Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf Course Buzz: Formerly operated by the town of Safford as a municipal course, Mount Graham golf course is now managed by Borders Golf Group and remains an important golf facility in southeastern Arizona, serving as the home course for golf teams from Safford High, Thatcher High and Eastern Arizona College.
In recent years, course conditioning has fluctuated in step with the economy but it remains an enjoyable, player-friendly layout. Borders Golf Group, headquartered in Vail, Colo., expanded its portfolio over the past decade and took over Mount Graham operations in August of 2010.
Mount Graham began as a nine-hole facility in 1946 and expanded to 18 holes in ’74. Three lakes bring water into play on five holes and a natural runoff-wash that cuts through the property can add five more to that list when rain in the locale has been substantial.
The layout is relatively flat, which makes it walkable. Wide fairways present several birdie opportunities, but the water features and bunkers add plenty of challenges for the average player. From the back tees, the course plays to 6,354 yards, with a rating of 69.5 and a slope of 116. From the forward tees, it is 5,691 yards, par 73, with a rating of 70.6 and a slope of 119. Best of all is reasonable green fees, which are less than 10 bucks during summer months.
Most holes run parallel to each other, so spray away. The highlight of the front nine is the eighth, a 162-yard par-3 with a lake that engulfs the left side and back of the green.
Although it has just one par-5 hole and one par-3, the back nine is the more appealing of the two, particularly when the wash contains enough water to make it a factor.
A large lake stands guard at the green on No. 14, which is a 317-yard par-4 and the same lake presents a formidable carry off the tee on No. 15, a 424-yard par-4.
The wash cuts in front of the green on the 16th hole, which is the longest par-3 at 197 yards.
Practice facilities include a driving range and putting and chipping greens, and the 19th hole, which is appropriately named the “19th Hole,” is a good place to relax after the round. The full-service bar and grill is open daily until 5 p.m. and serves dinner on Thursday and Friday nights until 8 p.m.
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.