The Legacy Golf Resort: Review from Arizona Golf Guides
With distinctive landmarks and a beautiful layout, the Legacy Golf Resort is one of the highlights of golf in Phoenix. Enjoy this simultaneously inviting and challenging course for a rewarding golf experience.
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602-305-5500 or
888-828-3673
6808 S. 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85042
www.legacygolfresort.com
public
holes: 18
course par: 71
rating/slope:
- championship 72.1/128
- regular 69.7/123
- forward 67.3/115
range of yardages: 5,471–6,916
head pro/director of golf: J.K. Gaffney
cart & green fees: $59-$159
course designer: Gary Panks
shoe policy: alternative cleats required
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In 1910 the three concrete grain silos on Dwight B. Heard’s 7,500-acre ranch at the base of South Mountain were the tallest structures in Maricopa County. One hundred years later and overpowered by the modern Phoenix skyline, the silos still stand as part of The Legacy Golf Resort, which sits on historic property.
The original Sierra Vista ranch house is still in place just down the fairway from the first tee. The silos are near the 18th tee. These rustic touches throughout the golf course by Phoenix-based course architects Gary Panks Associates define the present-day Shell Vacations Hospitality luxury resort and gated residential community. Located at Baseline Road and 32nd Street, this golf course sits only minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as well as the downtown sports and convention venues.
From 280 acres of flat farmland, Panks created a graceful layout with plenty of bite where it counts. Holes flow rhythmically from one to the next, sublimely challenging golfers of every skill level to execute accurate shots and maneuver strategically. Fairway contours and consistently balanced bunker placements protect the ample hitting areas.
Opening with a bold 379-yard par 4, the strategy is clear on the straightforward front nine with few hidden surprises. The well-protected greens are slightly elevated, inviting a variety of approach shots. Their sublime undulations and contours require a keen read to get even the shortest putts to drop.
Water comes into play on the back nine where the course toughens down the stretch. Water off the tee on the 431-yard, par-4 Number 12 requires a 130-yard carry. At the 533-yard, par-5 Number 14, an ominous 10,000-square-foot sand bunker separates the elevated green from the water. The same lake fronts the next short par 3, while the largest bunker on the golf course threatens from the left side of the 17th green. The shorter par-3 holes contribute much of the visual interest, while mature trees contribute to the relaxed setting.
The Legacy closes on a 515-yard par 5 where big hitters can go for the green in two. But, as is the case with risk/reward, they must get by the deep swales and severe mounding that surround the heavily bunkered green. The premium on shotmaking from the first tee to the finish prompted ESPN.com to name Legacy the "Top Public Course in Phoenix." A coveted 4½ star rating from Golf Digest adds to the accolades.
Resort golfers not up for the challenge from the tips that once taunted the top LPGA professionals in the Standard Register Ping tournament can enjoy an equitable test from the other markers.
Renowned teaching pros Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson offer golf instruction, personalized coaching, and customized seminars at the resort through their Vision 54 program. Both women rank among Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Instructors, while Marriott is also a Golf Digest Top 50 Instructor.
Blaisdell Performance Systems also offers professional clubfitting and reasonably priced lesson packages.
Golf at The Legacy Resort is open to registered guests, property owners, and daily fee players.
DAVID HUBBARD
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