Lives
Peoria, AZ
Handicap
0-4
Age
65+
Gender
Male
Skill
Advanced
Plays
A few times a week

Review Statistics

Average Rating

3.3
3.2
Total 8 Reviews

Rating Breakdown

8 Reviews
5 Stars
3
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
1
Recommended Courses
4
Not Recommended Courses
4
Helpful Votes Count
14
Not Helpful Votes Count
32
First Review
07/25/2015
Last Review
01/25/2021

Reviews Map

Reviews

3.2
Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Course Difficulty
First time playing this course
Recommended
Review has
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Windy weather
Used cart

An excellent value for a top course

I've always enjoyed Dove Mountain at Ritz Carlton. You can't go wrong with any of the 9's, though Tortolita and Wild Burro are my two favorites. The conditions are usually good (not great) and the layout of the nines are very good. The only issue I have on-course is the greens are a bit on the overly sloped side... sometimes you'll have side-hill putts and such. Certainly interesting though.
Bring extra water, as the staff will give you only two water bottles per twosome... we played here one summer in "max weather", and there was no on-course water, and those two bottles disappeared quickly.
Definitely a great value for a high end course!

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

Arizona National Golf Club

Played On 01/16/2021
3.0
Previously Played
Windy weather
Used cart

Management issues mar a beautiful setting

This course has a ton of potential, but has a lot of management issues.
First, the course. The conditions are good to very good, with consistent greens and healthy grass (except for the tee boxes). It is on the side of very steep hills, and the designer did a good job dealing with the inherent challenges of that situation. Some of the holes are just "too much", with blind shots or overdone carries. I'll leave that to other golfers to describe.
On the management issues, I'll list out the things I am disappointed with:
- Range balls are not included. For what I would consider to be a premium price on the Tucson scale, you have to pay a sizable fee for a not so sizable bucket
- If you leave balls on the range to go to the tee, the starter scurries over to pick up the balls so other golfers can't use them. And this is a premium course?
- The practice green is tiny, massively sloped, and completely unrepresentative of the pace of the on-course greens.
- There is no ranger keeping things moving. Our round lasted over 5 hours, and there was a group of 6 playing ahead of us. Ouch.
Overall, I enjoy this golf course for the spectacular views and the interesting layout. However, the pace of play makes the round seem interminable.
I think there are better values in the Tucson area. I recommend Del Lago, with great layout and a lower price. For the same price point (if you use golf moose), Dove Mountain is a great option as well.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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Commented on 01/27/2021

Thank you for playing and leaving a review. We'll pass your concerns along to the appropriate person.

del Lago Golf Club

Played On 01/08/2021
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Windy weather
Used cart

best value in the Tucson area

Del Lago has been one of my favorite Tucson-area golf courses for around 30 years. Year in and year out, the conditions are good. Plus the design is great- interesting holes that meander through desert canyons, with great variety and no bad holes. I think DL hosts fewer golfers that most Tucson golf courses, but that means it's a little easier to get a tee time, prices are a bit lower, and the pace is a little better.

The winter and summer rates are excellent- IMHO the best value in the Tucson area for one of the best courses.

The only hole i would tweak (if they ever have the $$) is 18- the water features on that hole are a bit cheesy and out of place in such a dry environment. My recommendation would be to turn it into some sort of desert feature and save the $$ from evaporation and pumping.

Play Del Lago if you visit Tucson! you probably won't regret it.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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Commented on 02/04/2021

Outstanding! Thank you so much for the great review. We are glad you had an incredible time, and we hope to see you again soon! Thanks for choosing del Lago Golf Club.

2.0
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Great location, OK layout, horrible service, $10 for balls at the worst range ever

This course is in a great location - very centrally located. The layout is pretty good- they are severely space limited so you can't complain too much. There's not a lot of "shot value" here- the bunkering is very typical, and you just hit driver on the majority of holes.
The service is beyond horrible. When you arrive, there's no one to take your clubs- you have to carry then about 100 yards to the cart staging area. Once there, you see about 10 young guys in uniform talking, laughing, and waiting for people to return carts so they can spend 30 seconds cleaning the clubs for (hopefully) a large tip. They do not help with anything ... I heard another visitor complaining "aren't you guys going to help me at all?". Sad.
The small buckets of range balls are $10, and they have mats, though there is some grass that they may have open from time to time. Given the cost of the golf, balls should really be free, IMHO.
They had ZERO water on the course, and don't give you any water bottles at any time. There are drink carts, but the pricing is high- bottles of powerade are $4.
Our round was 5.5 hours, as there are no rangers trying to keep things moving. I think every employee was in the golf shop or hawking tips in the staging area...
Overall it's a pretty decent golf course, but just realize the customer service is beyond horrible, and you're going to have to fend for yourself. It's a bit surprising to see this, as the Biltmore was at one point the premier resort name in Arizona.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
Difficulty Fairly Easy
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Commented on 10/09/2020

