In reference to golf in Arizona, Tom Weiskopf once said, "By law, we can only irrigate 90 acres of turf. Consequently, most of the new courses are target-oriented. On the plus side, this makes for a unique, dramatic look, the striking contrasts of green formality against the rugged desert backdrop."
With a nod to that aesthetic sensibility, we present the 10 most dramatic desert holes you can play, in alphabetical order.
Boulders Resort (South Course), Carefree
6th hole, 355 yards, par 4
Architect: Jay Morrish (1991)
$75-$285, 480-488-9028, bouldersclub.com
You literally tee off atop a gigantic, prehistoric boulder, straight out of "The Flintsones," to a sunken fairway framed by desert and a lake that hugs the right side. A full-blooded slice will find the hotel lobby.
The Gallery Golf Club at Dove Mountain (North Course), Marana
9th hole, 725 yards, par 5
Architects: John Fought/Tom Lehman (1999)
$75-$195, 520-744-4700, gallerygolf.com
Admittedly this king-sized hole plays downhill, but a lake to the right, a phalanx of bunkers and an undulating green fronted by an arroyo make 5s here a coveted prize.
Gold Canyon Golf Club (Dinosaur Mountain Course), Gold Canyon
4th hole, 467 yards, par 4
Architect: Ken Kavanaugh (1987)
$74-$139, 480-982-9449, gcgr.com
An elevated tee, a wide, right-to-left sloping fairway, saguaro-studded rough and overwhelming views of the Superstition Mountains define this tremendous par-4 some 45 minutes east of Phoenix.
Grayhawk Golf Club (Talon Course), Scottsdale
11th hole, 175 yards, par 3
Architects: David Graham/Gary Panks (1994)
$50-$220, 480-502-1800, grayhawkgolf.com
"Swinging Bridge" starts with a walk over a swaying rope bridge to the back tee, then calls for a healthy carry over a box canyon filled with thorny underbrush to a two-tiered, boldly bunkered green.
The Phoenician Golf Club (Desert Course), Scottsdale
6th hole, 180 yards, par 3
Architect: Jack Snyder (1981)
$29-$199, 480-423-2449, thephoenician.com
On a shortish course full of stunning scenery, this drop-shot hole is the showstopper, primarily due to its side-of-the-mountain tee box, unforgettable views of downtown Scottsdale and mountain ranges far and wide.
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