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There was more water on this course than I remembered from the first time I played last year, and some of it was hidden from the tee box. Also, make sure you try and position your tee shots avoiding water and taking into account fairway slopes.

This course has always presented challenges for me, since several of the fairways slope one way or another. Consequently, drive position is very important. Plus the wind kicked up quite a bit while playing, which added another challenge, but by-and-by, this course and the location present a good value and great place to get away from the heat and hustle bustle of the Phoenix area.

Our foursome was sent off the back nine first, which is a little longer than the front. The course appeared to be in great shape, and most fairways are wide and open, which would indicate the potential for a lower score, but you still have to get some distance out of your drives and second shot. Even the par 3's seemed a little longer than normal running from 136 to 199. But, it is very enjoyable and requires accurate shot placement, especially around the greens.

Our foursome found the course in pretty good shape, especially for the summer price, which was only $10 on Tuesdays in the summer. Of course, you have to deal with the Arizona heat, which can be a challenge, but since we live and play here all year round, you get used to it. I enjoyed the round and would play here again. Several bunkers had water puddles, but aside from that the course condition was pretty darn good.

We have a regular foursome, but one guy couldn't make it. We usually play the Phoenix city courses, so this was a treat for us because the green fees are so much less during the summer. Our threesome agreed that the biggest challenge was second shot and approach shots because of the several hazards traversing the fairways. Because of this I lost 7 balls. An all time high for me. This was because I neglected to change my game to fit the course. We concluded that you needed to actually hold up on your second shot to come up just short of the hazard, then use your mid iron or shorter iron, depending on the distance to hit over the hazard to the green. Of course we are not long hitters, so on par fives we are looking at a third shot to the green. The course is challenging, but also fun.

This course will hold your interest because it has more par 4's than the average executive, plus it has its fair amount of water and bunkers. One dog leg to the right defies keeping it on the fairway, unless you have a natural fade in your game. This course also has a par 5 with a blind water hazard on the left side of the green that cannot be seen from the fairway. Good luck, and have fun.

Because many of the greens are smaller, and many slop off drastically, you must be accurate with your approach shots. Also, play the safe side of fairways. There are several fairways that have rocks and trees on one side, but slopping grassy fairways on the other. Avoid dirt patches like the plague.

Although course conditions were not up to par, due to large pools of water left over from a recent storm, this course has always been one of the best values to me in the Valley. It has two or three very nice long holes, but this is essentially a good test for your short game. I would highly recommend it.