Apache Creek Golf Club: Review from Arizona Golf Guides

480-982-2677 3401 S. Ironwood Dr. Apache Junction, AZ 85220 www.apachecreekgolfclub.com public holes: 18 course par: 71 rating/slope: black 71.3/123, blue 69.4/119, white 67.5/117 range of yardages: 5,900–6,800 head pro: Tom Good cart & green fees: phone for information course designer: Joe Alsip shoe policy: alternative cleats recommended

Set in the open desert along I-60 in the far East Valley, Apache Creek Golf Club sets up as a home course for avid golfers. Playing out from the welcoming ranch house with its golf shop, grill, and full practice facility, the golf course maneuvers through level desert on low-lying fairways to receptive greens with minimal bunkering.

The course unfolds in an interesting mix of holes that calls for every shot. Par stands at 71 with three par 5s and four par 3s. Three par 5s from 556 to 597 yards tempt the big drive, while several strategic dogleg fairways beg for precise placement off the tee. Four sets of tees oblige every player from the black professional markers at 6,785 yards to the forward tees that play 5,315 yards.

Complete with an island green, the Apache Creek layout dishes out enough challenge to keep better players on their game, and is mellow enough to keep newcomers energized. Other than the occasional lie next to the indigenous mesquite, ironwood and palo verde trees, relatively unobstructed play from the natural terrain is the norm.

The lake in the center of the front nine provides the focal point, as well as the major threat on holes five and six. Not the hardest hole on the course, but perhaps the most fun, the island green at No. 6 plays 86 to 145 yards from the tips, requiring only a straight confident shot over the water.

On the back nine, a pond from tees to green challenges at No. 12, and drains into a narrow devilish creek that imposes strategically on thirteen, fifteen and seventeen.

With the Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks as a backdrop, the ranch style ambience invites a casual and relaxed day of reasonably priced Southwest golf that keeps everyone coming back.

DAVID HUBBARD

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