CAVE CREEK GOLF COURSE (602-866-8076)
Arizona Golf Course Review 12/17/06 - photos updated 2008
The municipality of Phoenix is the owner/operator of a nice variety of quality and value oriented 18-hole
golf properties, including Papago, Maryvale, Encanto Park, Cave Creek and Aguila golf courses. There
also are three 9-hole layouts. Besides the fact that these courses are easily accessible, golfers will also
appreciate the pricing structure that makes a round on these properties a good value on an Arizona golf
vacation. Visitors can click on the following link, to find pricing and to book a tee time online at any of the Phoenix municipal golf facilities http://phoenix.gov/sports/gfees.html
The photos in this review are of the Cave Creek Golf Course, which is perhaps the most popular of all the Phoenix area courses with over 100,000 rounds played annually! Started in 1983 as a landfill
reclamation project, this course is a pioneer of sorts in environmental golf course design. A creek winds through the layout, providing a variety of shot selections off the tee and on approaches.
The terrain is quite rolling, and the fairways are bound by trees with dormant Bermuda rough creating a
two-toned color affect. The green complexes are slightly raised with putting surfaces that are large in
size and undulating in design. Bunkering is understated, but the 17 sand traps that can be found on this
layout - especially near the greens, are quite large. Water is a factor, as hazards come into play on 6 holes.
There are three tee areas on each hole, that play to distances and slopes measuring 6732 yards/119 slope, 6207 yards/115 slope and 5623 yards with a slope of 118 for ladies hitting from the front tees. On
course yardage markers are posted at 100, 150 and 200 yards, and 150 yard stakes double as directional devices on all par fours and fives. Color coded flags on the greens indicate front, middle and
back hole locations.
On property is a grass range, short game area with sand bunker, plus putting green. The clubhouse features a pro shop and snack area/lounge serving hot & cold sandwiches, beverages and other lunch
items. As the slope ratings indicate, this is a player friendly design, suited to beginners, juniors, seniors
and high/mid handicappers. Partial cart paths allow golfers to drive on the fairways, and walking is allowed at any time.
If you are going to be in Phoenix for awhile, the Phoenix card is available ($50 fee and $30 annual renewal) and provides advance tee time reservations, discounted rates and promotional specials at all
of the municipal courses. For more information on the golf course and programs, visit our page for Papago and Phoenix municipal golf , with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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