Sunridge Canyon Golf Club: Review from Arizona Golf Guides

Flowing in and out of the natural formations of the surrounding desert landscape, Sunridge Canyon Golf Club is one of the most striking courses in the Phoenix area. Golf players of all skill levels can find an appropriate challenge while they enjoy this unique layout.

480-837-5100 13100 N. SunRidge Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 www.sunridgegolf.com semiprivate holes: 18 course par: 71 rating/slope: - tournament 72.6/142 - back 70.3/135 - middle 68.2/129 - forward 70.1/125 range of yardages: 5,141–6,823 director of golf: Joel Schafer membership: $4,000–$28,500 cart & green fees: phone for information course designer: Keith Foster shoe policy: alternative cleats required

From its secluded urban desert setting on the eastern slope of the McDowell Mountain range, architect Keith Foster lays out a memorable golf experience at SunRidge Canyon Golf Club. In the foothills that separate Scottsdale and Fountain Hills, this robust golf course descends dramatically through one canyon and ascends through an adjacent ravine. Elevation shifts, natural outcroppings, and an expertly devised strategy from this commanding layout so deftly designed by Foster challenges the big sticks but gives the higher handicappers room to play.

The panoramic view at the turn extends beyond the Verde River Valley to the Valley’s prominent landmarks: Four Peaks and the Superstition Mountains.

From the short opening par 4 and the lengthy par-3 Number 8 hole to the demanding 18th green setting, the imaginative routing invites a test of every level of golf as it eases delicately through the natural surroundings.

Playing to 6,823 yards, SunRidge Canyon delivers challenges only a low handicapper can appreciate. Respectful of its daring taunts, Arizona’s most active tournament players rank SunRidge Canyon as one of their favorite competitive tracks. Foster’s course strategies proved challenging enough to catch the attention of the United States Golf Association which chose SunRidge Canyon as the site for the 1997 USGA State Team Championship. At par 71, SunRidge Canyon is heroic, especially as it makes the turn and heads uphill toward the clubhouse where the last six holes set up a finish to remember.

Every hole plays favorably from nearly every area of the fairway. The overall strategy encourages a balance of strength and length with finesse and patience. Water guards the green on the par-3 Number 14. The par-5 Number 16 is a tremendous uphill approach to an elevated green, and the par 4 Number 18 without question requires the best drive any player can muster.

DAVID HUBBARD

Explore the Whole Phoenix Area for Top-Notch Golf Properties

If you’d like to learn more about Sunridge Canyon Golf Club or some of the other premier courses in the Phoenix area, use our online form to request free brochures from our featured golf properties.