Rating 9.5/10
This one had been on my radar for a long time and when I was traveling between Sedona and San Diego before the New Year I had a decision to make...Was it finally time to make the stop, despite being a bit out of my way, and finally experience one of the courses I had heard so much about? The answer, absolutely!
It is worth noting that Gold Canyon is a bit out of the way, even if you're in central Phoenix, and for me it added a good hour and twenty to my route. Nonetheless, I made a stop at the PGA Superstore to test-drive a couple putters (they didn't have the Scotty Cameron x12 I had been hoping to try) but after getting a couple wedges re-gripped and browsing for a bit to stretch my legs I continued my journey.
As I headed in the direction of Gold Canyon and into the surrounding foothills, the anticipation began to build. This was already feeling like quite a different experience that other courses I had played in the area, even some of the higher end ones in North Scottsdale. First off, the mountains are way bigger and more impressive, also the sprawl of the city is actually finally broken a bit which makes the area feel a bit more remote.
As I pulled into the parking lot, it wasn't immediately obvious what the course would be like but I had heard enough good things that I put my shoes on and grabbed my clubs with enthusiasm as I headed up to the clubhouse. In all fairness, the pro shop is nothing to really marvel at and with all the good publicity that the course gets, the swag was a bit underwhelming. Usually I will buy a divot tool, ball mark, or even bag tag if I see something that really catches my eye, but this time around, not so much.
That didn't matter too much though because I was here for the course and after paying the $118 or so that I got on the Daily Deals section of the course website, I was ready to rip it up.
Like the clubhouse, the range was nothing really special and after a dozen or so swings I figured the real focus should probably be on putting, and making sure I was properly equipped for the course with a beverage and cigar.
I opted for a bloody mary, and the bartender was pretty cute and friendly which easily persuaded me to get a double. By the time I made my way back over to the putting green I was feeling good and finally I got my first sense of sensational with an interesting putting green with plenty of undulation. The green was rolling smooth and after a couple lags I was feeling pretty good about my speed.
As I checked the time I realized I only had about 10 minutes until my tee time and as I drove back in the area of the clubhouse I was waved down by a group of older gentlemen, who I assumed I would be playing with.
As I quickly came to find out they were all frequent players at the course, one who lived there, one was visiting but spent about half the year there, and one who was just recently relocating from Canada to live there full-time. While I never really know what to expect when playing with random people, usually if they are cool enough to play together and be friends, they are at least tolerable to outsiders and this was no exception.
In fact, they were kind of a riot. As we teed up on the first hole one of them started giving me some pointers in terms of a target, which was somewhat welcomed given that I had never played there before, and another one immediately quipped "He's going to be where you are after your third shot off his drive" which I couldn't help but laugh at.
In fact, I did get most of my drive but it flared a bit left, leaving me a solid mid-iron approach into the elevated green. I pured and 8-iron and left it on the back fringe and as I made my way up the path I started seeing the first signs of how cool the course really was. Deep rolling hills surrounded the green on all sides and as I got the height of the green the sweeping panoramic views of the valley below were quite stunning.
In no exaggeration, the next 4-5 holes were every bit as impressive as what you would find at the famed Wolf Creek with crazy target golf, huge elevation changes, stunning views of the immense mountains that surround the course, and plenty of challenge around the greens. Expect some challenging chips if you miss your approach as the somewhat unnatural rolling hills make for quite the visual but also a great added challenge.
Likely the coolest and most impressive hole on the course is the Par-3 Fifth. By this time you have climbed up a rather impressive hill you have a huge elevated approach which we estimated to play at least a club or club and a half short. The views are absolutely stunning in the 270 degrees in front of you and the jagged mountains in the distance give you some great perspective while the bright green grass vividly cuts through the desert below.
The next couple holes would be plenty fine on any other golf course but given what you've seen so far, they do take their foot off the gas a bit. Nonetheless, by the time you make the turn you're still going to be completely amped, and if you're like me, still very excited to see what else the course may have in store for you.
The back-9 resumes pace with the first half of the front and after a nice long par-5 on the 11th you find yourself again at the top of vista with an awe inspiring tee shot at the 12th. 14 is the longest par-3 on the back and from greatly elevated tees you have to make sure to hit it flush or the crowed green structure can easily send you ball into an array of sand traps or the surrounding desert.
The rest of the course finishes much how it started and with plenty of photo opps, and a variety of undulations from tee to green. The par-5 16th is also a treat with a split fairway which forces you to pick your angle (don't pick the middle) and concludes with what should be an easy par-3 on 17 although I failed to take advantage.
Because there is so much to see it almost requires a bit of time after the round to go back and look at the pictures to remember how truly cool the course was. While I rarely play a course twice, this would certainly be one that I would consider, and like the many that recommended it to me, I would absolutely give it my endorsement if you're in the area!
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