Apache Stronghold Golf Course

Back in 1999, Tom Doak opened the Apache Stronghold Golf Course, a beautiful accompaniment to the casino built at the same time. From the back tees, it was a complete beast, running a bit over 7,500 yards in length with a 145 slope. It possessed as fine a mixture of par threes in the state. Doak also included a drivable zero-horizon par four. The par fives were brilliant. There was nothing about this course that was second rate. But the death knell was that it was in Globe. There just wasn't enough traffic to keep it going. Year after year, it was allowed to go to seed and then, they simply closed it in the midst of the late 2000 financial crisis. Shut it down. For what appeared to be good.

The course reopened in 2013. It is STILL in rough shape and that is truly saddening. BUT the DESIGN remains and it is absolutely worth the trip to do a Stay and Play, simply to see what Tom Doak can do if you have never played one of his designs. If you have, then it's simply a celebratory ride through the High Desert, wishing that money was no object and that it would be poured into the course. Bring some cigars, a good buddy, have a few drinks while you play and keep your mind open. I promise you, you won't forget what a truly great golf course designer was able to do with such a remarkable stretch of land.

This course could be one of the best in the state. The layout follows the natural terrain and offers a wide variety of shots required. There are no homes near the course, only nature. The course conditions are very poor. The fairways are spotty at best, the greens are bumpy and have patches without grass and the sand traps are basically unplayable. The cart paths are so rough in places that you think you're four wheeling instead of golfing. Even with all the negative comments, we had an enjoyable round because of the design.

I've played Apache Stronghold for years. The greens are coming around, but I prefer them a lot slicker. Still some bad areas here and there, but me playing there for so long, I know where to place my ball. Rudy is always awesome. He deserves a raise.

The course has undergone significant improvements to the cart paths and drainage. The majority of the fairways are in great condition but the lack of sprinkler repairs has allowed large patches of the grass to die off. Several of the greens had rough spots.

All the greens had been aerated and covered in sand which made for very poor putting conditions. I was surprised that the course was open under these conditions or that the whole course had been treated at the same time. The fairways were not in very good condition either. My recommendation to a friend would be, "not at this time".

A long but very, very scenic drive from Mesa to Apache Stronghold Golf Course.

Very friendly staff and terrific service at the course which was challenging and scenic. No houses around the golf holes and lots of distance between holes makes you feel you are on a real desert course.

The food at the snack bar was delicious and fresh and we had dinner at the Casino next doir that was good and affordable.

All and all, great value for the day.

Spectacular setting. Course in rough shape but still very playable. Hope to play a few more rounds before the next monsoons washes it away. Rudy is the man!

While course conditions are average for a muni the layout is one of the most spectacular and challenging anywhere. Tom Doak used a natural routing and terrain to craft one of the best layouts anywhere. No two holes are alike. Super golf packages and low green fees make this a must play for those in the Phoenix area. Just visited for the fourth time and can not wait to go back.

Arrived an hour early for tee time so decided to get out as there was only 1 golfer in front of us (2-some) power cart with gps, friendly people. Tee boxes were like carpet. Fairways, soft but crispy grass. Workers out there manicuring the course. Even though they are sand cart paths, they are still not rough, non-issue. Enjoyed this natural wilderness course. Washrooms on course were clean, with running water and flush toilets. Such a shame this course is not booked solid, maybe just getting started. Great value for the quality of course. Also have nice choices for golf apparel in pro shop. Hope you continue to grow and become a well attended and appreciated golf course. We totally enjoyed the experience here. Thank you!

If you want to experience the ultimate in desert golf this is it. Our foursome has played well over thirty courses in the valley and agree none compare to Apache Stronghold for desert terrain and mountain views. If you're a golf snob and demand perfectly manicured fairways and greens don't bother. The fairways are spotty and the greens look horrible but play as true as any I've played this year. The greens are also the fastest I've played in years. Worth the drive and we'll be returning soon.

We enjoy this course it plays thru the unspoiled desert surrounding elevated tees fast rolling greens and beautiful views!! Had breakfast at the casino highly recommend it also!!

This course is easily one of my favorites in all of Arizona as it is an architectural masterpiece. It has made strides in condition improvement with irrigation repairs and bunker improvements. Unfortunately the fairways are suffering from Jackrabbit infestation Wish something could be done to control the Jackrabbits rutting up the fairways. Greens have made progress and they putt fantastic. Some bad spots on some greens but less visible than before. Even with shortcomings the course is very playable and always fun to play.

This course is awesome. I used to think I was getting pretty good at golf but Apache Stronghold humbled me again.I have played here 3 times and not 1 birdie yet..(maybe cause I play the back tee) but it is my fault to be sure.Because of fast greens with undulations#4 green is ridiculously hard if they put the flag back left. Course was in good shape but winds did not help scoring. I may have met my match...

This is one of the toughest courses I have ever played. Great layout in the middle of nature. Liked that cart paths were dirt and didn't take away from the natural look. The back tees are over 7500 yds and the next up where I played were around 7000 yds. Great variety of holes using the natural terrain. The course had some rough spots on the fairways and greens, but with some TLC this course could be championship level. Great value for the price and a less than 3 hour 18 hole round.

Don’t play the tips...its brutal. Once we moved up a tee box it was very playable. Had the whole course to ourselves (seemed) the pace was great and the greens were ok. The fairways were less than desirable but for the price we weren’t complaining. Great road trip golf with your cigar smokin, music listenin, beer drinkin buddies. We had a ball played 27 holes and plan on making an annual trip up.

The fairways were painted green as they don't reseed. The greens were tricky and fast. We had the course to ourselves as we played at 11:AM. It was a great time had by all.

The staff are wonderful! It's a challenging course, but not kept up as well as it should be.

Great golf carts with gps. Beautiful scenery and a fun place to play

1st thing. The original concept was great. Get a world class designer to design the course. Everybody will come. However, it is the middle of nowhere. The casino has 1000 slot machines and 2 card tables. Everybody in the casino needs walkers to maneuver. Nothing else but loud music to make it seem like a happening place. Anyway, the course suffers on maintenance mostly sand traps, because it is just the slot machines sustaining the place. But, The course is Great! Every hole is a treat! The greens are very large, so you can hit them. Putting is like putting on a hillside. Brutal. Carts have GPS. Anyway, you WILL not be dissapointed.