Arizona Golf Course List – Arizona Golf Authority Golf Course Guide
There is a bit of history to this Mesa facility that has evolved quite nicely since the original nine holes, known as the Williams Air Force Base Golf Course, were built around 1950 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Air Force personnel. Some local residents also pitched in with labor in exchange for golf privileges.
A second nine, which became the back nine, was built by the Air Force in the mid-1980s and the facility opened to the public as Toka Sticks in 1993. Owned by the Gila River Indian Community, the course takes its name from an ancient tribal game similar to field hockey.
The parkland-style course is accented by stands of mature eucalyptus, Palo Verde and mesquite trees and small, tiered greens that are slightly elevated with aprons that allow for chip-and-run approaches. Water comes into play on five holes, all on the back nine, which is the more challenging and memorable of the two. There are five sets of tees, ranging from 5,185 to 6,922 yards, with a rating of 72.5 and slope of 123 from the tips.
The finishing stretch is the highlight of the round, starting with No. 12, the longest hole on the course at 569 yards with a slight left dogleg. Next up is a 219-yard par 3 over water, followed by a 324-yard par 4 with a sharp dogleg right around a lake and a stand of trees that make cutting the corner a true risk-reward adventure.
No. 15 is a 198-yard par 3 with a lake wrapping around both sides and behind the green, and the 16th is a slight dogleg right par 4 of 436 yards with three bunkers guarding the approach to the green. The round ends with a 520-yard par 5 and 456-yard par 4 to greens that are also well-bunkered.
Toka Sticks has complete practice facilities and a full service grille that serves breakfast and lunch. The course is known for having an extensive junior program and offers discount rates to junior golfers and to Arizona residents, as well as a variety of memberships and discount loyalty passes. And if you care to make a little history yourself, be advised the course record is 60.
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.