LAS SENDAS GOLF CLUB
Arizona Golf Course Review
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 Jr. 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. This
is a tough layout and one that will demand your concentration and patience. With slope ratings that vary on the
six 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 6914 yards, and the blues are also
challenging at 6657. Alternate tee areas allow golfers of all levels to find a set that fits their game, with yardages
and slopes measuring 6081 yards/ 135 slope, 5829 yards/129 slope for men and 137 for women, 5426 yards/
124 slope for men and 133 for women, and 5100 yards with a slope of 128 for ladies hitting from the forward tees.
GPS is available on all carts, and sprinkler heads are marked to the center of the green. The conditioning of the
entire course was excellent on our visit, and the tif dwarf 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. After the # 5
handicapped par four 4th, golfers get some relief as the next 4 holes are the course's 15th, 11th, 17th, and 13th
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 3 fourteenth has elaborate greenside bunkering that 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 restaurants, and
wonderful facilities - Las Sendas has it all. There are actually 3 dining establishments on property, including
Bogie's Steak & Seafood House - with upscale dining (and Humphrey Bogart aesthetics) complimented by
free valet and free Stretch Limo pick up and drop off from residences and hotels in the nearby area. There is
also the "Rusty Putter" open from 7am to closing and the Viewpoint Patio for lunch items. 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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