KIERLAND GOLF CLUB
Arizona Golf Course Review 6/26/05
Kierland Golf Club in Scottsdale is a Troon Golf facility that is the centerpiece of the Westin Kierland
Resort and Spa. This fine resort was built to reflect the area's rich history and singular beauty and is the
focal point of the 730-acre master planned Kierland Community. Guests can enjoy the vivid colors and
textures of the desert, while comforted by the unprecedented service and facilities of one of Arizona's
top full service resorts. Accommodations include 735 guest rooms, 63 suites and 32 casita units, all encompassed by amenities that make this a world class destination. On property is Agave - a modern
full service spa, a fitness center with the latest equipment - open 24 hours, an adult only pool with lap
lanes, a water park with lazy river and water slide, tennis courts, Tumbleweed Kid's Club, eight unique
dining venues, and meeting/conference facilities that have helped Westin Keirland Resort and Spa to be honored one of the Top Ten Business Hotels in the U.S. by Celebrated Living Magazine. The hallways
and venues of the property are resplendent with artwork that paints a colorful portrait of Arizona's forebears - Native Americans, pioneers, artisans, rogues. Explorers and history makers - that helped
shape the state's cultural heritage. Within walking distance is the Kierland Commons, an upscale retail
and dining development offering excellent offsite activity for families. For more info and for abundant photos of the resort, visit our Page for Westin Kierland Resort and Spa by clicking here.
The golf facilities at Kierland include a spectacular 27- hole Scott Miller designed championship course, a complimentary grass range, putting and chipping greens, plus the La Bauve Golf Academy. Launched
in 2003 as a premier destination in the Troon Golf School collection, this program uniquely boasts a husband/wife professional team, with each ranking among the Top 50 and 100 instructors in the country.
The academy features a variety of programs that include individual and group or corporate instructional
sessions, and a golf fitness routine (Foremax) is even offered at the fitness center. The clubhouse at
Kierland is spectacular in its own right, with an awarding winning pro shop, locker rooms with showers for men and women, plus the Brittlebush Bar and Grill which offers lunch and dinner menus in a lodge
-like enclave, affording sweeping golf course views.
While playing Kierland during the final days of June, we were extremely pleased to encounter the air
conditioned golf carts! This system which directs cool, dry air to the back of the neck and reduces the all
-around humidity inside the cart, cools the air by as much as 50 degrees. There are two units per golf
cart, which are pressure activated via the cart's seat, ensuring that the system does not run when the cart
is vacant. Believe me it works - giving respite from the heat that is genuinely appreciated! During the
cooler months this G2 system transfers into a heating system, designed to blast warm air towards the golfers hands, ears and other extremities. Another new system in place seasonally at Kierland is the
Segway Golf Transporter - individualized motor "carts" designed to provide comfort and maneuverability
, while speeding up play. Together, these unique systems make Kierland a frontrunner in the golf industry, providing a technological glimpse into the future - that is now for guests at Kierland Golf Club!
The golf experience at Kierland affords all levels of players to enjoy wonderful conditioning on a top
notch golf track, with exceptional desert mountain and resort property vistas. All three nines provide wide
landing areas off the tee along manicured rolling fairways, with 300 sand bunkers situated greenside or
positioned along the moguled mounding. Some of these bunkers, particularly those located on the sides
of the fairways, are high lipped and penal in nature. Land in them off the tee and par is a difficult bargain.
Recoveries greenside from the sand traps, grass swales or collection areas are much more likely, as
the large putting surfaces are mild in undulation. Miss to the correct side and bump and run chips can be quite effective. Land in the mounding and expertly controlled lob shots will be called for.
Characteristically, most fairways have slopes and mounds on either side that create a "bowl effect" offering assistance on slightly errant tee shots.
Water comes into play on just three holes, but this element makes for extremely interesting finishes as
these hazards are positioned strategically on the closing holes of each nine. On the par four ninth of the
Mesquite nine, a pond is situated directly in front of the well bunkered green, demanding a forced carry
that will require some mid to high handicappers to consider a lay up with hope for an up and down par.
On the Ironwood nine, the hazard runs the length of the hole along the right side, affecting both the tee
shot and approach. On Acacia, a pond rests to the left along the fairway and makes for a very tight 2nd
and 3rd shot on this reachable par five. Long hitters also have to be aware of this hazard off the tee,
which is quite elevated. Many of the golfers we talked to deemed the Ironwood to be their favorite layout,
but our choice was the Acacia, which features significant elevation changes and some extremely well bunkered green complexes.
The entire course is beautiful however, and will afford most golfers opportunities to use every club in their
bag. Four sets of tees are provided, allowing golfers to choose from distances ranging from 4898 to 7017 yards, and from slopes measuring from 112 to 131. This course is very player friendly from the
forward tees, with the ladies' slope rating between 114 and 118. Hit the ball relatively straight, and the
average golfer should be able to play to their handicap here. Kierland is a wonderful resort golf experience and one that we highly recommend. For more info, visit our page for Kierland Golf Club, with
a direct link to their website by clicking here.
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