DOVE VALLEY RANCH GOLF CLUB
Arizona Golf Course Review 2/21/05
Dove Valley Ranch is a Robert Trent Jones layout designed in the high Sonoran Desert, and is respected as one of the finest tracts in Arizona. Unlike many of the area's desert courses, Dove Valley
features wide landing zones and manicured transition areas which allow golfers to recover more easily
from misplaced shots. A mixture of sand and water along with spectacular desert scenery, make this one of the most aesthetically pleasing rounds of golf in the valley.
Four sets of tee boxes play to distances and slopes that measure 7011 yards/131 slope, 6630 yards/120 slope, 6138 yards/117 slope and 5337 yards/114 slope. From the tips this is a challenging
round of golf, while golfers playing from the two forward sets will find the layout refreshingly playable. The
Pro Link GPS that is standard on all carts makes it easy to develop a game plan, and the Kirby marking
system is also in place along the cart paths. As an added measure, 150 yard blocks are posted near the
cart paths. A key to scoring well is to avoid the many bunkers that can be found along the fairways and greenside, and the water hazards that are present on holes two, nine and eighteen.
The front side is very forgiving, with all hazards visible off the tee. The back nine is a different story
however, as doglegs, desert washes and split fairways make one think before teeing off. On eleven, the
right fairway is the safe play, while long hitters may option for the left side, which rewards those who have
distance and accuracy. It is easy to drive through the doglegs on 14 and 15 - precise lay-ups are called
for here. Number 17 is an easy par when played as a three shop par five. Those wishing to go for it in
two will find that there is ample bail out room over the desert bush short right of the green complex. The
finishing hole is also a beauty, with water in play along the right and a spectacular mountain backdrop framing the approach.
The clubhouse at Dove Valley Ranch features a beautiful full service pro shop, and a restaurant/lounge that includes an
outdoor patio. A grass range, short game area with sand bunker and practice green are on property. Group and private
lessons are available. Selected as the best new course in 1998 by the Arizona Republic, Dove Valley is located 27
miles northeast of the Phoenix International Airport...it is worth the drive. For more info, visit our page for Dove Valley ranch, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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