TONTO VERDE GOLF CLUB RANCH COURSE (480) 471-2710
Arizona Golf Course Review
General Information
Nestled between the McDowell Mountains and the Verde River, Tonto Verde Golf Club is the hub of an adult golf community, providing members and non-members alike with a
unique Arizona golfing experience. Two championship courses are on property - the Ranch, designed by Gary Panks and the Peaks, designed by both Gary Panks and David
Graham. Amenities on property include an incredibly beautiful and luxurious 26,000 square foot clubhouse - with a fully stocked pro shop, a first class dining area with a large
outdoor patio featuring spectacular views of Four Peaks, and meeting and recreation rooms. A spacious driving range, short game area with practice bunker, and huge putting
green are on property. Looking for the best greens in Arizona? Check out the complimentary (for members and for those booking tee times) 18-hole putting course, located in view
of the clubhouse from the outdoor verandah. Arrive early and plan to take advantage of the unique opportunity to play this course, as it is in as fine a condition as any of the putting
surfaces on any course in the state. The layout is beautiful, challenging, and a fun way to begin or end your day here. This is one of the best possible amenities we can think of - a
real treat.
Of equal importance is the surrounding vistas, featuring spectacular mountain views on all sides. Granite Mountain, the Mazatzals, McDowell and Superstition Mountains, and
Weaver's Needle all rise against the blue sky. There are no skyscrapers, no freeways - only the specter of the tranquil desert environment, on land that sits just across from the
Tonto National Forest. Saguaros and ironwood trees that have been placed along the fairways and greens provide an even balance with the generous landing areas you will
encounter on many fairways. Players will find that stations with ice and water are conveniently located throughout both courses. The Pro Shot GPS that is standard on each cart
provides accurate information from tee to green, as well as suggestions on how to play each hole. Additionally, pin placement sheets dividing the greens into 3 sections are
posted.
RANCH COURSE
Players will find that stations with ice and water are conveniently located throughout both courses. The Pro Shot GPS that is standard on each cart provides accurate information
from tee to green, as well as suggestions on how to play each hole. Additionally, pin placement sheets dividing the greens into 3 sections are posted.
The Ranch Course at Tonto Verde is a player friendly layout, with wide fairways and ample landing areas that generally provide even lies for lay ups and approaches. The
surrounding desert area is cleaned out quite well, allowing for possible recoveries for those willing to risk a shot. Forced carries are few and far in between, and are very
reasonable with the longest being about 170 yards from the middle tees. Deep greenside bunkers provide a significant challenge however, as does the length that is required to
reach many of the greens in regulation. The putting surfaces are over-sized and generally sloping, placing a premium on pin placement knowledge and execution on approaches.
Nonetheless, average and good players should be able to score their handicap here, with total yardage from the 5 wonderfully sculpted tee boxes measuring 6737, 6342, 5952,
5376 and 4791 yards. The slope rating ranges from 122 to 130.
The opening hole encourages play along the right side, as bunkers line the left. Number two provides a wide fairway, though a bunker on the right side and another huge sand trap
to the green's left deserve consideration. The par five third is a presents a good birdie opportunity, as does the mid-range par three 4th. You will have to carry a desert area off the
tee and avoid fairway bunkers on both sides on number 5. Two very deep bunkers guard the putting surface, creating the demand for a high, soft approach. The sixth has desert
right and fairway bunkers left off the tee, and is a frame-able picture hole. The approach must carry another narrow desert area. Avoid the huge bunker to the left of the green, and
number seven is very score-able. This is true with all the par threes on the Ranch Course, as they are handicapped as the 13th, 17th (and on the backside) 8th and 16th toughest
holes of the layout. This particular one has a gorgeous mountain backdrop. The par four eighth provides wide open spaces off the tee, especially on the left side. A long, deep
fairway bunker on the right side of the fairway and again short right of the green warrant consideration here. The huge putting surface features a ridge on the right side, so be
careful on your approach. There are also great views off the tee on number nine, with a wide fairway leading to a very undulating green framed by mountains.
The back nine opens with a short par four, that demands a tee shot placed to the right center of the fairway. Land in any of the fairway bunkers on the left, and your opportunity to
pick up an easy birdie will be wasted here. The long par four eleventh has a narrow desert area about 125 yards out, but is otherwise a very par-able hole. The longest and
toughest of the par threes (233-178 yards) is followed by a tough par five, which is the longest hole on the course. Seniors and ladies will have to let it rip here, as the forward tees
play to 523 yards. A desert wash 60 yards out challenges the approach. Number 14 is a beautiful hole. It is a short par four with water right and bunkers in front and behind a huge
green that plays uphill. Pay attention to the pin placement here. The last par three of the layout is also gorgeous. Water short right and a green that is severely sloped back to front
provide a little challenge here. Reach the green below the hole and a birdie is quite possible however. There is some bail out room left. Number 16 is wide open, but a desert
arroyo 80 yards out makes this par four play long. A true "gambler's hole" awaits on seventeen. Aim just left of the bunker that splits the fairway, and you may be able to approach
the green in two from there. There is about 25 yards of fairway between the desert area and the green on that side. Play it safely to the right and you will have a short iron approach
that must carry a narrow but ominous desert wash. Either way, the approach on this hole is the most difficult one at Tonto Verde. The finishing hole is the most demanding of the
day off the tee, with a carry of about 170 yards (from the white tees) necessary off the tee. A fairway bunker right and two deep sand traps on either side of the green will make you
earn your par here
Tonto Verde is a great place to spend the day...You will find two distinctive designs, impressive facilities and service, as well as outstanding golf course conditioning. A round or
two here make the trip from Phoenix or Scottsdale seem like a short jaunt - highly recommended!
Tonto Verde is a member-ownded facility, but outside play is accepted daily. For more information on the property, visit our page for the course, with direct link to the Tonto Verde
website by clicking here.
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