AZGA Arizona Golf Buzz: Four course designers have had a hand in sculpting Aspen Valley Golf Club, which might seem a little surprising when you see how well it all fits together, but then, they apparently were wise enough to let the natural beauty of the property dictate their individual paths.
In any case, the symmetry was maintained in creating this layout, which is one of the few private clubs in the Flagstaff, AZ area that don’t require property ownership as a precursor to membership.
It is a traditional layout designed around the Rio De Flag watershed with ponds, lakes and streams that bring water into play on 10 holes, including seven on the front nine. Aspens and ponderosa pine trees, and spectacular mountain views provide definition on this course, which closes during winter months.
The original nine holes were designed by Billy Johnson in 1973, with Greg Nash and Jeff Hardin creating the back nine in 1981.
Gary Panks oversaw a renovation of nine holes in 1989. The final product is a course that has five sets of tees ranging from 5,371 to 6,889 yards with a rating of 72.5 and slope of 135 from the back tees.
From a distance standpoint, Aspen Valley might appear to offer plenty of birdie opportunities, but don’t be fooled. The water features and trees can take a huge toll, and Aspen Valley’s smallish, undulating bent-grass greens are well guarded by sand bunkers, placing even more emphasis on accuracy; many of the shorter holes on this layout are the toughest.
The first hole, a par 4 of just 370 yards, is one of the most difficult starting holes in Arizona, playing uphill into the prevailing breeze, with out of bounds both left and right. Many a golfer has had to “reload” on this tee.
The No. 1 handicap hole is the par-4 seventh, playing at a modest 384 yards; be advised, it deserves this high ranking.
The finishing hole is another of the “short-but-tough” offerings. The 366-yard par 4 is a dogleg left that plays uphill to a blind green, which is one of the smallest on the course and slopes from back to front.
The signature hole, however, is No. 8, a picturesque par 3 that plays at 160 yards from the back tee.
Men’s and women’s clubs are very active at this golf-only facility, which encourages walking. Practice facilities and dining options at Aspen Valley both are first rate.
Equity membership is capped at 400 members, but the club also offers associate memberships and a one-year “provisional pass” for prospective members.
As for public golfers, the best chance to tee it up here is in one of several charity tournaments the club hosts annually so sign up for one, and enjoy playing a great golf course while helping out a deserving cause at the same time.