Images - Club West Golf Club

Course Review - Club West Golf Club

Club West Golf Club is a desert style course that winds through the Sonoran desert foothills of South Mountain. Built in 1993, this lush course features an abundance of dramatic elevation changes. The peaceful tranquility of each hole is enhanced by very few contiguous fairways. Holes meander over and around desert foothills, between cacti, and through stunning rock formations. Club West, designed by Ken Cavanaugh and Brian Whitcomb, can be as "user friendly" or as challenging as you want it to be. The course was designed to begin as a relaxed warm-up and then to increasingly demand more accuracy from players as the round progresses. On each hole, there is a gradual rise in shot value. Elevations come into play, fairways tighten near greens, bunkers become a little testier, and strategy and course management become more of a consideration. Shots must carry over desert from some tees, but the greater challenges come from the fairways to the carefully guarded, but approachable greens. Club West is a classic desert-styled, target golf course. However, mixed into the desert landscape is a lake and a pond that may swallow a ball or two. Club West is women friendly, and has always been reviewed a one of the favorite courses among Meridian’s female guests.

The last 4 holes will provide a thrilling finish to your round, especially the spectacular signature hole, 17. The tee boxes on holes 15 and 17 rise over 100 feet above the green. Bring your camera, because the views of the South Mountain range to the north and the Estrella Mountains to the west make perfect backdrops for a great scenic picture. The fabulous 16th hole is neatly sandwiched between the two dramatic par 3’s. This uphill dog-leg par 5 tempts the long hitter to go over a residential street to cut the angle and have a shot at reaching the guarded, narrow and extremely elevated green. Two perfect shots will get you there, but anything short of perfection will have you scratching your head as you wonder what you were thinking when you tried to make Tiger-like shots not once, but twice. There have been many golfers who aggressively went for the birdie and ended up with a double or triple bogey.

The dramatic 17th signature hole , is one of the best holes in Arizona. South Mountain looms majestically behind this exhilarating configuration of two greens, both tucked into the hillside with steep vertical drops from the tee. It’s breathtaking and exciting, yet nerve racking, as you stand on the tee box paralyzed for an instant by the shear magnitude of this shot. When you finally gather up enough nerve to swing you just hope you hit it well, so you don’t ruin the moment with an errant shot. If you hit it well you will watch the ball soar up into the sky and then after reaching its pinnacle, start to gradually descend. As you watch the ball free fall downward, for what seems like an eternity, hoping the shot will eventually lands on the double green far below. It is exhilarating.

Other Information - Club West Golf Club

Practice Facilities: Driving range with putting and chipping green. Nicely kept practice sand bunkers can help you refine your game. Range balls are extra.

19th Hole: Enjoy a fabulous meal at The Lakeside Grille. The chef’s use wholesome, fresh ingredients in lean and healthy recipes with a southwestern flair that is sure to satisfy you after a challenging round of golf. Serving breakfast or lunch and a Sunday brunch, the Lakeside Grille offers exceptional service and delicious food in a breathtaking setting. There is also a snack bar and drink cart.

Clubhouse: The beautiful clubhouse was designed by the same architectural firm that designed the Boulders clubhouse. From the clubhouse you will see the warm glow of an Arizona sunset shimmering on the lake, breathtaking views of nearby mountain peaks and the serene desert landscaping that surrounds Club West's beautiful course layout. Club West's Clubhouse is perfect for golf tournaments or even corporate events. It is a full service clubhouse with complimentary locker room facilities for men and women. Before or after your game, be sure to stop by the Golf Shop and pick out a great gift for that avid golfer. They carry everything you'll need to play and look like a pro!.

Awards: Rated the top twenty courses in the state by "The Arizona Republic."

The Players:

• Designer: Brian Whitcomb & Ken Cavanaugh
• Director of Golf: Shawn McGechie
• Golf Pro: Monte Gegenheimer
• Superintendent: Tim Hesser

Grass type: Greens: Bermuda. Fairways: Bermuda

Cart Path Only: No

Spikes shoes allowed: No

Recommended handicap: Club West can be as "user friendly" or as challenging as you want it to be. With four sets of tees to choose from, the course can play from as short as 4,985 yards in length to as much as 7,051 yards. Any handicap player will enjoy their experience at Club West as long as the right tee box is selected.

1 -10 Course Rating by Meridian’s Golf Specialists: 8

Comments by Meridian Guests:

• “A spectacular finish. We are all still talking about the last few holes, especially the double green par 3. The tee shots just floated in the air forever. It was beautiful.”
• “Desert golf, but with enough grass to keep the ball in play most of the time. The course was very forgiving if you play conservatively, and smart.”
• “I wish I could play a few holes over, so I’ll have to play there again next year.” “We all had a great time.” “It was a good mix of holes, a little bit of everything.”

The Drive: Only about 30 minutes from Meridian and less than 15 minutes from Sky Harbor airport in Phoenix. The course runs along the southern edge of Phoenix’s South Mountain Park and is the centerpiece of the 1447 acre Ahwatukee Foothills master-planned residential community.

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