Shalimar Golf Course

The Buzz: Over the years, Shalimar members have referred to their course affectionately as “Shali-gusta,” and even though it doesn’t quite resemble that course in Georgia where the Masters tournament is played every year, the nine-hole executive layout has produced many fond memories among its devoted golfers. Located in the heart of Tempe, the par-33 layout features three par-3 and six par-4 holes with small greens and narrow landing areas that are ideal for golfers looking to sharpen their short games. For those seeking a little competition in the process, Shalimar regularly hosts one of the most popular Skins Games in the Phoenix area. The friendly, family atmosphere of the club was recognized when the Southwest Golf Media Association named Shalimar its Club of the Year in 2009 for providing a wide range of golf programs geared to every level of golfers. Over the years, Shalimar has been known to offer free golf to teachers, military, fire and law enforcement personnel, has been the site of a caddie program, a host course for Special Olympians and is one of Arizona’s most active clubs in the Play Golf America program created by the PGA to offer low-cost introduction to the game through a variety of formats. It also has taken advantage of its nickname by creating the Shaligusta Golf Club, a low-cost club which is open to all golfers, hosts two weekend golf events per month and other social events such as a Vegas Night and chili cook-off. And it might be the only course in the area where you can hit a small bucket on the range and drink a “small bucket of beer,” which is one of the creative offerings of Shalimar’s dining room. As for the course, it puts a premium on accuracy and therein lays the challenge. The most memorable holes are the par-3 fifth and par-4 ninth. No. 5, at 155 yards, plays over a large lake to a well-bunkered, narrow green. The ninth, at 300 yards, features an island green that is also guarded by four bunkers. A lot of money has changed hands at this finishing hole, just like it has at that little gem in Georgia.