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Rating Index Rating
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4.6
1198 Reviews (1198)
5 Stars
826
4 Stars
277
3 Stars
60
2 Stars
28
1 Stars
7
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.3
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.7
Pace
4.3
Amenities
4.5
94.6%
Recommend this course
1122 out of 1198 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.6
96 Reviews (96)
5 Stars
70
4 Stars
21
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.3
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.7
95.8%
Recommend this course
92 out of 96 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.6
139 Reviews (139)
5 Stars
98
4 Stars
30
3 Stars
6
2 Stars
3
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.3
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.7
94.2%
Recommend this course
131 out of 139 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Style Traditional/Links
Par 72
Length 7546 yards
Slope 142
Rating 76.4

Stretching over 320 acres in the southwest area, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club (previously known as Royal Dunes) transforms mostly flat terrain into a challenging course that uses practically twice the amount of land a standard course. The course incorporates superb landscaping featuring towering mounds and hollow valleys for an interesting and scenic game. This desert golf course has wide fairways and generous landing areas. The dunes-style layout requires precision from tee to green. The difficulty of the golf course lies within the deep, strategically placed sand bunkers, multi-tiered greens, and native grass roughs. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club provides adequate challenge for players of any skill level.

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Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
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Course Details

Year Built 2002
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round. Closed on Mondays from June 1 - August 31st
Architect Brian Curley (2002) Fred Couples (2002) Lee E. Schmidt (2002)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Caddies Yes
Golf School Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code Appropriate golf attire.

Food & Beverage

Bar, Grill

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities, Spa, Locker Rooms

Available Sports

Fitness

Accolades

Reviews

4.6
1198 Reviews (1198)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 57
Patio Dining 46
Brunch 24
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 119
Forced Carries 54
Undulating Greens 54
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 88
A Bucket list/Top 100 Pick 48
A Weekend Splurge 44
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 100
In the 'Burbs 15
Convenient to the City 7

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Reviewer Photos

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

In Great shape

Course is in phenomenal shape. Greens are rolling fast and true.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 17
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 28
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Beautiful Course

Sourhern Dunes is a great course In wonderful condition. Greens are first rate and fairways super nice. The staff are all friendly and the grill has very nice selections. One of the best overall courses I have played. All the prices of Phoenix area courses have gone through the roof the last couple of years. So much for growing the game but if they get enough play that is really what matters. If you can get a good price or are comfortable with the fee you will enjoy the course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 17
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Sand

Course was in excellent condition. Lots of Sand traps that made the course especially challenging. The only suggestion I would give is to try and make the sand traps more consistent. Some were good but others were hard pan. Beautiful course and Friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Shirley golfer.

It's a challenging course. I think the greens were very slow and had a tough time getting the ball to the hole.
Still, a very fun course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 49
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Bunkers

The course was in excellent shape. Some of the bunkers the sand was very thin, club bounced off the hard pan.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Nice track

Great layout, lots of risk/reward. Greens and fairways in excellent shape. Lots and lots and lots of sand. Bring your bunker game.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 11
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Wonderful experience -private club feel

Range balls included
Bag drop and pick up services
Greens at fair speed, course very playable
Sand in bunkers was good and solid condition
Offered free water on course
Great carts with GPS confirming yardage to the pin
Enjoyed the 7:36 second off tee time hot deal total cost $120, very fair cost.
Plenty of grass well groomed and plush around the greens and in the fairways.
Enjoyed the day!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Greens too slow

Course is great shape but the greens were way too slow for this time of year and the amount of money you’re paying.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Cold weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

First time and I will definitely be back!

Didn’t know what to expect and was unsure of the 50 min drive from Scottsdale, but from the moment you pull up to the bag drop the staff were very friendly and and welcoming. The range setup was great and practise greens were in great shape and very true. The starter was funny and got us off to a great start. The course was in immaculate condition. The pace of play was great you never felt rushed but also never had to wait. This course is just as good or better than any in Scottsdale for a fraction of the price. I will definitely be back to play everytime I’m in the Phoenix area.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Last minute

Was able to secure a single spot no worries. Unfortunately the driving range was closed due to par 3 starting. Otherwise the starter got me out on time at 2:20 for full 18. Manicured like higher priced courses. In Maricopa, plan for a relaxing drive. Enjoyed my round with guys from Iowa, Mike, Eric, and Dr. Mike. I’ll be back for sure!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Course is one of my favorites in the valley. Always in great shape and the staff has always been great. Greens are in great shape and quick. Bunkers not bad for Az and the fairways are plush. Great practice area to warm up. Was another great day of golf!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
First Time Playing
Cold weather
Used cart

Over priced - $$$$

Understaffed. Heavy rain, with pour run off, that morning and no one to help get water off the course. Fairways were generally 1/2" deep in water, bunkers all had Ponds of water, greens are mainly elevated and pourly airated thus, as hard as rocks (heavy foot prints from previous days = not rolled out).
We had carts but restricted to cart path which were all one 1 side only, therefore would have been better off walking.
2 groups in front had same issues and also not too pleased.
Prices appear to be jacked up for the Waste Management Open week. $349.93 x 3 = $1,046.78.

Sorry Southern Dunes but it is what it is.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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