TOURNAMENT PLAYERS CLUB OF SCOTTSDALE - STADIUM COURSE
Arizona Golf Course Review 6/22/04
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.
Click here for a review of the Desert 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 Scottsdale Princess, 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 Princess 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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