COYOTE LAKES GOLF CLUB ( 623-566-2323)
Arizona Golf Course Review
Short but Sweet! This is an appropriate description for the Coyote Lakes Golf Club, which is one of my sentimental favorites in Arizona. This was the very
first course I played in Arizona, on recommendation of a golf director at a club in Michigan - some 15 years ago. It was beautiful then, and it is even better now!
At just 6159 yards from the tips, many golfers would consider this too short a course to play. At $55 including cart prime time in 2005 however - I would
call this one of the best golfing values in the state. Though not long, the extremely rolling, sloping, undulating nature of this course is a drawing card.
Beautiful mountain views, interesting hole designs with consistent elevation changes from tee to green, plus good conditioning have created a loyal
following - which includes myself. The rock wall guarding the green complex (actually about 70 yards in front of the green) on the par five 6th is an example
of the creativity used to design this layout (pictured below). The back nine, using the natural slope of the land, is extremely interesting, featuring frequent
shots with the ball located above or below your feet.
Water plays a prominent role on some holes - particularly on the back side...though the hazard that rests to the right of the sloping fairway on the par four
second is devious in its best moments. Five holes on the finishing nine have water in play - with the par five 13th the most memorable of the group. The
fairway narrows as one approaches the putting complex, with the hazard lurking on the second and third shots. There are only a few dozen sand bunkers
on the course, but these traps were recently renovated with soft sand that often rests below deep lips - making them formidable in nature.
On property at Coyote Lakes is a serviceable clubhouse which houses a pro shop and snack area that serves great hot and cold sandwiches, soups,
snacks and beverages. Practice facilities include three putting/chipping greens, plus a short range in which Caymen golf balls are utilized - balls that fly
controlled distances. There is no room for a full range - but this method works, and is another example of the creativity used to make the most of the land
here.
The four sets of tees play to yardages measuring 6159, 5742, 5286 and 4708 yards. Accuracy and finesse- not power, are elements that need to be
displayed if one is to shoot his/her handicap here. Keep it in play and good scores can be had. There are some opportunities to grip it and rip it - for those
that need to exercise their gonads (or other parts). This is a fun - and highly recommended golf experience - and can be a confidence builder! For more
info, visit our page for the course by clicking here.
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