Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf Course Buzz: The Links at Coyote Wash came to life in 2003 as the 9-hole layout at the Coyote Wash residential development in Wellton, AZ, located about thirty miles east of Yuma in southwestern Arizona. In 2006, the back-9 was added by designer Gary Panks, whose work around Arizona is highly regarded and includes stellar tracks like the Raven – Phoenix, Sedona Golf Resort and Chandler’s Whirlwind Golf Club.
Wellton, which was founded in 1878 and is surrounded by the Gila Mountains, is farming country with a rich western history, stemming from its roots as a water-stop for the Southern Pacific railroad. The steam engines of the day required water more frequently than the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach line serving this area did, so the railroad drilled wells and established outposts to serve the new iron-horses. Originally called Well Town, the name was later shortened to Wellton.
There’s nothing too frightening about Coyote Wash, which might be why it has become one of the busiest courses in the Yuma area. It plays to par 70 at 6,000 yards from the back tees and is straightforward golf, with relatively flat terrain, generous fairways and medium-sized greens. It is rated at 68 with a slope of 110, which means there are plenty of birdie opportunities. Among them are the first and fourth holes, a pair of par-4s that play at 301 and 304 yards.
The par-3 holes might present the toughest challenges. In fact, par 3s are rated as the toughest holes on each side, with the second playing at 198 yards and the 10th at 234. The par-3 13th is the most memorable, playing at 175 yards with a forced carry of about 140 yards over desert flora and fauna, with the Kofa Mountains serving as a distant backdrop.
The par-4 14th, at 324 yards, is another favorite of Coyote Wash regulars with desert landscape running along both sides of the fairway and a green flanked by a lake on the back side. It is one of four holes that have water in play.
The Links at Coyote Wash offers a full driving range and putting green and the reasonable green fee make it a popular play for residents who make the short drive from Yuma.
Wellton keeps its wild-west heritage alive through events like the annual Pioneer Days and a very competitive Tractor Rodeo. The golf course is among the newer additions to this growing community and features a clubhouse with a full restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch. Adjacent to the course you’ll find the Microtel Inn, built in 2006 and offering great accommodation rates.
Read the Arizona Golf Course Directory AZGA Buzz for every golf course in Arizona at www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory/; it’s “All Things Arizona Golf” from the Arizona Golf Authority.
