Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor Course)
Scottsdale, Ariz.
7,135 yards, par 72; Tom Fazio, 1995
480-502-1800
Course Finder Profile | grayhawkgolf.com
Greens Fee: $50-$200
Service:
You'll find purists who despise curb-to-curb service, but on a hot summer day it was a relief. The cart guys were helpful. Another lad on the range — where speakers pump out classic rock — tells you it's time to head out.
Pace of Play:
The huge bunkers that require lots of raking, the three puttable greens and the native desert lining every fairway
make play slow at times, but the 4:35 we played in was
acceptable. Watch out for winter, when it's cart-path only.
Quality:
There aren't a bunch of dramatic holes, but there's plenty of variety and challenge. The par 3s are strong, the par 4s play long and the risk/reward par-5 18th with its mountain views and water right is a fun round-ender.
Value:
It was worth the $75 we paid on a weekend morning in summer. It lacks the excitement that a few of its competitors enjoy, so the two bills-plus you pay in high season is exorbitant, but the posted twilight rates are reasonable.
Verdict:
Its location, service and facilities deliver, while the
houses, cost and cart-path-only policy in prime season detract from the experience. Still, the bottom line is that
the Raptor is a nicely polished trophy course.
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