LOS CABELLEROS GOLF CLUB (928-684-2704)
Arizona Golf Course Review 8/22/04
Los Cabelleros is a four star (Golf Digest Places to Play) championship design located in Wickenburg,
about 1 hour and 15 minutes northwest of Phoenix. Golfers who make the trek will find a wonderful layout
with spectacular mountain views that plays along a very hilly terrain. An abundance of trees - some in the middle of fairways, consistent wind and significant elevation changes combine to make this a
challenging golf experience. Water comes into play on only a couple holes, with the par four sixth being
one of them. This interesting hole doglegs to the right down the cart path to a green fronted by a pond
and two sand bunkers. Photos of the approach and from behind the putting surface are featured above. Sand bunkers also deserve attention, particularly on the par four second and par five 5th. The former
features a huge trap in the right center of the fairway, and the latter plays uphill between fairway traps on the right and greenside bunkers left. Both are pictured below.
Those who experience Los Cabelleros are not paying for the manicured tees and fairways that are often commonplace in Scottsdale. The reasonable green fee structure here reflects an extremely interesting
design, and one that will challenge the shot making abilities of all levels of players. Four sets of tees measure 6962 yards/138 slope, 6554 yards/132 slope, 5888 yards/125 slope for men and 132 for
women, and 5264 yards with a slope of 125 for the ladies. The greens were receptive and in wonderful condition on my mid-August visit, as were the fairways. The knarly Bermuda rough can wreak havoc
however, resulting in fluffy or buried lies that present difficult recoveries. The Kirby marking system is in
place, with yardages posted every 25 yards from 200 to 100, plus sprinkler heads that are measured to
the center of the green. Color coded flags indicate the front, middle or back hole locations. The facilities
on property include a grass range and putting green, and a clubhouse with pro shop, locker rooms, and nice restaurant/outdoor patio open daily with a lunch menu.
The front and back nines are nearly identical in distance - both with long challenging par fours and fives.
Pictured above is the 13th hole from the uphill approach and also from behind. This number 4 handicap
is a 598 yard par five along an undulating fairway. The green is perched on a plateau with a trio of palm
trees framing the hole. From atop the hill, the panoramic views of the sounding hills and mountains are
outstanding. Pictured below is the par three 15th. This hole plays uphill and is protected by 2 bunkers in
front and another long trap immediately behind. After a difficult par four from an elevated tee - with trees
everywhere and a pond on the right, the round finishes with a couple of long holes that invite a grip it and rip it mentality that will delight long hitters.
As the slope ratings indicate, Los Cabelleros can be a handful. The white tees are quite long at 6554 yards - making the golds (5888 yards and 125 slope) an alternative for average players who lack
distance off the tee. If you do not have your "A" game, enjoy the scenery around the course - and along the pleasant ride from town. Adventure seekers may be interested in the Rancho de los Cabelleros
Guest Ranch - which features a complete resort experience centered around horseback riding and ranch
activities set on 20,000 acres of high Sonoran Desert. For info call (800-684-5030) or visit their web site through our informational page for Los Cabelleros Golf Club by clicking here.
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