Rancho de los Caballeros

I have been wanting to play this course for four years and finally got the chance. I was extremely disappointed with course conditions. As one of the highest rated courses in the area, I expected conditions on par with the other places I played during this trip (Greyhawk in Scottsdale; Conestoga in Mesquite). It wasn't even close. It appears the course was not over-seeded this year, which I understand, but in many places it was almost like hitting off mud/dirt in the middle of the fairway because the grass was so thin. I figured this would be more of a resort style set up with decent grass and rough, etc... In reality, the course runs off the fairways onto dirt roads, horse trails, service roads, etc.

The starter (a very friendly guy) sent me off the back so I wouldn't have to wait for some big groups on one. The problem was they were doing mowing and other maintenance on the back nine. Now, this happens a lot when you golf, so it didn't bother...except the mowers did not turn off their machines or stop working when I was over my ball or putting or on the tee. I have never had a guy with a chainsaw start cutting 20 yards away during my backswing. This happened on four or five different holes. Each time, I was in clear view. Unreal.

When I made the turn, the starter said "just head on through to one." I ran into a foursome of ladies that didn't want me (a single) to play through. After waiting a hole, they waved me up and told me they were the end of six foursomes and none of the other groups were going to let me play through. No course marshall to help out. All in all, a bad experience.

That said, I think the course layout is fun and if the course was in better condition, it'd be great. The greens were almost unfair they there so fast. IT was nearly impossible to hold them on anything other than a perfect approach.
But for the money and all the hype, I was disappointed.

Staff was top notch, friendly and helpful. I enjoyed the driving range with complimentary balls. Front nine pace was slow back pace was good. Course is in good shape green we’re fair. I would/will play here again.

Greens were fast and challenging.,,,,,,,tee to greeen fairly easy with some elevation. Great track for the price.

nice course...nice green with slope and elevated greens

Pictures don’t tell the story here. Greens rolled well but overall condition of the course is poor. I admit I’m spoiled by all the great courses in Phoenix. The back nine has a nice layout but most of the day you feel you’re at a municipal course. Definitely not what I expected for a course apparently many years ago that was a top course. Everything just seem to be worn out from the tee boxes tee signs ball washers tee markers range balls etc. there is not definition between rough and fairway. I did enjoy the general surroundings and the beautiful homes around the course.

I took a out of town visitor to play with me on my third round and we had a great time. As I rated this I thought of what great shape the course was in which makes it fun to play although it is a very challenging course for me as I hit it short so some of the carries are a bit much for me, so time to move up. I'm 75 but can generally keep it in play which is what is required here. The greens are a tough read for me because most of my life I played on Northwest greens and these greens move and carry the ball very differently. They were very fast, undulating but rolled great. I heartily recommend the "cowboy" course.

By now one would think I would have this course mastered. Recently I decided to play the combination of the Silver/Gold tees instead of the Silver. Even though it plays easier, unfortunately my score has yet to improve by the three or four handicap strokes I lost. However, the I not yet begun to fight! I really like this course, and like the crew that runs it!

Worst condition I have ever seen on this course Looks like not enough seed was put down at the right time Even the greens looked terrible they were smooth and would hold approach shots

Course was very hard and fast coupled with some crazy pin positions it was a difficult track today. Water the greenst. I halve played it 4 times and this was the worst conditions so far.

Front 9 fairways were not it the best condition. Back 9 was much better. Lots of thin areas. Greens were very wet, but rolled fine. Left foot prints as you walked across the greens. Fun golf course with scenic views. Played in just under 4 hours. Was not a beverage cart out on this visit.