Hi there. So sorry to hear about your experience. Due to COVID we do not provide a bag drop attendant at this time. Also due to course policy and COVID we aren’t allowed to touch bags unless requested by the individual. Also as far as coolers of water on the course go we aren’t allowed to have those on the course as well due to COVID and the close proximity to walking paths and other people in the community. Once carts finish our outside staff has to ask if people want there club’s cleaned and taken care of. Usually we only have 2-3 guys in the staging area so I’m not sure where you got the 10 person number. Maybe some of our members talking with the guys? Sorry about the range as well but Monday to Thursday we are on the grass tee and Friday to Sunday we are on mats to try and conserve the grass. Hope this cleared some things up. Any other questions or comments please feel free to contact me. Thank you

Wolf Creek Golf Club

Played On 07/24/2020
2.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

The Emperor has no clothes, How did this course get such positive reviews? not a fair test of golf skills

Is this what you are looking for in a golf experience:
- 30 to 100 yards of elevation change on every single tee shot or approach shot
- The extremity of the terrain and the fact that there is no guidance to give you a sense of distance makes choosing the correct line nearly impossible
- a half dozen lost balls on drives where you took a stab at the correct line, hit a perfect shot, and never find the result?
- Fake water features EVERYWHERE around the bone dry desert
- Repeated blind tee shots where you cannot see the landing area?
- A tee shot from the tips on hole 9 requiring a 250 yards to carry the water, and it is oriented into the prevailing southwest wind?
- Greenskeepers parked in the fairway right in the landing zone on 3 holes?
- Unkempt tee boxes for the back tees, which don't even have tee markers?
THEN THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU!

I was very surprised to see the positive reviews for this course, and I don't really get it. There are some positives- it's a beautiful layout in the canyons, the greens were in perfect condition, and the pro staff was very friendly and helpful. But beyond that- it's NOT a good test of golf skills, you are making guesses on distance and line on nearly every shot.
We had 4 guys in our group, two of whom are low single digit (me and another) and two who were mid handicappers. The other A player summed it up best- "They need a clown's mouth over the entrance to the course!".
A good corollary for this course is the Rim Club in Arizona, another course where you will hit good shots and never find the ball on a regular basis.
We traveled 6 hours to play this course and Coyote Springs. Coyote Springs is EXCELLENT- it is everything this course is not. It is a long drive from civilization, but it is worth it! Really well designed.
I think every golfer should play Wolf Creek once, just to see how a course design can get out of of hand. It's a humorous experience!

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Poor
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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Commented on 10/09/2020

How do you compare wolf creek to the rim club? I’ve played both and while wolf creek is different and has some quirky holes the rim club is totally a fair test of golf. Either move a tee up or get a range finder/yardage book to help you out. I always get one when I go to a new course and rarely play any new course blind and without the help of some kind of range finder or yardage guide.

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Commented on 10/01/2020

Don’t let this guy scare you away from this course!
This place isn’t your ordinary course! The blind shots he is talking about are if you are trying to cut doglegs! There is no gps on the carts, but if you have your own gps or range finder bring it, or just play smart golf you’ll be fine!
This course can humble you, which sounds like it did! I am a 14 handicap, played it twice, shot 84 and 86, one lost ball. If you’re good enough to play from the tips, you shouldn’t be losing any balls!
Water? Yes lots of water on the course! Desert courses have water!!! Palm Springs courses, have water! Arizona courses have water! Vegas courses, have water!! Desert or not, they all have water! Fake water features? Are not most courses full of “fake” water features?
Hole 9 and 250 to carry? Who is forcing you to carry? Play smart golf, not testosterone golf! If you’re a 4 handicap you could be able to carry 250, or be smart enough to not play from the tips.
This is one of the best courses on the planet! It’s not for everyone, but play smart and you’ll have a great time!

