunday August 19th as a threesome for around $16 plus tax. The check in was easy and the cart barn staff offered cold towels in a cooler near the cart station and tons of ice in nearby cooler as well. The pro shop is located next to the bar/grill area (come in for food as this place has some killer meals that I've had outside of golfing alone) and the staff was present promptly. We were offered to head right out whenever and we took the offer.

The course itself is rather straightforward and the conditions were typical mid summer. The tee boxes may have been a bit furry for most liking but using anything other than wedges its fine. The fairways were a biiiit inconsistent for my liking, you needed to strategically place your ball either far from the green off the tee or extremely close to it to get a playable lie; it was kind of hit or miss. The greens themselves were receptive and playable, however I had extreme difficulty finding where my pitch mark was made as if there were no dent made from a full wedge, I was confused all day even though my 5 irons checked up easily. The bunkers were playable near the greens and the fairway bunkers had nice firm sand.

The strategy is well thought out and really different from what a lot of Arizona Valley courses seem to aim for; Viewpoint aims to allow for a score-able day to any golfer regardless of skill. Play from your usual tee boxes and you'll have fun with this mini-parkland style course. The rough was up very high for summer expectations (we lost a few balls from barely fairway wide drives) and the greens are relatively large. We all had fun and like the variety of holes. As my dad said after the round, "this course places all the par 3's at just the right moment during the day and par 5's are perfectly aligned with the course topography". Bingo, come here for a fun day of scoring and leave with perhaps your lowest score of the season.

Played at 11:03 am on July 29th, twosome for $26.63 (with a $10 gift card given to us at arrival). The staff welcomed us as soon as we approached the club shop with a cart and directions. This course is tucked away in the Gold Canyon mountains and suburb area, beautifully located in the mountain's crevices if I say so myself. Once we walked into the pro shop we checked in and were given the mentioned gift cards that were included in the tee time phoned in because of recent aeration (it ended as of July 27th but they retroactively gave them to us anyways) and we were on our way. The drive to the first tee of the Sidewinder is a bit convoluted but the cart guy gave us some solid directions and we arrived.

The carts are equipped with a small cooler, club/ball cleaner and a really nice touch screen GPS system. All of these prepared us to conquer the perfectly maintained resort course. The tee boxes were lush, well outlined with walk-up rocky paths that accepted a tee at any point of our pleasure. The course allows for five to six different tee off locations, with Gold being the tips and the newest (latest addition as the distances were listed on any of the hole's mapping near the tee boxes). The fairways were soggy in FEW locations but otherwise very green and firm, lush in many areas without any bare spots to truly be seen. Though with no divot fill seed on the carts we didn't notice many if any divots on the fairways. The greens were perfect, accepted literally any shot creating a pitchmark (I drove a green with driver and the rollout was MAYBE 15 feet after it's crater of a pitchmark). The roll was true whether it was from a putt, approach or one of many well manicured and fluffy bunkers. The rough was 1"-2.5" inches but well manicured.

The course (Sidewinder) is relatively straight forward, could definitely be difficult for those who can't consistently carry driver 175+. Can't say there are any more than one or two memorable holes besides the 8th with a tree in front of the green in the fairway posing threat to any approach shots not placed off tee correctly; and the last par 5 18th that climbs up the slope nearby the Dinosaur's first tee box. While I'm not one to complain, this course often followed this ritual: tight fairway with slight dogleg one way or the other, bunker guarded green with slight deviation in elevation change and greens that were tiered at least once with a large bump.

A fun track that can twist and twine in between the suburbs and craters of the hilly mountain terrain well, I'd advise you take the trek out eastward and play this resort yourself.

Played my round with a hot deal at 12:57pm for $11 from Golf Now. Showed up to the course, after playing Coldwater, at 12:00pm and checked in with the pro shop attendant. The cart barn guys carried my clubs right from my car basically and I walked into the pro shop which by the way, is situated at the top of the "cliff" as they call it looking down upon the Par 5 18th, and driving range. Beautfiful, definitely worth stopping by the bar after the round if it wasn't 114 degrees out. The pro shop guy told me to speak with the cart guys about heading out "possibly 10 minutes before the tee time" and I was irritated. I showed up early, the course is empty and he wants me to wait?! I spoke with the cart guys and said they don't care, go out earlier to return earlier. Sounds good to me!!

