.: Course Reviews :.
GREATER PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE & CENTRAL AZ
Golf Club of Estrella
GOODYEAR
- 623-386-2600
11800 S. Golf Club Dr.
Goodyear, AZ 85338
www.estrellagolf.com 
- public
holes: 18
course par: 72
rating/slope:
- championship 73/135
- regular 71/126
- forward 68.5/116
range of yardages: 5,124-7,139
head pro: Steve Leonard
general manager: Trevor Finton
membership: annual passes available
cart & green fees:
summer: $60
winter: $139
course designers: Jack Nicklaus II
shoe policy: alternative cleats and tennis shoes
Where his father revolutionized the style of play in the Southwest with demanding layouts and imposing and sometimes penal features, Jack Nicklaus II opted for less punishment and greater playability in his design for Golf Club of Estrella (formerly Estrella Mountain Ranch Golf Club). The course spreads through the granite-laden foothills of the Sierra Estrella Mountain Range in the southwest corner of metro Phoenix. Golfweek has consistently ranked this course one of the Top 10 Public Access Courses in Arizona, with its emerald fairways, sharply contrasting native cacti, scrub brush, and spectacular vistas.
Any difficulty in the design or the natural terrain is logical, manageable, and within clear view—leaving each player to decide how bold or conservative to play the next shot. The long flowing contours suggest the best route into receptive, gently tiered greens, where the TifEagle putting surfaces are durable and smooth rolling. Saved from any contrivances, a low score is more the result of smart decisions and straightforward golf than extremely lucky breaks, and mildly errant shots from these forgiving fairways usually remain in play. Nicklaus’ intriguing mix of aptly named holes such as Saguaro Pass, Coyote Crossing, Mirage, and The Oasis denote the desert-style of play with a clue to the strategy and topography.
At 194 yards the par-3 Number 17, named Grand Consequence, is the signature hole. Play is over a deep natural arroyo to a challenging green complex sculpted into the well-bunkered hillside, setting up grand consequences for short or wayward tee shots. Each hole segues effortlessly from one to the next, none feeling disconnected or out of place in the layout. A Troon Golf facility, Golf Club of Estrella reflects their trademark levels of customer service and course conditioning, while Jackie II has created a refreshing variation on the family name.
DAVID HUBBARD
