Arizona Golf Course List – Arizona Golf Authority Golf Course Guide
Sunbird golf course can justifiably be called a “power executive” layout as you’ll find plenty of challenges uncommon for an executive facility. With the front nine playing at 2,614 yards and five ponds in play, it has a lot of the look and feel of a regulation course.
The test eases up on the back nine, which is highlighted by short par-4 holes that offer several birdie opportunities, and features two more ponds and some nice views of the surrounding San Tan Mountains. It is a semi-private course that opened in 1987 in the Sunbird active adult community, where residents receive discounts and tee-time preferences, but the public is more than welcome.
Designed by Gary Panks, who has created several of Arizona’s top courses, it plays to par 66, has three sets of tees at 4,350, 4,059 and 3,601 yards, and is rated at 64.3 with a slope of 95 from the back tees. There are just three par-3 holes on the front nine, which also features one par-5 offering, the 469-yard seventh that has ponds along both sides and a heavily bunkered green.
The highlight of the front side is a three-hole stretch that starts with No. 2, a 402-yard par 4, followed by the longest par 3 on the course at 214 yards, and the narrow par 4 fourth hole at 368 yards.
On the back-9, which plays 700 yards shorter, all of the par-4 holes are drivable for long hitters, with the longest being the 18th at 285 yards to a well-bunkered green. The facility features a driving range, putting green and full-service bar and restaurant. It is owned and operated by homeowners and memberships can be purchased only by residents, but punch cards are available to the public.
Visit our Arizona Golf Course Directory List and read the AZGA Player’s Review for every golf course in Arizona at www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory.
It’s “All Things Arizona Golf” from the Arizona Golf Authority.