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4.9
68 Reviews (68)
5 Stars
44
4 Stars
17
3 Stars
5
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.8
Value
4.1
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.2
Pace
4.8
Amenities
4.8
98.3%
Recommend this course
64 out of 68 reviews
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0
Value
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Layout
0
Friendliness
0
Pace
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Amenities
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0%
Recommend this course
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0
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Recommend this course
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About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Style Desert
Par 71
Length 6533 yards
Slope 132
Rating 71.6

The Sidewinder at Gold Canyon Golf Resort slithers about the base of Dinosaur Mountain among arroyos and dry creeks. Indigenous cacti like cholla and prickly pear and trees like mesquite and palo verde feature along the testing curves that require top play.

A round on the Sidewinder at Gold Canyon Golf Resort begins on the 487-yard par-5 first. It's one of four par-5s, with the others measuring over 500 yards from the gold tees; the second of these is the 523-yard sixth. The last is the 505-yard 18th, a tough way to finish, requiring a drive up the middle of the fairway, between two washes, to hit the green in two.

The reward after a round on the Sidewinder at Gold Canyon Golf Resort sits in The Bar & Grill, simply named and recently redone in marble and slate, but not in such a way to remove its casual ninth-hole charm.

Course Details

Year Built 1997
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Ken Kavanaugh

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
Clubs Yes
GPS Yes
Pull-carts No

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Caddies No
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area No
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Discover Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed No
Dress code Collared shirt and bermuda shorts required. No denim.

Food & Beverage

Catering, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities, Spa

Available Sports

Fitness

Accolades

Reviews

4.9
68 Reviews (68)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 17
19th Hole Scenic Views 10
Brunch 10
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 21
Undulating Greens 18
Elevation Changes 16
This course/club is great for:
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 25
Advanced Golfers 16
A Weekend Splurge 15
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 27
At a Resort 13
In the 'Burbs 8

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 53
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Course was in great shape, it seemed busy but I played in about 3 hours

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart

Relaxing course to play

Easy course. The layout was straightforward. Greens were in great shape. The greens are this course's defense. a relaxing day of golf nice break in our vacation during the middle of the week.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Fairly Easy
Played On
Reviews 102
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 250 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Another Great Time!

Played Sidewinder on Sunday and what a great day! The staff in the shop and everywhere on site is so great. They all are very nice and welcoming which helps start the day off right. Conditions were excellent! I would highly recommend making the drive out here as it is well worth it!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 102
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 250 Contributor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Hidden Gem

I have played Dinosaur Mtn many times but this was the first time I have played Sidewinder and I was impressed! The course was in excellent conditions and the layout was very fun. Not as much elevation as the other course but just a good and fun layout for all golfers! This would be an amazing facility to play 36 holes with your friends!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Intersting course

Got a deal as I played with a member. Normally expensive. This is a tale of 2 nines. Front nine very hilly with lots of variety. Back nine flat and thru a valley. Back nine is susceptable to flooding and there is apparent damage and the fairways are spotty. You will notice, due to this, the back nine greens are mostly elevated and cupped to provide water run-off. Greens is good condition - running about 10 - 11. Bunkers are OK but more like P-gravel than sand. Staff is great, helpfull. range is good.
Restaurant is very pricey. better deals and food at the local joints.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 14
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart

Fun short track

Course was in great shape. Shorter than what I am used to playing. Practice range is below average. The other course has all the fun elevation changes but is also twice the cost. Was playing with my son so I chose to play Sidewinder instead. We had a great time. We will definitely come back.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Mixed Emotions

Was visiting from Chicago and decided to play Sidewinder, although I've been told that Dinosaur Mountain is the one to play here. Dinosaur Mountain was closed for overseeding. Figured for the price I got, it wouldn't disappoint. Based on the view on hole #1, I figured I had gotten the bargain of all bargains. Absolutely stunning first hole tucked on the mountainside, with the superstitions blanketing the sky past the fairway. Honestly one of the prettiest backdrops I've ever seen. The next amazing view will come at a downhill par 3 on hole #4. Break out the camera again. Holes 1 through 8 play in the canyon, so to speak, so they have a lot of character and views. The rest of the holes were just ok. Pretty mundane compared to the first 8. Feel like I could play those holes anywhere in AZ. For the price I got, along with the 76 I shot, I'd definitely come back. Hopefully I can get on Dinosaur Mountain next time as well.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 28
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
First Time Playing

Meh...

