LOS CABALLEROS GOLF CLUB (928-684-2704)
Arizona Golf Course Review
Los Caballeros is a four star (Golf Digest Places to Play) championship design located in Wickenburg, about 1 hour and 15 minutes northwest of Phoenix. Golfers who make the
trek will find a wonderful layout with spectacular mountain views that plays along a very hilly terrain. An abundance of trees - some in the middle of fairways, consistent wind and
significant elevation changes combine to make this a challenging golf experience. Water comes into play on only a couple holes, with the par four sixth being one of them. This
interesting hole doglegs to the right down the cart path to a green fronted by a pond and two sand bunkers. Photos of the approach and from behind the putting surface are
featured above. Sand bunkers also deserve attention, particularly on the par four second and par five 5th. The former features a huge trap in the right center of the fairway, and the
latter plays uphill between fairway traps on the right and greenside bunkers left. Both are pictured below.
Those who experience Los Caballeros are not paying for the manicured tees and fairways that are often commonplace in Scottsdale. The reasonable green fee structure here
reflects an extremely interesting design, and one that will challenge the shot making abilities of all levels of players. Four sets of tees measure 6962 yards/138 slope, 6554
yards/132 slope, 5888 yards/125 slope for men and 132 for women, and 5264 yards with a slope of 125 for the ladies. The greens were receptive and in wonderful condition on
my mid-August visit, as were the fairways. The gnarly Bermuda rough can wreak havoc however, resulting in fluffy or buried lies that present difficult recoveries. The Kirby marking
system is in place, with yardages posted every 25 yards from 200 to 100, plus sprinkler heads that are measured to the center of the green. Color coded flags indicate the front,
middle or back hole locations.
The front and back nines are nearly identical in distance - both with long challenging par fours and fives. Pictured above is the 13th hole from the uphill approach and also from
behind. This number 4 handicap is a 598 yard par five along an undulating fairway. The green is perched on a plateau with a trio of palm trees framing the hole. From atop the hill,
the panoramic views of the sounding hills and mountains are outstanding. The course Signature Hole is the 13th. Playing 599 yards from the blue tees, featuring numerous
elevation changes and a small well-protected undulating green. It is consistently rated as one of the most challenging par 5 holes in the state.
As the slope ratings indicate, Los Caballeros can be a handful. The white tees are quite long at 6554 yards - making the golds (5888 yds. and 125 slope) an alternative for
average players who lack distance off the tee. If you do not have your "A" game, enjoy the scenery around the course - and along the pleasant ride from town. Adventure seekers
may be interested in the Rancho de los Caballeros Guest Ranch - which features a complete resort experience centered around horseback riding and ranch activities set on 20
,000 acres of high Sonoran Desert. Adding to the ambiance of this prestigious course are the driving ranges, practice putting greens, short game practice area and the first-rate
staff that make LCGC the golf vacation to remember.
The Los Caballeros Clubhouse is decorated in the tones of the desert with a southwestern flair. The Club Chef provides lunch from a fresh grill menu daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00
PM. Private dining is available inside the Clubhouse or on the patio overlooking the practice area and the Bradshaw mountain range. The Pro Shop features top-of-the-line mens
and ladies apparel, popular equipment and a staff of golf professionals that look after your every need, including Private Lessons. For info call (800-684-5030) or visit their web
site through our informational page for Los Caballeros Golf Club by clicking here.
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