The Buzz: If you’re looking for an affordable resort course that won’t wear you out, beat you up and pillage your golf ball supply, this Arthur “Jack” Snyder layout, which opened in 1960, is the track you’re looking for. That doesn’t mean it is without challenges, just that they are manageable as long as you use your head and choose your gambles wisely. This is a traditional layout with expansive fairways lined by massive cottonwood and eucalyptus trees, mature vegetation and gently sloping greens that generally are well maintained. Lakes come into play on four holes and the Superstition Mountains provide distant backdrops for several holes.
It is a course known for having difficult par 3s but easy par 5s. There are four par-5 holes, ranging from 488 to 494 yards from the back tees, meaning all of them are reachable in two shots, provided that you avoid the trouble. Of the six par-3 holes, four are longer than 200 yards from the tips, with the longest at 224, and the shortest plays at 173. How well you play them will go a long way in determining your final score.
Arizona Golf Resort has four sets of tees, ranging from 5,161 to 6,574 yards and plays at par 71 with a rating of 71 and slope of 119 from the back tees. The signature hole, not surprisingly, is one of those par 3s, the 14th, which plays at 175 yards from the back tee, with a tee shot that must go between large cottonwood trees and clear a water hazard to a green with bunkers on the front left and front right of the green.
Its player-friendly design makes this a popular course with senior golfers and it draws plenty of repeat customers. It offers extensive practice facilities, GPS-equipped carts and a variety of stay-and-play packages. Along with spacious guest rooms that include kitchenettes and outdoor barbecue grills, the resort has two swimming pools and Jacuzzis.
After your round, check out Anna’s Grill and Lounge, which features casual dining and entertainment by local artists, or the Sunrise Café, overlooking practice facilities and the first and 10th tees. You can also place an order at the Sunrise Café from your golf cart and pick it up when you make the turn. Fine dining is available at Annabelle’s restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also overlooks the course. The menu includes a wide variety of salads, appetizers, a soup-and-salad bar, pastas, seafood, poultry and beef entrees. The Sunday brunch is particularly popular.