APACHE STRONGHOLD GOLF CLUB (928-475-7800)
Arizona Golf Course Review
Apache Stronghold Golf Club in San Carlos near Globe, is a 7500 yard championship design that will challenge the abilities of all levels of golfers. The course is the centerpiece
of the Apache Gold Resort - featuring a Best Western Hotel plus state of the art 500-slot casino with bingo, poker and blackjack table games plus two restaurants. The hotel
property features an outdoor pool, work out area with a few of the latest cardio machines, sauna and whirlpool (under repair during our visit) plus children's play area, sand
volleyball and basketball court. For more info on the resort property, click here.
Apache Gold is about 1 1/2 to 2 hours from the Phoenix area... so the hotel property and casino make the long hike doable. The course layout is extremely interesting, as elevated
tees, spectacular mountain scenery and desert arroyos make for a memorable golf experience. In 2001, Golf Week Magazine listed Apache Stronghold # 65 out of America's top
course designs built post 1960! On our mid April 2006 visit, there were several sections of the fairways that were under repair, but that did not take away from the spectacular -
though rustic golf environment.
With 2006 rates including cart topping out at under $60 prime time - this is a good bang for the buck. We recommend an overnight stay and a couple rounds - to get familiar with
the layout. Do not expect fancy extras or manicured conditioning. The cart paths are gravel (desert) and the clubhouse features humble amenities including a small pro shop plus
snack area and bar serving drinks and sandwiches. Practice facilities include a grass range and large putting/chipping green.
The course is marked with yardage plates at 100, 150 and 200 - that uniquely also provide yardages to the front and back, as well as to the middle of the medium sized and mildly
undulating putting surfaces. Color coded rocks are situated along the cart paths at these same distances, and color coded flags indicate the day's pin placements. Five sets of
tees play to distances and slopes measuring 7519 yards with a whopping 146 slope, 7007 yards/138 slope, 6524 yards/128 slope, 6077 yards/123 slope and 5535 yards with
slope of 123 for women playing from the forward sets.
There are no water hazards in play, but 50 sand bunkers dot the layout, and desert waste areas are also in abundance. Distance is a necessity on this course, but it is equally
important to recognize the arroyos and desert washes that often transverse the fairways. There is a lot of trouble to get into on this course! The terrain is quite rolling, as many
holes are built right into the foothills.
The drive from the Phoenix or Tucson areas is scenic - and the golf course is even more so. If you are looking for a challenging desert design with spectacular views, that won't
break your pocketbook - Apache Stronghold fits the bill. For more info, visit our page for the course with link to their website by clicking here.
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