Hidden Cove Golf Course, Holbrook, AZ

My experience on this course was much more pleasant than that described by sodarox20. The greens were good enough: my USGA handicap around 35, yet I did one-putt several greens, and typically two-putted. I think the greens must have been under treatment or repair when sodarox was there...I saw no ridges or grooves.

Also, an actual person took my money, and lent me a non-motor push-cart for my clubs, without additional charge.

I agree that hole 4 has limestone and dirt where there should be a fairway. I moved my driven ball to a place with a few small tufts of grass. My only irritation with other fairways was that (in November) there were quite a few bright-colored fallen leaves disguising themselves as golf balls, but in the end I found more balls than I lost, so I can't complain!

This is my hometown course and I hate to have say this but it has gone from a very good municipal course to a horribly taken care of piece of crap. I will start with the positives:

--Very affordable, $5 for 9 holes plus $5 per cart.
--Usually not very busy so you don't feel rushed
--Scenery isn't the best but it does have a nice backdrop against a small mountain and butte that really adds to it.
--Overall it is challenging enough for those looking for a good game...until you get to the greens.

NEGATIVES:
--There is no onsite management or employees. You pay via a vending machine and sometimes the proof of payment won't fall down.
--On the off chance security is around, and you don't have a slip, you can get banned and kicked out for good.
--The course is in dire need of some maintenance. Hole 4 (hole 1 according to golf link), has no fairway the first 225 yards or so. It is all limestone and grass wont grow there so unless you drive the green, you are usually in a muddy mess.
--The greens are HORRIBLE. they have grooves and grid looking patterns of baldness on them making your ball hop around instead of rolling true. If you 3 putt on any green you usually did well...

Overall, this course isn't surrounded by housing making it perfect for those who struggle hitting straight. It is cheap and affordable but don't expect anything special. Gas powered carts, no convenience cart, and vending machines that usually take your money make for useless amenities.

It can be fun to play if you don't let yourself get frustrated over your putting nor let it affect your score. I usually hover around 45 for 9 holes but shot about 5 over my average playing here. The scenery is nice and the course is moderately challenging with several dog leg holes that make you think before pulling out the driver and the two par 3's are fun to play (one over a lake the other about 65 yds to the pin). This course makes you pull out most clubs in your bag and with some work could once again be a very respectable 9 hole course again.