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Commented on 08/05/2020

I've played this track 3 times now (a 7 handicap) and was lucky enough to play with a local the first round who told me what lines to take off the tee. A lot of prep using the video game as well made a massive difference - once you understand the elevations and how much to add/subtract this place is very score-able and extremely fun! If you play it smart and don't cut too many corners, etc. it is more than fair and playable. Just my opinion - don't give up on it yet give it a shot with someone who knows the course and I promise you'll truly enjoy it!!

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Commented on 08/02/2020

Thank you for your comments,
I am not surprised at your comments after playing the back tees. There are blind shots and forced carries of 235 yards. The tips were designed to be a test of all tests. Tour player test. I am an all american golfer, still a scratch player and can still hit it 250 in the air and the tips are too much for me. From the blue tee boxes there isnt one blind tee shot. Sure if you want to take on big risk reward shots you can but if you don't pull it off you pay the consequences like you should on any course.

The elevated tee boxes , fairways carved through box canyons, and water features are enjoyable for the vast majority of people that visit and play the proper tees.

I am truly disappointed that you and the guys didn't have a good time. If you come out again perhaps we can get you to play the blue tee boxes. I appreciate your nice comments on our staff, the views and the greens.

Thanks for giving us a try.

Desert Highlands Golf Club

Played On 03/02/2018
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Improving greens on Arizona's best layout

This is a follow up review from the comments I left a few years ago. At the time of the previous review, DH was nearly unplayable - the greens were rock hard and completely unreceptive. I'm happy to say that the situation is now vastly improved. This year (2018) the greens are very soft and hold well-struck shots without a problem. I'd prefer bent grass to the hybrid they have, but I don't think the club has the cojones to admit they made a mistake and redo the greens, now that they are receptive. I've upgraded course conditions to "5 stars" now that the greens are playable.
Some more comments. As a low handicapper (2.5 index), I love the course layout. It's extremely challenging from tee to green, and requires a "risk-reward" decision on nearly every hole. Overall, however, this course is too difficult for the average golfer, or even the better than average golfer. It's designed for pros and low single digit players.
Also, I note that I mentioned the peer courses in the area. I would put on this list a couple of the Desert Mountain courses (including Outlaw), Troon private, Estancia, and the upper course at Whisper Rock. Desert Forest is a notch or two below these others from a course design perspective.
There are a couple points of note in the course description. First off, it mentions water features. There is no water on the course at all (luckily!). Also, it mentions the putting course. It's really great, make sure you set aside an hour when you visit Desert Highlands.

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

Longbow Golf Club

Played On 07/17/2017
1.0
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Disappointing

I played this course a few years ago mid summer. I live some distance away, and had read some positive things about the course, so i called the pro shop and asked about the conditions. "They're great! come on down".
When we arrived, we noted that the grass was very brown. Hmm. Then we got out on the course, and had the most amazing experience. They were doing major maintenance AS WE PLAYED- mowing down the dried out grass down to the roots. It was incredible- huge tractors would buzz a few feet by us as we hit shots, showering us with dirt. I wish I'd made a video- truly the worst golfing experience i've ever had.

We ended up leaving midway through the round, leaving the pro shop a piece of our mind.

If this course were in good condition, it would be fine, reasonable routing, semi-interesting. Mayibe 3 out of 5 on the value scale? there re a LOT of better courses in the Phx valley. But I"ll never go back after that disaster.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Fair
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate

Desert Highlands Golf Club

Played On 01/07/2015
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Arizona's best course ruined by terrible greens

I've played Desert Highlands a number of times since the 90s. I have relatives that bring me as a guest. Back in those days, the course was perfect- certainly the best in AZ and one of the best in the US. It has incredible routing- unique holes that make you consider every shot. You need to bring your best game to DH, as there are no easy holes. Nicklaus should be (and probably is) proud of how well he capitalized on a perfect piece of golf real estate.
Here's the issue- some dozen+ years ago they changed the greens from a bent surface to a hybrid grass. The biggest problem is these surfaces won't hold well-hit shots... they are so unreceptive, even after years. Additionally, the greens are inconsistent and don't roll true. And cosmetically they look awful. Having played almost every private club in AZ, I would rank the quality of the greens last among peer clubs. They are THAT BAD.
It is such a massive shame too... the layout kills every other course in the area. Estancia, Troon, Desert Forest, Whisper Rock- all of these can't touch DH from a layout perspective, but every single one has far better greens.
Earlier this year I sat with some of the other top golfers in the club in the men's grill... they mentioned severe management issues (staff and board). It's too bad, because the club is great other than one major, major flaw.

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