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Southern Arizona Yuma

Yuma Country Club

Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf Course Buzz: Founded in 1950 with 246 charter members, Yuma Country Club remains the only member-owned private golf and country club in Yuma County. It’s a walkable, park-style course designed by the father-son team of William P. and William F. Bell, the “first family of golf course design” in California whose portfolio…

Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf Course Buzz: Founded in 1950 with 246 charter members, Yuma Country Club remains the only member-owned private golf and country club in Yuma County. It’s a walkable, park-style course designed by the father-son team of William P. and William F. Bell, the “first family of golf course design” in California whose portfolio includes U.S. Open site Torrey Pines in San Diego, Riviera Country Club and L.A. Country Club’s North Course as well.

The younger Bell was known for his trademark laced-edged bunkers which he located with shot strategy and player temptation in mind. His artful hand is evident here, where he’s combined them with the elevated, undulating greens he preferred.

The fairways are a bit on the narrow side and lined with plenty of mature trees; four lakes bring water into play on six holes. Yuma Country Club offers four sets of tees at 6,810, 6,525, 6,254 and 5,902 yards, with a rating of 72.2 and slope of 124 from the tips.

The par-4 10th is the signature hole and it’s a textbook example of the understated Bell Sr. design style. Although it plays at just 385 yards from the back tee and there’s not a fairway bunker in sight, it rates on the card as the No. 2 handicap hole. Accuracy and yardage control are the keys to unlocking the Bell family style and they’re your only hope here.

The gentle dogleg left requires accurate placement of the tee ball in the right side of the fairway. Water threatens the last 140 yards of the fairway over there, and a tributary crosses the fairway, about 40 yards short of the green. You’ll also match wits with a large willow tree standing guard at the water’s edge that always seems to be in the way of your approach shot. The modest green is bunkered in front, left and right, and subtle undulations run throughout the putting surface.

The 18th presents a strong par-4 finishing test playing 405 yards. This sweeping dogleg left has out of bounds left and water right of the fairway. A lone bunker threatens the right side of the landing area and gets a lot more activity than it seems it should. You’ll find a very narrow opening between front bunkers to the small undulating green beyond. Solidly struck, precise yardage shots are rewarded here, once again.

Several memberships, both golf and non-golf, are offered, including seasonal memberships; prospective applicants require three sponsoring members. Practice facilities and instruction are first rate. The club also offers tennis, swimming and fitness facilities and several dining options, including the casual Saguaro and Ocotillo rooms and the upscale Agave Grill.

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.