Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf Course Buzz: Complete amenities and reasonable green fees make Ken McDonald golf course one of the most popular municipal courses in the Valley of the Sun.
Designed by Arthur Jack Snyder, who was among the most prominent course architects in Arizona, the course opened in 1974 and has been a longtime favorite of golfers in the southeast Valley. Making it even more appealing in recent years is that the course now offers the same rates to residents and nonresidents alike, but continues to provide green-fee discounts to junior and senior golfers.
During Arizona’s peak winter season, that can make it difficult to nail down a tee time, but most are willing to accept the tradeoff for lower greens fees.
Ken McDonald is a relatively flat course, easily walkable, and is a traditional layout with generous fairways and large, flat greens. The Western Canal winds through much of the property and that, combined with two lakes, brings water into play on seven holes. There are three sets of tees at 6,743, 6,316 and 5,782 yards, and the course is rated at 71.5 with a slope of 125 all the way back.
That translates to several birdie opportunities, but the canal, lakes and strategic bunkering around the greens offer up plenty of trouble on wayward shots.
From the tips, the par-3 holes are particularly challenging at 170, 216, 184 and 195 yards. Both nines have strong finishing holes. The ninth is the No. 3 handicap hole although some consider it the toughest on the course. The dogleg left par-4 plays at 443 yards with a tree-lined fairway, out of bounds on the left side and a large bunker guarding the left side of the green.
No. 18 is a memorable risk-reward finishing hole. The par-4 plays at 390 yards with a prominent fairway bunker and a water hazard along the right side. The second shot must clear water in front of the green and avoid two bunkers behind the green.
Along with a driving range, the course has two putting greens and a large chipping green with a practice bunker. The clubhouse includes a full-service restaurant.
Read the Arizona Golf Course Directory AZGA Golf Course Buzz for every golf course in Arizona at www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory/.
It’s “All Things Arizona Golf” from the Arizona Golf Authority.