TOURNAMENT PLAYERS CLUB OF SCOTTSDALE - DESERT COURSE
Arizona Golf Course Review 6/22/04
General Information:
The TPC of 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 FBR Open) since 1987 - the largest attended golf event in the world, and the nearby Desert
Course. The Desert 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 7216 yard layout with a 138 slope and 74.6 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.
Desert Course
The Desert 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 6463 yards/119 slope, 5782/111 slope, 5248/102 slope for men and 114 for women, and 4612/109 slope. As
with the Stadium course, the Desert provides sprinkler heads that are measured to the front, middle and
back of the green - plus 150 yard stakes that are posted on each side of the fairway. Pin placements are
indicated on sheets provided daily. The clubhouse here features a small pro shop and the Desert Grill
with sandwiches, snacks and an array of beverages. There is a grass range and a putting & chipping green on property.
Desert often define the fairways and periodically cuts across creating some short forced carries. 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.
Like its more famous sister course, the Desert 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. Rates including cart top out at
under $50 prime time - truly a great value in Arizona, and walking is allowed at any time!
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 Princess, Resort Suites and Marriott at McDowell Mountains). For more
information, visit our page for the Desert Course on our Arizona Golf course listing section by clicking here. A link to their web site is featured on this informational page.
|