The course conditions, **they aerated the greens on 7/22 and were closed for the following three days**, were immaculate. The tee boxes were firm and allowed any placement of tee. The fairways were incredibly green and lush. The rough was visible from the tee box so keep an eye on your ball. The bunkers, were plush and like powdered sugar machined raked. Though the greens were aerated they were definitely playable besides hole 9, as those three days of closure helped recover quickly. This course is definitely playable even after aeration.

Now, strategy thoughts. This course is designed by Tom Lehman. A well known name in the golf universe for his play. His designing skills, at least at this course, questionable. Yes they have yardage books for sale in the pro shop for $10+tax...but if it's your first time playing the course, don't play from where you normally do. The tips are unplayable the first time. You can't see the intended landing areas on any tee boxes after the first 3 holes. The back nine is a joke, basically from the tee boxes if you see any fairway, don't aim at it. You'll end up in the rough or bunker. See a hill of rocks blocking the view of the fairway, aim at that most likely. This course has what I call manufactured difficulty, the layout or the greens don't make it tough but the distance and the narrowness of the holes cause ridiculous strategies. From the tips, there are THREE par 5's that top out above 590 and they all play into the wind making it at least 640+. The yardage book should be included with the tee time as otherwise, the semi-blind tee shots and approach shots become impossible without them. 14th, "drivable par 4", is without a doubt the poorest designed hole in the world. That's not a hyperbole. Worth a play, but bring your long game...and preferably a MAP.

I will be posting a TON of pictures later, might be worth a drive to play and test your game if you'd like to play what I will call BETHPAGE BLACK-WEST.

Played Coldwater as a single at 7:30am for $29.93 off golfnow. Showed up to the easy to find course off the I-10 nearby the PHX International Raceway to be greeted by staff quickly. Checked in at the pro shop which is situated next to the clubhouse/grill area. The woman that checked me in offered me to leave off the tenth tee (started on the back nine) whenever I pleased since I did not know the other two paired with me at the tee time, as well as I showed up around 7:05am.

The course is situated between some Avondale suburbs and plays off the houses and nearby traintracks quite nicely. The morning conditions provided soft and slightly moist greens and fairways on the front nine, often leaving a great lie in the fairway. The tee boxes were well manicured (except for one or two holes, from the tips). The rough was either desert shrub or rough that grew to a few inches, nothing extreme but penal enough to not have any spin into the green. The bunkers, though few and far between, were amazing. Fluffy and sat the ball up well allowing for a multitude of shots greenside. The greens, aerated about 2-3 weeks ago, were perfect. Immaculate. Smooth. Firm. All of the above. They were amazing. The size and shape could've lead to some tough conditions during the summer but the green and fringe was perfect. Truly, I was amazed.

The course lends itself to some frustrating holes, from the tips as a first time player, on the back nine but most of the time the tee shots are easy. You can visually see the landing zone, with certain holes rolling out more if the hills are hit with driver. The greens are deceptively smaller than you think which means you basically have to fly the front of the green and just have a good putting day, not many green lights at flagsticks. What amazed me about this course, is the lack of large sand bunkers (there are native waste areas that aren't maintained) but the strategy doesn't lack a punch. The designers did a great job utilizing land and making your ball interact with the turf in order to shoot low scores. Definitely a sleeper track and worth playing on the west side of PHX!!

Will be posting a ton of pictures, had plenty of time as I played between 4somes with a Pace of Play still below 4 hours.

Played as a 3some at 10:30 am with a tee time reserved by phone 4 days in advance for $22+tax. Bag drop guys were organized with multiple tee times heading out and in at the same time all the while providing information on the course to be expected once we got out there. Cart girl was seen twice before leaving around 12:30pm. Staff was quite attentive and always looking to help. Big plus.

The course conditions were green, like a weird amount to be seen in Arizona during the summer (from the course I've played so far this was a breathe of fresh air on a humid one at that). The tee boxes (multiples to be played from) were green and quite soft/receptive. The fairways were good, while at times you felt a bit unfortunate for your ball to actually be sitting down in above normal fairway height grass. This is a plus however rather than playing from dead browned dirt, something all Arizonians know toooooo well. The rough played and meshed in with the fairways, at times confusing me if I hit fairway, but rough was somewhere around 2-3 inches long. The greens, they were beautiful. Accepted 5 iron spin and pitch marks, while rolling around a 9 on the stimp. Soft and slow? Thank you monsoons! They definitely pay attention to keeping these maintained. Bunkers looked great, with plenty of rakes nearby. None of my playing partners or myself were in them but they looked good.

