STONERIDGE GOLF CLUB (928-772-6500)
Arizona Golf Course Review 6/19/04
StoneRidge Golf Club in Prescott opened for public play in 2002, making me wonder why I have not heard rave reviews about this course in the past two years. On our visit in June 2004, we were absolutely
blown away by the total experience. This layout is about as interesting as it gets - from one to eighteen the design features unique desert carries to manicured fairways with panoramic vistas of the
surrounding mountains always in view. Elevated tees and greens, desert arroyos, spectacular landscaping - this is what makes Arizona golf so special. To top it off, Stone Ridge features an elegant
clubhouse with a pro shop and a beautiful restaurant/lounge area that can accommodate in total, up to 230 people. This includes seating for 40 in the restaurant, 150 in the banquet room, and 40 on the
beautiful outdoor patio. The ninth green is situated in front - providing incredible views.
The practice facilities are as good as it gets. A huge grass range provides target areas, and 2 large
putting greens are situated along the way to the tee boxes. A short game area includes a practice green for chipping and pitching, plus a practice sand bunker.
On course golfers will find the layout well marked, with sprinkler heads on the fairways measured to the
center of the green. 150 yard stakes are visible and double as directional aids on all par fours and fives.
When needed on doglegs or for partially blind fairways, 250 yard and 100 yard stakes are provided. Pro
Link GPS is also standard on all carts, providing accurate yardages to the flag, and also to and over the
hazards. Finally, hole diagram cards are given out with the scorecards. From the professional tees the yardage measures 7052 yards and plays to a 146 slope. The tournament tees play to 6393 with a 137
slope, the regulars 5898 with a 126 slope, and the forward tees measure 4953 yards with a slope of 126
. With all the elevation changes, the trick here is to hit the correct club, while allowing for the upward or downward slopes.
From the first tee golfers will get a good indication of the beauty and challenge of this course. Many of
the tee boxes are formed on hillsides and on the edges of cliffs, with the fairways and greens situated
below in bluffs and valleys. The fifth, sixth and seventh holes are extremely unique, and number ten is an
incredible golf hole. A ride along the cart path will take you across desert ravines, high desert areas and
up and down mountains that will require some attentive driving. Throughout, the course conditions on our
mid June visit were outstanding - in fact the putting surfaces were some of the best we have ever played.
StoneRidge is a SunCor Golf property, joining the ranks with SunRidge Canyon, Sedona Golf Resort,
Club West, Sanctuary, Palm Valley and Coral Canyon (Utah) - as some of the area's top golf courses. We recommend it as one of Arizona's best golfing values - and definitely worth the drive. It is
conveniently located in Prescott Valley - just over an hour from both Scottsdale and Sedona. For more info, visit our page for StoneRidge, with a link to their website by clicking here.
|
