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The course has taken a few steps backward since we played it last year. Fairways were bare in too many areas and the grass was cut sporadically. The grass on the greens was way too high, even for an Arizona summer. Water bottles on course were empty before noon. I would rate this course today as below average for a municipal course. There are too many better courses in the same price range in the same area.

The course in the summertime has reduced rates, and that's what made playing it palatable. Greens were in decent shape, but recent maintenance in the run up areas made hitting the right club into the green a crap shoot. And the layout is off the charts. Several distances from a green to its next tee can be more than a half-mile. Talk about breaking your rhythm. What was the architect thinking? Directional signage is marginal and there's no easy way for the golfer to get from the mandated parking lot to the pro shop. Other than that, it's worth the $32.

Price was low (normal gf = $155) because of the heat of Summer in Arizona and due to their aerating several fairways on the back nine. We lucked out and got a cloudy day, very good weather, and the fairways under aeration were still very playable. Love the layout, and I expect to play it better next time now that I know what the architects had in mind. Several holes had interesting bits in the fairway we weren't sure of until we got to our second shots. Greens were smooth and about 10 on the Stimpmeter, I'm guessing.

Very good practice facility. Lots of chipping areas available to practice multiple lies and shot lengths. Course was a bit rough due to the annual "monsoons," but the greens were fair and consistent. The pinsetter must have had a bad weekend as some of the holes were cut in odd places, a couple very close to the green's edge. We played as a twosome starting mid morning and finished in less than three hours. Great pace of play! The staff, especially Brian, were helpful with course info, and ensured we were happy with our first experience with Crooked Tree. This is not a resort or high-end membership course, but if you're interested in a fair test of golf, give it a try.