LAS SENDAS GOLF CLUB
Arizona Golf Course Review 12/31/02
The Phoenix/Scottsdale area has an incredible volume and variety of golf courses to choose from. When
the Two Guys Who Golf are asked to recommend something that is most representative of Arizona golf -
Las Sendas is one of the first courses that comes to mind. This 4-star layout (Golf Digest - but 4 1/2 in
our books) is a true desert design, and one that encompasses all that is unique about golf in the Valley of
the Sun. Located in Mesa - within a half hours drive of Sky Harbor Airport - Las Sendas offers a Robert
Trent Jones challenge that has been rated as the number one public course in the state by the Business
Journal every year since it opened in 1995. Golf Magazine has also included it on its list of "Top Ten You
Can Play in the Nation". With its pristine desert setting and red rock mountain backdrops, plus top notch
facilities, we recommend Las Sendas highly - especially to first time visitors and those wishing to impress friends and clients. This is what Arizona golf is meant to be...
Come early to enjoy their fine practice facilities - which are complimentary to guests with booked tee
times. Don't expect a quick round - this is a tough layout and one that will demand your concentration and
patience. With slope ratings that vary on the four sets of tee boxes from 142 to 125, most golfers will be
able to find their comfort zone and play to their skill level. Scratch golfers will find all they can handle from
the tips which measure 6874 yards, and the blues are also challenging at 6381. Mid-handicappers may wisely elect to choose the white tees, which at 5929 allow vacationers a more reasonable opportunity to
score. Seniors, juniors and ladies receive ample relief from short desert carries, as the front tees measure 5100 yards.
GPS is available on most carts, and yardage guides are provided on carts that do not yet have this system.150-yard stakes are visible on all par fours and fives, and sprinkler heads are also marked to the
center of the green. The conditioning of the entire course was excellent on our visit, and the bent grass
greens were some of the best we have played - rolling quick and true. It is a good idea to stay below the
flag on most holes, as downhill and side putts break deviously. Many of the green complexes featured elaborate bunkering and putting surfaces perched above grass swales and surrounded by subtle
mounds. Outstanding views abound - of the surrounding mountains, with saguaros and native desert foliage dotting the landscape, making Las Sendas visually stunning.
Number one is a tough opening hole. This long par four doglegs right towards a rather intimidating water
hazard. The best landing area off the tee is between the two fairway bunkers. Be careful not to drive
through the fairway which is possible if you stray too far left. The long par five 2nd features a desert wash
on the right and a large fairway bunker left. The best approach is from just in front of the huge bunker
complex fronting the green. This is the # 1 handicap. The desert carry on three is not overly demanding -
aim for the tall saguaro in the left center of the fairway. The fairly level putting surface offers one of the
best birdie opportunities of the day. Relief from these 3 challenging opening holes comes in the form of 4
holes listed as the 11th, 13th, 17th and 15th handicaps. Number four doglegs right and plays uphill
towards a picturesque mountain, with the green sloped heavily back to front. The par 3 fifth also features
a beautiful mountain backdrop, and is followed by the shortest par five, and one of the most score-able
holes of the layout. Aim just left of the saguaros on the right side, and again along the right side on your
second shot. This is a double dogleg right - with the uphill approach being fairly simple from anywhere on
the fairway. A short par three follows, and can be a difficult par if you land on the incorrect portion of this
two-level putting surface. The eighth and ninth holes feature generous fairways, but distance off the tee is
of importance if you are to reach in regulation. A strategically placed fairway trap on eight and a grassy wash near the center of the fairway on nine need to be avoided. The view of the clubhouse with a
gorgeous mountain backdrop is worth the price of admission here.
If you were happy with the vistas on the front side, you will be delighted with the back. The mountain
backdrop on the long par four tenth is suitable for framing, as is a similar view on the par three 11th.
Number ten is a grip it an rip it hole, and the eleventh, though short on paper, plays one to 2 clubs uphill.
There is a bit of room for error on the long par four 12th - distance is premium off the tee and accuracy is
necessary on the approach as the layout narrows considerably. A generous fairway awaits on 13, but beware of the desert wash that crosses some 50 yards from the green. The uphill par three fourteenth is
the 18th handicap - but elaborate greenside bunkering creates the demand for a high arcing shot that
must land on the correct portion of the putting surface. Do it and a birdie is a great possibility. A desert
wash approximately 250 from the green creates the need for thoughtful shot selection off the tee on 15, and mounds and bunkers around the green will challenge the approach on this number two handicapped
par five. The closing holes - 16 through 18 - present some great photogenic opportunities. The background on the uphill par three 16th is somewhat reminiscent of the vistas available on the golf
properties in Sedona. The views are similar on number 17, which is a short but tricky par four. Aim for
the 150 stake and avoid bending your tee shot to the left, as a desert wash will make reaching in regulation nearly impossible. Mounding will feed anything on that side towards the desert. Eighteen
stands out as a unique hole - and can be breathtaking from the tee if you are finishing your round near
dusk. There are two water hazards - one which can be avoided off the tee with a shot placed to the left or
center of the fairway, and another that must be negotiated in the approach. The best case scenario calls
for the second shot to land safely, as close to the water hazard as possible - leaving a short iron over water towards the putting surface - with a gorgeous view of Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix
skyline as a formidable distraction.
Great desert golf, spectacular scenery, beautiful clubhouse with pro shop and award winning restaurant,
and wonderful facilities - Las Sendas has it all. Las Sendas is 20 minutes from airport and 30 minutes
from N. Scottsdale. Take the 202 east to Power Road exit, turn left (north). Go one block and turn right on
Eaglecrest Drive, go 1 mile and club entrance is on the right side. This is an extremely memorable experience!
Click here to visit the Two Guys Who Golf detailed listing page with a link (if available) to this course's website.
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