SANCTUARY Golf Course at Westworld
Arizona Golf Course Review
The Sanctuary Golf Course at Westworld is a SunCor Golf property, with a great reputation for high quality and
design. It is also the first golf course in Arizona to gain Audubon Signature status. Regulars we met on the
wonderful grass range and practice green told us to expect a tight layout and quick putting surfaces. This we
found to be true. Most of the fairways are narrow with dormant grasses and desert bordering both sides. At 6050
yards from the blues (6600 from the tips), the Sanctuary is short for a championship course - but packs a lot of
punch. There are a half dozen par fours formidable in length, with another six of lesser distance. The shorter
holes, while certainly score-able, are designed with fairway bunkers, rolling fairways, and devious doglegs to
make them interesting. Well defined bunkers and sculpted tee boxes provide aesthetic beauty and blend in spectacularly with the desert terrain and lurking mountains.
The two opening holes will grab your attention. These lengthy par fours feature tight fairways defined by mounds
and the ever present desert, along with scattered fairway bunkers. You will learn quickly to keep your approach
below the hole, as downhill putts are extremely fast. Pay attention to the pin placements for the day - provided for
on your scorecard. The flags are remarkably easy to see however, as many of the greens are fairly level with the
fairways. An extremely undulating green and deep green-side bunkers short right and long left will greet you on
the short par four third. This is followed by the only par 5 of the front nine. Take advantage of the wide landing
area off the tee, as the fairway narrows and your approach will require extreme accuracy. The first of 4 par threes
is next. At 132 yards from the blues it appears to be an easy shot - but bunkers, rolling mounds and an undulating
green will make par a good score here. A rolling fairway and bunkers left confront you off the tee on number 6,
with an approach to a slightly elevated green. The seventh is another tight driving hole with the desert creeping in
on both sides. Many of the holes on the front can be intimidating if you are apt to hit slices or hooks. Straight
hitters may find this front side very playable. The eighth is a long par three, with a formidable water hazard to the
right. The dogleg right closing hole features a bunker complex on the left and a desert wash to the right. It does
not get easier on the uphill approach, as this putting surface is undulating and quick. Par is a great score going in.
Holes 10 - 12 make up the easiest stretch on the course. There is a desert wash about 140 yards from the green
on the tenth, but the uphill approach is quite manageable, with significant room for error. Eleven has much room
to the right off the tee. Avoid the fairway bunkers left and you may have a good birdie opportunity. This is one of
the only holes that plays entirely downhill. Twelve is almost all carry over desert, to a very undulating green - but is
a very reasonable length par three. A carry of 150 yards or more awaits you on the tee of 13. The narrow fairway
opens up a bit near the green. An interesting dogleg left - which is nearly impossible to cut, follows. Aim for the
150 yard marker and you will be in great shape. Another short par four angles downhill and sharply to the left at
the 100 yard marker. The deep pot bunker fronting the green and desert foothills in the background provide a
photogenic opportunity. Another long carry (150 - 200 yards) awaits you on number 15. The putting surfaced
here is double tiered, so be sure to land your approach on the correct portion of the green. Par this hole and get
out of town! The par three 17th is almost all carry over a gorge. Take an extra club here as this hole plays
deceivingly uphill. The finishing hole is a beauty. After a long and accurately placed drive in the narrow fairway,
you will encounter an uphill approach to a green guarded by front-side sand traps. From 150 yards in, this hole is
one of the prettiest you will ever see. If played near dusk, you will enjoy a canopy of iridescent, glowing shades of
red and purple set against a beautiful mountain range. Truly awe inspiring and meditative quality stuff! This is a
wonderful way to finish a round on remarkable desert course.
Sanctuary Golf Course at Westworld is highly recommended. Be happy with the break in distance you receive
from playing the blue or white tees. What is lacking in distance is more than made up in the requirement for
accuracy. Leave the testosterone in your bag. Aim for the 150 markers and play with your head. We all need
experiences like these. You can score well and be thrilled with your ability to keep it together. What's more -
green fees are very reasonable for a high quality Scottsdale layout. Enjoy their 10,000 square foot clubhouse
with a full service bar and grill and picturesque views (especially at sunset). Walk the course if you are in good
shape (there are a few holes with a couple hundred yard walk from green to tee) and save $18 off the green fee.
Call the pro shop for seasonal, twilight and junior rates. Enjoy their grass range and putting/chipping green while you are there!
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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