 TPC SCOTTSDALE - STADIUM COURSE (480) 585-4334
Arizona Golf Course Review
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 FBR 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.
Click here for a review of the Champions Course. 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.
The clubhouse at the Stadium Course is an upscale facility that is located in prime view of the 18th green, and includes a full scale pro shop complete with
golf attire, accessories and a selection of top name equipment. The wonderfully appointed restaurant and lounge provides a cozy atmosphere for a pre or
post round meal or beverage, and locker rooms for men and women include spacious changing areas, shoe service and showers. Directly in front of the
clubhouse rests the "Wall of Champions" - which lists the names of past winners of the Phoenix Open. A huge grass range is complimented by an
expansive short game area with putting green and chipping/pitching area, complete with sand bunkers. The TPC works with the Fairmont Scottsdale, Xona
Resort Suites and the Marriott at McDowell Mountain on golf packages - and the practice facilities are accessible for guests of these properties on a daily fee basis.
Numerous accolades awarded to the TPC Stadium facility include: 4 1/2 star award from Golf Digest Places to Play; Golf Digest "Top 75 Resorts in
America"; Conde Naste's "Top 50 Golf resorts in America" and "Top 100 Golf resorts in the World"; Golf World Business "Top 100 Golf shops in America"
(16 out of the last 17 years); and certification by the Audubon Society as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for the ninth straight year. With vistas like the
one featured here - of the 12th green with beautiful mountains in the foreground, it is no wonder that professionals and amateurs alike consider this to be
one of Arizona's top golf destination properties.
The TPC has taken steps to help all levels of players enjoy their round on this beautiful course. Golfers will have little trouble with club selection, as the
cart paths provide measurements every 25 yards from 200 out on par fours and 250 away on par fives. 150 yard stakes double as directional devices,
and there is no shortage of sprinkler heads which provide measurements to the front, middle and back of the greens. Each tee area is marked, which is
particularly helpful on the challenging par threes, and daily pin placement info is provided. It is important to pay attention to the day's hole locations, as the
quick Bermuda greens are often oversized. The putting surfaces are only mildly undulating, but frequently provide subtle slopes. With 200 yards added to
the championship tees in 2004, only scratch golfers should attempt to play from the tips. Now measuring 7216 yards, the TPC tees play to a 138 slope.
The blues measure a challenging 6508 yards/124 slope, and suit long hitters as five par fours top the 400 yard mark. The white tees play to 6049 with a
120 slope, and the forward tees will challenge the ladies at 5567 yards with a slope of 130.
The opening hole invites a drive that approaches the desert area which crosses the fairway about 110 yards away. The slightly uphill approach plays to a
long green, which will result in some long lag putts for shots landing long or short of the flag. The fairway on two slopes downward past the right fairway
bunkers, providing some extra roll for longer hitters. With a huge bunker complex guarding the right side, an approach to the left center is the
recommended play. The wide fairway on three slopes left to right with fairway traps left off the tee and along the right from 150 in. The short par three 4th
demands a short desert carry, to a green complex defined by sand traps and mounding. Miss here and the up and down will be a challenge. You can
check out some of the facilities of the Fairmont Scottsdale in the background, which is merely a wedge away. Number five features a generous fairway,
although out of bounds runs the length of the hole on the right. Fairway traps also come into play in the landing zone on that side, and a desert wash
crosses diagonally from left to right past the 80 yard marker. The par four 6th doglegs to the left with an advantageous landing area just right of the left
fairway traps. The green complex is creates a challenging approach, as bunkers lurk on both sides - great mountain views here. There is plenty of room
for error around the 7th green, especially short - as the area just in front is void of bunkers. The par four 8th plays long - average players that choose the
blue tees may lament their decision here, as it measures 446 yards along an undulating fairway that slopes to the left. The approach is quite simple
however, with entry from the left the preferable play. The closing hole on the front presents a generous fairway that leads to a wide green protected in
front by a menacing pot bunker - avoid it and a good score is possible.
There is a half way house with restrooms and snacks/beverages available near the tenth hole - which is a dogleg right par four defined by a huge bunker
guarding the short side. The second shot is definitely uphill and plays to an expansive putting surface, so take an extra club here. Eleven is a long,
tough par four with the water hazard on the left immediately in play next to the green. There are not too many birdies available here, so a safe approach to
the right portion of the green is recommended. The par three 12th demands a short desert carry, but the real obstacle to scoring is the water hazard that
comes into play behind and immediately to the right of the putting complex. The fairway on 13 is split by a desert island, with the right side providing the
shortest path to the green. There is all sorts of trouble here - so take a good look before teeing off. For those attempting to reach in two, a huge bunker
guards the left and a smaller one is situated to the right greenside. Fourteen doglegs to the left with the right center being the place to be on the fairway.
The approach is uphill to one of the smallest greens on the course. The par five 15th is one of the most beautiful holes of the layout, and begins a stretch
of four holes that are considered by many to be the best group of finishing holes on tour. The fairway is defined by the water hazard all along the left side,
which intrudes in towards the landing zones on the first and second shots. The island green is best approached with a short iron or wedge on the third
shot, although there is room greenside for those attempting to reach in two. Bunkers surround the 16th green, which is nonetheless a score-able three
par. The short par four 17th is a beautiful golf hole - and one that can be driven by long hitters. There is plenty of room to the right side, and some room
past the green. If laying up, the safest shot is to the 90 yard area in front of the center fairway trap. Number 18 is an incredible finishing hole- with a large
lake looming to the left presenting various lengths of carries depending upon which tee you are playing from. Sand bunkers line the right side, creating the
need for an accurate tee shot. Spectators all around this hole during the Open have wonderful vantage points from which to observe play on one of the
most dramatic finishing holes on the PGA Tour.
The TPC obviously affords a wonderful golfing environment. If playing, we recommend you arrive early to take advantage of some of the best practice
facilities available anywhere...and also stay for a meal in the Grill Restaurant - ranked the # 1 Steak & Seafood Restaurant in Arizona by Conde Nast
Traveler. Individual and group lessons can be arranged with ESPN Golf Schools, which operates on property. Being named as one of the Top 3 golf
facilities in Arizona for excellent service, the TPC is also the perfect place for tournaments and outings. For more information, visit our page for the
Stadium 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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