 VISTAL GOLF CLUB (602-305-7755)
Arizona Golf Course Review
Formerly the Thunderbirds, the Vistal Golf Club is nestled into the base of South Mountain just minutes from Sky Harbor Airport - making it an ideal round
for the day of arrival or the day of departure from Phoenix. The course is literally sculpted into the foothills, creating some of the most breathtaking
scenery of any golf course in the valley.
Since its opening in 2001, this course has hosted two US Open Qualifiers, the 2002 Arizona Women's Open, a four day Gateway Tour Event and multiple
Nationwide Tour Qualifiers. It was also named a "Top Ten New Public Course in the US" by Sports Illustrated in 2001.
With five sets of tees that play to slopes ranging from 114 to 126, this course is a great beginner round on a golf vacation to the area. Created by Tour
Design Services with consulting from Tom Lehman, Billy Mayfair and Howard Twittty, Vistal features a rolling terrain with gentle elevation changes from tee
to green. The tees play to yardages and slopes that measure 7013/126, 6625/121, 6119/118, 5435/123 for women, and 4727 yards with a 114 slope from the forward sets.
On course golfers will find an efficient marking system, with sprinkler heads measured to the front, middle and back of the greens, a 150 yard stake in the
center of the fairways, and measurements on the cart paths at 100, 150 and 200 yards. Tees boxes also have yardage blocks, and color coded flags
indicate front, middle and back pin placement. There are ball and club washers on each cart, and the clubhouse includes a pro shop, plus a snack bar and
terrace for hot & cold sandwiches and snacks. There is a pavilion tent that can accommodate up to 200 people for outings, banquets and special events.
The experience at Vistal begins simply enough - this is a value golf course, with rates topping out at under $80 prime time in 2005. The beginning holes
are rather straightforward, but soon enough the design meanders towards the base of the mountain, featuring some very interesting par threes and
approaches. The best description I can come up with for the layout is that "it grows on you". Numbers eight and nine are particularly striking, with the
former playing over desert along the foothills, and the latter winding around a lake to a green shared by the 18th hole - which is a wonderful closing hole.
Desert is all around - but the carries are generally short, making this a playable course for all skill levels.
There is a grass range and a putting/chipping green on property, and the "First Tee" practice facility is located just across the street. Do not expect a
lavish clubhouse nor upscale amenities for which many area courses known - you pay for golf only when playing at Vistal.
For more info, visit our page for the course, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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