StoneRidge Golf Course, Prescott Valley, AZ

StoneRidge Golf Course is nestled in the hills and mountains of Prescott Valley, which is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from Phoenix. The course has five tees ranging from just over 4900 total yards on the front tees to just under 7100 yards from the championship tees. The course is a par 72. There is a large desert area to hit over from many of the tees, which can make it hard or impossible to retrieve your ball on mis-hits. The course can be a challenge to those who can not drive accurately off the tee or are prone to slicing or hooking the ball due to the large desert areas surrounding each hole. In addition, the greens are fast and some are very undulating. Overall, the course is very beautiful and well kept. The course dress code requires a collared shirt for men. Soft spikes are recommended but are not a requirement. Greens fees were very reasonable considering the quality of the course. I played on a Tuesday morning in July and paid only $42. I would recommend making a tee time online before you arrive at the course. The carts are included in the greens fee, and are a necessity due to the long distances and hilly terrain between holes. They do drop the price down to $32 if you play in the afternoon but I wouldn't recommend any tee time after 11 or 12 in the summer due to frequent thunderstorms that begin in the early to mid afternoon. If you practice on the range before your round, a good-sized bucket of range balls will cost you $5. StoneRidge is a great course in a great location. It will amaze you with its beauty and will challenge your game at the same time. With summer temperatures hovering in the 70s to 80s, StoneRidge in Prescott Valley is a must-play for the Phoenix-area golfer looking to get out of the heat for a day.

I've played this course about 10 times. It's a real "management" course. The level of difficulty can be adjusted by playing different tees. The whites are fairly short and reasonable for most golfers. The gold tees are a bit longer. The black tees are very long. If you play these tees, bring binoculars :), and hit long and straight. There are two shorter tees for seniors and women. I've played the golds and whites. I love this course and play it as often as I can (it takes me almost an hour and half to get there). Every hole is different and interesting. A buddy of mine referred to it as a "magic" show. Some holes really play with your head. I played here with another 3-handicapper friend who visited town. He thought this was the best course he'd ever played. It is really an exceptional course. Carts are included (if you'd survive the grueling walk, it would take the better part of 8 hours for someone in top shape). The carts have GPS, which is very helpful for managing your play. The GPS also allows you to order lunch from the 9th tee box. The greens are quite good and fast, the fairways are in great shape. And, the tee boxes are fine. Course personnel are friendly and helpful. The food is quite good. And, the practice facilities are great (large practice green, smaller chipping/pitching green, bunker shot green, and nice driving range). It's class act, with breath-taking views.

If you get on their email list, you will almost always get a coupon for golf and grill at $39.95 weekdays and $49.95 weekends. That's a meal and 18 holes with a cart. This is one of the best deals in northern Arizona. However, the last time I played there, it was empty. This was at 11:00 am on a Sunday with temperatures around 70. It would be a great loss, if they didn't stay open.

This course is one of the best in Arizona!!! Very difficult with spectacular views. Maybe the best finishing hole in Arizona as well. . .a serpentine up and down and up par 5. Par 3's are all over canyons as are many of the par 4s. They often have golf and lunch online specials that are incredibly cheap. This would be a $200 round in Snottsdale!! Course is always in great shape and the staff is very friendly. The food is awesome. No cart girl but it is understandable with the roller coaster cart paths! Definately worth the drive to Prescott Valley.