Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf Course Buzz: If you think there is no affordable golf in Scottsdale, then you probably haven’t discovered this place. OK, admittedly Continental Golf Club doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of Scottsdale’s private clubs and high-end resorts, but if all you want is basic golf that you can play in about three hours with good conditions, a friendly atmosphere and green fees that won’t flatten your wallet, Continental is a sure fit.
Continental, which opened in 1978, is an 18-hole executive course that was designed by Greg Nash and Jeff Hardin, whose work is well known around the State. It features a traditional design and plays to par 60 with a combination of six par-4 holes and 12 par 3s – the 3-shotters range from 113 to 182 yards.
Continental provides two sets of tee boxes with the longest at 3,766 yards, a rating of 58.4 and slope of 85. Forward tees are set at 3,374 yards with a rating of 59.7 and slope of 83.
Water comes into play on four holes, including a tee shot over a pond on the fifth hole, a 141-yard par 3. The highlights of the round occur at the last three holes, where a larger lake comes into play. The 16th, which is the No. 3 handicap hole, is a 329-yard par 4 with water guarding the green.
Next up is a 156-yard par 3, and at the 18th, you finish on the No. 1 handicapper, a 340-yard par 4 with the lake wrapping around the front and right side of the green.
Continental is known for providing a variety of programs, including night golf with glow balls and a player development program that offers discounted prices. It is managed by Eagle Golf and is part of its frequent-player rewards program.
Continental has a driving range, practice bunker and putting green and is home of the Urry Golf Academy headed by Susie Urry. There is no restaurant, but Continental has a snack bar and food service to fuel you during and after the round.
If you’re looking for complete food and beverage options – not a problem, it’s located just down the street from Old Town Scottsdale which is full of places to wine, dine and relax.
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.