Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa offers a flavor of Scottish links in the desert
MARICOPA, Ariz. -- Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, which was once known as Royal Dunes, is anything but a desert course. In fact, this former men's club likes to promote itself as the best golf in the desert, choosing not to classify itself as desert golf at all, and that would be an accurate appraisal.
With scores of imposing bunkers, high grass to catch errant shots and a few strategically placed blind shots, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes G.C. has more than a flavor of Scottish links, especially during the winter when temperatures cool and the colors come out.
Now owned by the Ak-Chin Indian Community, the golf course is a little out there, about 30 miles north of Phoenix, but is well worth the drive. Designed by Schmidt-Curley Design Inc., with Fred Couples, the course has hosted PGA Tour qualifying tournaments, U.S. Open qualifiers, the Arizona State Amateur as well as regional professional tour events.
At more than 7,500 yards from the tips, it features plenty of long holes, including a par 3 that plays more than 240 yards and several par 4s approaching 500 yards. The par-5 15th exceeds 600 yards. There are seven sets of tees, appropriate for all levels of play.
- Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa: Anything but typical Arizona desert golf
- Destination Guide: Great golf and more in the Phoenix area
- Book Scottsdale-area tee times online
(based on 2 reviews)