TONTO VERDE GOLF CLUB VISTA VERDE COURSE
Arizona Golf Course Review 12/17/06
Note: This course is open Thursday through Sunday only from January 3, 2008 through April, 2008.
General Information
NEW - The Vista Verde Course at Tonto Verde, like its two sister courses, is a semi private championship facility that offers a limited amount of public play. This SPECTACULAR desert layout is
open through January 2007, then will close for approximately 7 months as the property's infrastructure is
put in place. Once open for good in late summer/early fall 2007 - this layout will be considered to be one
of Arizona's finest! In our books, it already is! Tonto Verde (in Rio Verde - northeast of Scottsdale) has
solidified its place as one of the Scottsdale area's top golf destinations, with its addition of its third
championship layout - the Vista Verde. The course is spectacularly beautiful, and is also quite
challenging. We rate it right up their with the finest desert golf courses in the state - and this course truly offers desert golf!
Nestled between the McDowell Mountains and the Verde River, Tonto Verde Golf Club is the hub of an adult golf community, providing members and non-members alike with a unique Arizona golfing
experience. Two championship courses are on property - the Ranch, designed by Gary Panks and the
Peaks, designed by both Gary Panks and David Graham. Amenities on property include an incredibly
beautiful and luxurious 26,000 square foot clubhouse - with a fully stocked pro shop, a first class dining
area with a large outdoor patio featuring spectacular views of Four Peaks, and meeting and recreation
rooms. A large swimming pool and recreational pathways are also available to members and guests. A
spacious driving range, short game area with practice bunker, and huge putting green are on property.
Looking for the best greens in Arizona? Check out the complimentary ( for members and for those
booking tee times) 18-hole putting course, located in view of the clubhouse from the outdoor verandah.
Arrive early and plan to take advantage of the unique opportunity to play this course, as it is in as fine a
condition as any of the putting surfaces on any course in the state. The layout is beautiful, challenging,
and a fun way to begin or end your day here. This is one of the best possible amenities we can think of - a real treat.
Of equal importance is the surrounding vistas, featuring spectacular mountain views on all sides. Granite
Mountain, the Mazatzals, McDowell and Superstition Mountains, and Weaver's Needle all rise against
the blue sky. There are no skyscrapers, no freeways - only the specter of the tranquil desert environment,
on land that sits just across from the Tonto National Forest. Saguaros and ironwood trees that have
been placed along the fairways and greens provide an even balance with the generous landing areas
you will encounter on many fairways. Players will find that stations with ice and water are conveniently
located throughout both courses. The Pro Shot GPS that is standard on each cart provides accurate
information from tee to green, as well as suggestions on how to play each hole. Additionally, pin placement sheets dividing the greens into 3 sections are posted.
VISTA VERDE COURSE
Our drive into the property took us along a winding, unmarked dirt road through unspoiled desert. This
area will eventually be home to upscale residential properties, for folks lucky enough to live in this
pristine desert setting. There is no clubhouse (for now golfers check in at the main clubhouse) but a putting green and targeted grass range (complimentary balls) is on property.
Cart paths lead to finely sculpted tee areas that play over landscaped desert, arroyos and washes to
generous fairways. There are frequent carries off the tee, but most are very reasonable in length, and
there is generally ample room for slightly offline tee shots. Sprinkler heads on the course are measured
to the center of the green, and the 90 degree rule is commonly in effect, allowing players to drive in the
fairways and rough. Hand held GPS systems are available, providing accurate information to the pin,
once the user becomes proficient in its application. This is especially helpful on approaches to the
raised and sloping green complexes. There are 5 sets of tees that play to distances ansd slopes
measuring 7219 yards/144 slope, 6782 yards/136 slope, 6363 yards/125 slope , 5974 yards/129 slope
for women and 5384 yards with a slope of 123 for ladies hitting from the forward sets. The scorecards
also provide slope ratings for golfers choosing to play from a combination of tees - a wonderful concept (IE - play up or down a tee depending upon the difficulty of the hole).
The putting surfaces themselves are quite challenging, with a variety of fairly level and undulating turf..
.many with crowned edges. If the pin placement is in back, trouble is usually lurking as misses may result
in the ball rolling down the slope that is situated behind many of the greens. An up and down in this
situation is a tough bargain. The design also features an abundance of fairway sand traps. These
bunkers often squeeze the landing zones, requiring golfers to carefully shape their tee shots. On many of
the par fours and fives, these hazards create more of a challenge than the surrounding desert. In total,
there are 67 sand bunkers spread out along the course, with water in play only on the par fur 18th, as a
pond is situated to the front and right of the green. In appearance, this course looks extremely manageable - and the wide fairways plus desert mountain scenery certainly make for a pleasant
experience for all levels of golfers. Subtle slopes and design techniques will also make this a challenge that avid players will not forget.
Tonto Verde is a great place to spend the day...You will find three distinctive designs, impressive
facilities and service, as well as outstanding golf course conditioning. A round or two here make the trip
from Phoenix or Scottsdale seem like a short jaunt - highly recommended! For more information on Vista Verde, visit our page for the course, with direct link to the Tonto Verde website by clicking here.
|
