TPC SCOTTSDALE - CHAMPIONS COURSE (480) 585-4334
Arizona Golf Course Review
General Information:
The TPC Scottsdale is a PGA Tour facility that embodies the standards of excellence in golf course operations worldwide. The two layouts include the
Stadium Course - annual host to the Phoenix Open (now called the Waste Management Phoenix Open) since 1987 - the largest attended golf event in the
world, and the nearby Champions Course. The Champions layout is located just 1/2 mile from the main clubhouse, and features a design with beautiful
scenery that is playable for all levels of golfers. The Stadium Course is a par 71, 7115 yard layout with a 139 slope and 74.7 course rating, that annually
draws rave reviews from professional players for its challenge, conditioning and presentation of amenities. Often mentioned in particular, are the wonderful
putting surfaces which are large in size, true rolling and an absolute joy to play on. For our review of the Stadium Course, click here.
Champions Course
The Champions Course is also representative of TPC quality in conditioning and in beauty. The combination of mountains, desert and water makes this
layout aesthetically pleasing, and the shorter, more open design means that a wider range of golfers can enjoy a round here. The 4 sets of tees measure
7115 yards/139 slope, 6653 yards/133 slope, 6127/121 slope for men and 132 for women, and 5342/120 slope. As with the Stadium course, the Desert
provides sprinkler heads that are measured to the front, middle and back of the green - plus yardage markings on the cart paths every 25 yards from 200
to 100 yards in.. Pin placements are indicated on the scorecard. The modern clubhouse features a restaurant/lounge with beautiful outdoor patio plus a
well-stocked pro shop. Practice facilities include a grass range, short game area, plus a putting green.
Beautifully landscaped desert areas often define the fairways and provide some reasonable forced carries off the tee and on the approach. The landing
areas are sufficient enough however for even the novice player, who will get a taste of playing championship desert-style golf without needing a dozen
balls to do so. The tee areas are landscaped in a manicured desert setting, and the mountain views are the same golfers will find across the street at the
Stadium course. There are some uphill and downhill shots, but the green complexes are very approachable, and are quite mild in undulation. Sand
bunkers are not overstated, but there are abundant waste areas that come into play.
Walking is allowed at all times, and the relatively short distances from green to tee make this possible. This layout is playable for all skill levels, with wide
welcoming fairways and putt-able green complexes. There are several risk-reward opportunities that present golfers with a choice of playing it safe or
cutting distance by attempting to play over desert areas. The par 4 fifteenth is a prime example - a dog leg left par four that can be reached off the tee
when conditions are right. The par four 5th is another great dogleg left, and the pond greenside on number 9 makes this one of the most beautiful and
interesting holes on the layout.
Like its more famous sister course, the Champions has been honored with quite a number of awards including: "Best Value in Arizona" by the Arizona Golf
Association; "Best Value in Phoenix" by Fox Sports Net; Eagle Award as diamond in the rough by "The Best Golf in the West at Affordable Prices"; and
"Best Golf Value for your Money" by the Scottsdale Airpark News.
The Annual Privilege Player Program is available and affords golfers an opportunity to enjoy benefits at both courses, clubhouses and practice facilities,
as well as savings at participating resort properties (Scottsdale Fairmont, Xona Resort Suites and Marriott at McDowell Mountains). For more information,
visit our page for the Champions Course on our Arizona Golf course listing section by clicking here. A link to their web site is featured on this informational page.
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