I played the Rim Club in the fall of 2010. I had very high expectations, as I have heard good things about the course. Even Moorish and Weiskopf (the designers) said this is their best course in the US. Unfortunately, I was a disappointed. It was not the conditions- they were very good, with incredibly healthy grass, OK bunker sand, consistent greens (though there were many unfixed pitch marks). It was the layout. There are so many blind shots it is unbelievable. I would guess 40% of the drives are to completely hidden landing areas, and a number of the approach shots leave you guessing as well. I have never hit so many shots I thought were center cut that ended up in the rough, a bunker, or were just plain GONE. Plus many of the landing areas are not fair- big bunker complexes that cross the fairway where most drives fall, or pinched fairways that impinge on a decent tee shot. I have always believed that good shots should be rewarded, but at this course they frequently are not. The thought that kept running through my mind throughout the round was simply "too tricked up". To be fair, this course would perhaps be more fun after 5 or 6 rounds... but the first time through it was not a pleasure to play.That said, this facility has a lot of great things going for it. The staff is very professional and friendly- impressive. And what an incredible setting! The golf course is probably the most beautiful in Arizona, with towering pines and little streams and amazing natural beauty surrounding picturesque holes. You can see miles around Arizona high country, with mountains in almost every direction. Spectacular! The facilities are also excellent- the clubhouse is top-notch, the driving range and short game area are great as well. The putting green is too sloped but ok. There are few houses around the course, and those that are there are REALLY nice. Compared to Forest Highlands, the Rim Club has better facilities and staff, though the Forest Highlands golf courses are superior (though not perfect). I have heard good things about Chaparral Pines (also in Payson), though I have yet to play there.I was very surprised to see the reviews below- they are overly positive given the shortcomings of the golf course. That said, there are a lot of things to like about the Rim Club.
