LOS CABELLEROS GOLF CLUB (928-684-2704)
Arizona Golf Course Review
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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