We played 36 this day on a golf trip. One round at Sidewinder, one round at Dinosaur Mountain.

Sidewinder was underwhelming relative to the other course. The layout was a bit gimmicky and short. Conditioning was great.

Overall, bad value in my opinion

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Fun and challenging course!!

This course is in great condition! The views of the Superstitions are just fantastic! The GPS system is of great help so be sure to use it and you will have a lot of fun!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 50
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Fantastic greens

Greens are in amazing shape on this well designed layout.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

First Time; Great Course

I've been wanting to check this course out, and booked it on their web site after seeing a decent rate on GolfNow. Usually a little too pricey for me, but getting to the time of year when deals abound.

Showed up almost an hour ahead of my tee time, and course was wide open. I was underwhelmed at first, because the facilities are a bit dated, and worn. Practice range was off mats, for some reason, even though the grass area was large and in nice shape. They said I could go when I was ready, so I hit a few balls and took off by myself. Played alone the whole time, and barely saw any o her golfers. Took my time and hit an extra ball or balls often. Pace was a non-issue.

Layout is much more scenic and interesting on the front nine, with nice views of the Superstition Mountains. Back nine is OK, but not as scenic, and a number of the holes wind tightly through tract homes.

Course conditions were excellent, with the grass in great shape throughout, and the greens receptive to approach shots. I've played too many area courses that are kind of browned-out and very hard/firm. Sidewinder was noticeably lusher and softer. Greens were in wonderful shape, and rolled fast and true. Bunkers had actual sand in them!

All in all, a nice experience and I will be back. Can't wait to try the Dinosaur course!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Fun Course!

Had a great time playing Sidewinder. More of a resort course so you will have houses on some fairways. There were some great views of the mountains and some moderate elevation changes. Overall in very good condition and a great tune up for Dinosaur Mountain

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 18
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Fair weather
Used cart

Accomodating

Made the golf now reservation Friday morning and thought it was for Friday but did not look at confirmation e-mail. Ugh, it was for Saturday Jan 16. When I got there and found the mistake I made, the two attendants at the check in said "Don't worry we will find a way to get you out without messing up other guests". Sure enough there was an opening 15 minutes after original intent and enjoyed the day and honored the price I paid. That is customer service in action.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Switched to Dinosaur and loved it.

I met Garrett at the bag drop and told him I wanted to play Dinosaur, but could only get a tee time for Sidewinder. He told me that they could get me on Dinosaur. It was my first time at Gold Canyon and a friend of mine raved about Dinosaur, so I was ecstatic to switch.

The starter got me playing as soon as I was done warming up, and that was the start to a wonderful round of golf. The weather was beautiful and so was the scenery. It was sunny with no wind.

The course takes you into the hills next to Dinosaur Mountain. That creates substantial elevation changes on several holes. The greens are fast so you should target the area below the hole on your approach. The fairways are wide enough to accommodate a little fade or draw. Water is in play on only one hole on the back 9.

I look forward to playing this course again. I played in the afternoon and 10 deer strolled across the course after 4:30 pm.

If you've never been to Gold Canyon, it's located 27 miles East of the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport off HWY 60.

Merry Christmas!

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great Course to play if you get a deal

excellent course and great conditions if you can get a break on the green fees

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Enjoyed my round here

Everything was great about this course, the conditions were perfect, greens were in great shape, and cant say enough good things about the conditions. Amazing Scenery, feels like your in the middle of nowhere. Recommend this course -5 STARS

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Absolutely perfect

Fabulous course with fun and friendly staff. Both courses, sidewinder and dinasour are amazing.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 47
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Target golf

Considering that this was the end of the summer, this course was in very good condition. Not a long course, but don't let that fool you. You really need to play smart here. Beautiful views throughout the course. With a summer rate, this was well worth the drive.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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