Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf Course Buzz: Stardust is the first of the three executive courses built in Sun City West and remains one of its most popular plays with nearly 70,000 rounds per year.
The Sun City West active-adult community, northwest of downtown Phoenix, offers its residents a total of seven golf courses, three executive layouts and four regulation 18-hole courses. They are all managed by the Recreation Centers of Sun City West, a private club that allows limited public play mostly during the summer months.
Stardust is a traditional layout with fairways lined by mature trees, subtle greens and deep bunkers. Three small lakes bringing water into play on four holes, all on the back nine.
Designed by Greg Nash, who has had a hand in many of the courses built in active adult communities in Arizona, Stardust opened in 1979 and has three sets of tees at 4,267, 3,954 and 3,489 yards. The layout plays to par 60 and from the back tees is rated at 60.6 with a slope of 96.
Stardust Golf Course is a combination of six par-4s and 12 par-3s, which range from 132 to 210 yards. As expected, the most interesting shots on the course occur on the four holes where tee shots must clear water hazards. For example, you’ll find a lake to carry, that also separates the holes, at the par-3 13th and 14th holes, which play at 181 and 168 yards from the back tees. Bunkers guarding each green gobble up several shots that clear the water but miss the green.
Another lake defines Nos. 16 and 17. The 16th, at 160 yards, features a green literally surrounded by bunkers and the 17th challenges you with length, playing at 202 yards, with one large bunker along the right side of the green.
No. 18 is the best par-4, playing at 385 yards with a slight dogleg left and a tricky green surrounded by bunkers.
Stardust has full practice facilities and a snack bar with food service. Members of the association enjoy numerous amenities, including bowling, recreation centers, fitness facilities, a library, village store and dining. A teaching academy also is available with a staff that includes former LPGA Tour player Anne-Marie Palli.
Read the Arizona Golf Course List AZGA Player’s Arizona Golf Course Review for every golf course in Arizona at www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory.
It’s “All Things Arizona Golf” from the Arizona Golf Authority.