Desert Canyon Golf Club
Although this course is less than 6,500 yards long from the back tees, it has a formidable slope rating of 126. A majority of holes contain either elevated tees or greens, and the course challenges the golfer with strategically placed doglegs. Opening in 1971, Desert Canyon boasts views of mountains that have made golf in Arizona a real treat. From 2 p.m. until dark, fees are discounted.
10440 N Indian Wells Drive
Fountain Hills, Arizona, 85268-6240
Phone: (480) 837-1173
Fax: (480) 837-1346
http://www.desertcanyongolf.com
Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club
Robert Trent Jones Jr. outdid himself when he designed this course in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Dove Valley offers breathtaking views along with water and sand in evidence throughout this course. As with other courses designed by Jones, no fairway or green is ho-hum, and both strategy and variety are provided on virtually all 18 holes. This course is about 7,000 yards long from the back tees, and its slope rating is 131. You can start after 3 p.m. for a discount.
33750 N Dove Lakes Dr
Cave Creek, Arizona, 85331-5001
Phone: (480) 473-1444
Fax: (480) 488-4251
http://www.dovevalleyranch.com
Kokopelli Golf Course
The views from this property along with the seven lakes that dot Kokopelli Golf Course are only the beginning of a very special day of golf. Bill Phillips designed this beauty that opened in 1993. It is about 6,700 yards long from the championship tees, though it can play much shorter from other tees on each hole, and it has a slope rating of a hefty 132. Depending on the season, you can play after 1 or 2 p.m. for a discount.
1800 W Guadalupe Road
Gilbert, Arizona, 85233-2926
Phone: (480) 926-3589
Fax: (480) 926-1666
http://www.kokopelligc.com
Mountain Shadows Golf Club
No recommendation of twilight golf would be complete without an executive course, and since this is one of the most scenic in Arizona, it is on our list. At almost 3,100 yards, Mountain Shadows Golf Club is a par-56 with Camelback Mountain in the background, and its palm trees and oleanders are evident on most holes. An incredible sunset greets each twilight golfer as he finishes his round on this course that opened in 1961. If you tee off after 1 p.m. you get a discount.
5517 E Lincoln Drive
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85253-4119
(800) 782-2123
Fax: (480) 905-3151
http://www.mountainshadowsgolfclub.com
Pointe Golf Course at Lookout Mountain
This course is more than 6,600 yards from the back tees and has a slope rating of 136. It is a challenge for the most proficient golfer. Pointe Golf Course meanders through rough terrain next to Phoenix Mountain Preserve and features amazing views of Squaw Peak and Lookout Mountain throughout the course. Since it embodies the characteristics of both a traditional and a desert course, it is an exciting challenge regardless of your level of play. If you play after about 2:30, you'll pay a lower price to play this fantastic golf course.
11111 N 7th St
Phoenix, Arizona, 85020-1176
Phone: (602) 866-6356
Fax: (602) 866-6385
http://www.pointehilton.com
About The Author
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.
