 THE DUKE GOLF CLUB AT RANCHO ELDORADO (480) 844-1100
Arizona Golf Course Review
The Duke Golf Club at Rancho Eldorado in Maricopa opened for public play in January 2003, and the new clubhouse inaugurated their operation in September of 2004. The prices
to play this course are mid-range, and year round are very good values for this area. In fact great off season rates are available, and "Summer Round-Up" cardholders receive
incredible benefits for themselves and guests from May through September 30th. A "Saddle Club" annual pass is also available. Contact the Duke at the phone number above for more info.
The facilities at the Duke include a beautiful clubhouse that provides a nice package of amenities. This includes a beautiful, spacious pro shop plus the Silver Spur Grill - open
with a full breakfast and lunch menu daily, plus dinner Wednesday thru Saturday. There is a double ended fireplace indoors, plus another one outdoors on an expansive and
comfortably appointed patio. There is seating for 75 people in the restaurant, and outings and special events with groups of 140 or more can be accommodated. Throughout the
clubhouse, there are great views of the golf course. Practice facilities include putting, short game and driving areas - with complimentary usage included in all membership
packages.
The golf course is extremely nice - especially when taking the price structure into consideration. There are plentiful desert waste areas, and most fairways are seas of green
planted in a landscaped desert environment. The grounds are thoughtfully cared for, and are especially inviting near the clubhouse. Most fairways provide generous landing zones
, and the forced carries over desert are not too demanding. In fact - we should say this about the opening hole... If you do not land on this expansive fairway off the first tee - you do
not deserve to be playing golf - you are a bad golfer! Pick up your ball, drive back to your car and unload your clubs... this game is not for you. Your momma and your daddy should
probably not play either, and your friends may elect to wear bags over their heads. In other words, there is quite a bit of room (of course, I hooked my tee shot into the desert).
Having said this, be aware that a desert area crosses the fairway before the green, which means you will have to drive over it or lay up on your second shot of this par five. The
second hole is also rather spacious. If you do not have the opportunity to hit some balls prior to your round, don't worry... the two opening holes will allow for some warming up.
From there the course gets interesting, with strategic bunkering on the fairways and greenside, a few water hazards, some desert carries, and undulations that will challenge your
shot-making abilities. The conditioning from tee to green on our visit in mid-June was outstanding. Golfers will be able to choose from 4 sets of tees that play to 7011 yards/120
slope, 6536 yards/117 slope, 5914 yards/110 slope for men and 126 for women, and 5136 yards with a slope of 117. The course is well marked with the Kirby yardage system in
place (markers every 25 yards from 250-75 yards away), and measurements are also provided near the cart paths about every 20 yards or so. The 150 yard stakes in the center of
the fairways also double as directional devices. Pin placement sheets are posted at the front of each cart to indicate the day's hole locations.
Players of all skill levels should find this a fun experience - and one that is not overly difficult. The course is aesthetically pleasing - as these photos, taking in the heat of summer,
indicate.For more information on the Duke at Rancho Eldorado, visit our page for them with a link to their website, on our Arizona golf course listing by clicking here.
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