Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass: Review from Arizona Golf Guides

Any player in the Phoenix area can find something to enjoy at the Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass. These thirty-six holes set in the desert include some of the more distinctive long par 5s in the state.

480-940-1500 5692 W. North Loop Rd. Chandler, AZ 85226 www.whirlwindgolf.com resort holes: 36 course par: 72 (Devils Claw), 72 (Cattail) rating/slope: Devils Claw - black 72.6/129 Cattail - black 73.4/132 range of yardages: 5,540–7,029 (Devils Claw), 5,383–7,334 (Cattail) Head Pro: Jason Sanders membership: $5,700 annually for single, $7,200 for couple cart & green fees: summer $55-$75, winter $150-$165, shoulder $80-$120 course designer: Gary Panks shoe policy: alternative cleats encouraged

Whirlwind Golf Club received the 2004 Facility of the Year award from Troon Golf. “Whirlwind is one of the last true destination golf courses in Arizona,” says Marty Hoeffken, the club’s GM.

The Devils Claw par-5 Number 3 takes golfers on a long walk. At 593 yards, the hole is surrounded by bunkers to the left down the fairway and to the right near the green. Straight, long hitters have a good chance for par or birdie here.

The par-3 Number 7, the course’s signature hole, greets guests with the sound of cascading waterfalls. From 160 yards away, a long green awaits golfers brave enough to take their chances hitting over the water.

The par-5 Number 17 is fraught with danger. At 551 yards, it features troublesome bunkers, roughs on both sides, and a wide chasm wash—just pull out another ball if you hit one in here.

The Cattail’s Number 3 is the first of the course’s unique par 3s. At 162 yards, golfers must decide whether to risk hitting over the water on the left. A hit to the right leaves a delicate pitch back toward a green that hugs the water’s edge.

The Sleeping Giant awaits golfers at Number 7. At nearly 600 yards, this par 5 has a narrow fairway guarded by small bunkers. A poor drive here forces golfers to contend with a wash and scrub brush.

The Cattail’s signature hole is the par-4 Number 18. “Golfers have to make a decision on the tee box. Hit a long iron or a fairway driver to get to one plateau, or pull out the driver to carry the bunkers,” says Hoeffken. “If you succeed, you have an 8- or 9-iron to the green. If not, it’s a definite bogey.”

Whirlwind features a state-of-the-art practice facility with separate putting and chipping greens. And at its Bird Golf Academy, players receive personalized coaching from PGA and LPGA professionals.

GLENN SWAIN

More Information for Phoenix-area Golf Enthusiasts

If you’d like to find out more about Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass, you can request a free brochure with just a few keystrokes. This course and others in the Phoenix area are eager to let golf fans get to know them better with complimentary, full-color printed materials.