AZ Golf Guides

GREATER PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE & CENTRAL AZ

Whirlwind Golf Club

CHANDLER

Located on the Gila River Indian Reservation, the Whirlwind Golf Club has been a golfer’s dream since the club’s first course, The Devils Claw, opened in November 2000. And fans of the facility got a second course to love when The Cattail opened for play in October 2002. The Gary Panks-designed courses have won praise from pro and amateur golfers alike. In 2004 the Whirlwind Golf Club received the Facility of the Year award from Troon Golf. “Whirlwind is one of the last true destination golf courses in Arizona,” says Richard Carter, the club’s general manager.

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 halfway down the fairway and to the right near the green. Straight, long-ball 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 pouring into a sparkling blue lake as well as some tough challenges. From 160 yards away, a long, rectangle green awaits championship-tee golfers brave enough to take their chances hitting over the water. Players should stay left, or their ball will disrupt the many hovering dragonflies buzzing along the lake surface.

The 14th hole, a par 3, offers terrain emblematic of the natural dunes and wild grasses found on the Gila River Indian Community. A green positioned slightly to the left seems an inviting target, but hit too far left and you land in a large, deep bunker.

The par-5 Number 17 is fraught with danger. At 551 yards from the tips, it features a winding fairway with troublesome bunkers and roughs on both sides. Golfers approaching the distorted green find an imposing hazard—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 or to keep it slightly to the right. A hit to the right leaves a delicate pitch back toward a green that hugs the water’s edge.

The green at the 6th hole, a par 3 known as the Gila Monster, is narrow from back to front, so correct club selection is essential. Golfers missing the green find themselves chipping out of tall native grasses followed by awkward shots to the green.

The Sleeping Giant awaits golfers at the Number 7. At nearly 600 yards, this par 5 has a narrow fairway guarded by small bunkers. Accurate hitters find their second and third shots inviting and friendly. 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 as to whether or not they want to hit a long iron or a fairway driver to get to one plateau, or pull out the driver to carry the bunkers,” says Carter. “If you succeed, you have an 8- or 9-iron to the green. If not, it’s a definite bogey.” High handicappers should keep their tee ball on the right side of the fairway, resulting in a good second approach shot.

Whirlwind features a driving range and separate putting and chipping greens. And at its Frost Golf Academy, Sam and Zoe Frost conduct sessions for beginners, ladies, and kids, and instruction on both short and long games.

GLENN SWAIN