This course plays easy, with an index around 61.6, and it lends itself to some fun times. Though houses are nearby all day, they never barge into your round or make you nervous unless you slice it 50 yards every driver. And even then, this course doesn't require you to hit driver all the time. Off the tee position is paramount with your approach shots just requiring you to be on the dance floor. Once your on, the greens aren't deceptive and you just need to have a DECENT putting day to have fun. "Resort" course with cheap prices, this is a great combo. We'll be back, shortly.

Played July 1, for a riding rate of $37 around 11:15am. Course was lightly packed with golfers on the Sunday before 4th of July however the clubhouse, cart girl and cart guys were quick on the ball with service when needed. This course recently was purchased by the Phil Mickelson group taking over the Troon managed Troon 'South' and the service was slightly lacking compared to Troon. What was noticeable, SMALL but noticed, were the corners being cut for profit. Here's what my group noticed: range balls aren't free with round anymore, they're $5-$10 depending on size (that's a HUGE deal for me) , no name printed on pencils or tees, yardage sheet not provided with every cart and lack of family based deals on course. Again, these are Troon specials I know, however, this course cuts corners for profit now.

The course conditions were...to be fair, well below average on the fairways (half expected due to weather and they did mention this when we called into book tee time) however the tee boxes, greens and rough/bunkers were average if not above average slightly. While money has been pumped into some aspects of the course, they haven't paid off yet (the figure is somewhere in the millions to my sources) and still are recovering. I would be strictly appalled if they hadn't been so forthcoming because I wouldn't pay $37 but more around $25.

The strategy is still this course's bright and shinning star. Take driver on a few holes but most shots off tee are placement for your approach into the most likely island green (24 of 27 holes on complex have water, somewhere) and well bunkered native area elsewhere. The greens are complex and often multi-tiered while challenging, require a good wedge shot most times with two putts being vital for a good score. Fun course and a breath of fresh air when all that is here in the valley is desert golf or imitation of links.

Great play and design, needs a while to see if the new management can revive this green oasis to what it was in the not so distant past. Do appreciate, the course's transparency in offering a $20 off a tee time including one guest by September due to the current conditions. Shows they are confident it will recover!

Played the Grand on June 24th at around 1:05pm for $17 from calling into the shop. The staff was out on a hot summer Sunday attentive to every need my two-some had. Mango towels offered by the ranger who made sure everyone also stayed on pace and the cart girl was seen three times total on the front nine.

The course was feeling summer a little bit extra this summer as compared to the past. Can't blame extreme temperatures because it's been about average as everyone here knows, but the greens were dried on the edges, the fairways were thin and browning (not hard pan but it was visible especially in the barren rough spots) as well as the rough. The rough was long and hard to hack out of near the green however the fairway's guard is more so the native desert area. The tee boxes were excellent, however there were two par 3's that were rough. Overall the conditions were very playable however the conditions can be improved.

The course is laid out with the first 6 or 7 holes being typical resort, water based holes. However the back nine becomes distinctly desert target golf basically taking out the driver from your hands if you hit any longer than 250. I like this course for the staff and the course is consistent with what you get; cheap playable resort golf that is usually desolate of a myriad of golfers making your round ridiculously above 5 hours.

Playable, but don't go out of your way.

Played Dobson June 21st as a single with a cart at $21 around 3pm. The clubhouse staff was adequate, during a dead and slow Thursday that when I was on the course I ran into 4 other golfers so it was quiet. I played within a total of 2 hours and 40 minutes. Never saw a cart girl however there are water fountains every 3 or so holes with a bathroom every 6 holes.

The course was in great condition besides a few dead spots as to be expected during the scorching summer. Tee boxes were soft and accepted my tee wherever I needed. A few holes had unleveled tee boxes, which I'm surprised they haven't fixed yet, as well as divots on par threes. Fairways were thin at the start (where the fairways begin) however near legit landing spots they were playable. Greens were the star of the show, once again like they usually are. With exception to the recent past, the greens were smooth and accepted any play of approach.

The strategy of the course makes this course a great quick muni-track that plays no matter your ability. I really enjoy this course and when it's in great condition like this during the summer, it'll be replayed over and over.