DUKE AT RANCHO ELDORADO
Arizona Golf Course Review 6/21/04
Preview/Review
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The Duke at Rancho Eldorado
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The Duke - Hole #3
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The Duke at Rancho Eldorado in Maricopa (near Chandler) is an OB Sports property, which also operates the magnificent We Ko Pa, and the Longbow Golf Club. These three layouts provide excellent
service and top quality conditions, along with amenities that rival those of upscale courses in the valley.
The Duke opened for public play in January 2003, and the new clubhouse inaugurated their operation in September of 2004. The prices to play this course are mid-range, and year round are very good values
for this area. In fact great off season rates are available, and "Summer Round-Up" cardholders receive incredible benefits for themselves and guests from May through September 30th. A "Saddle Club"
annual pass is also available. Contact the Duke at the phone number above for more info.
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Hole #18 at The Duke
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Patio Dining at The Duke
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The facilities at the Duke include a beautiful clubhouse that provides a nice package of amenities. This
includes a beautiful, spacious pro shop plus the Silver Spur Grill - open with a full breakfast and lunch menu daily, plus dinner Wednesday thru Saturday. There is a double ended fireplace indoors, plus
another one outdoors on an expansive and comfortably appointed patio. There is seating for 75 people in the restaurant, and outings and special events with groups of 140 or more can be accommodated.
Throughout the clubhouse, there are great views of the golf course. Practice facilities include putting, short game and driving areas - with complimentary usage included in all membership packages.
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Hole #13 at The Duke
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The Duke - Hole #14
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The golf course is extremely nice - especially when taking the price structure into consideration. There
are plentiful desert waste areas, and most fairways are seas of green planted in a landscaped desert
environment. The grounds are thoughtfully cared for, and are especially inviting near the clubhouse. Most
fairways provide generous landing zones, and the forced carries over desert are not too demanding. In
fact - we should say this about the opening hole...If you do not land on this expansive fairway off the first
tee - you do not deserve to be playing golf - you are a bad golfer! Pick up your ball, drive back to your
car and unload your clubs...this game is not for you. Your momma and your daddy should probably not
play either, and your friends may elect to wear bags over their heads. In other words, there is quite a bit
of room (of course, I hooked my tee shot into the desert). Having said this, be aware that a desert area
crosses the fairway before the green, which means you will have to drive over it or lay up on your second
shot of this par five. The second hole is also rather spacious. If you do not have the opportunity to hit
some balls prior to your round, don't worry...the two opening holes will allow for some warming up.
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The 15th hole at The Duke
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The Duke - Hole #5
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From there the course gets interesting, with strategic bunkering on the fairways and greenside, a few water hazards, some desert carries, and undulations that will challenge your shot-making abilities. The
conditioning from tee to green on our visit in mid-June was outstanding. Golfers will be able to choose
from 4 sets of tees that play to 7011 yards/120 slope, 6536 yards/117 slope, 5914 yards/110 slope for men and 126 for women, and 5136 yards with a slope of 117. The course is well marked with the Kirby
yardage system in place (markers every 25 yards from 250-75 yards away), and measurements are also provided near the cart paths about every 20 yards or so. The 150 yard stakes in the center of the
fairways also double as directional devices. Pin placement sheets are posted at the front of each cart to
indicate the day's hole locations. Players of all skill levels should find this a fun experience - and one that
is not overly difficult. The course is aesthetically pleasing - as these photos, taking in the heat of summer, indicate.
For more information on the Duke at Rancho Eldorado, visit our page for them with a link to their website, on our Arizona golf course listing by clicking here.
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