Calling ALL Golfers!
Mesa is the shangri-la for golfers, with 25 courses in the city alone and 50 more within a 30-mile drive.
My golfing experience is limited to miniature golf, called putt-putt by some. Yup, that's it! You might think I shouldn't write this blog but I'm writing it anyway because, despite my lack of golfing experience, here's what I do know: Mesa is the shangri-la for golfers! With our almost perfect weather, blue skies and mountain vistas, Mesa ranks at the top of premiere golfing destinations in the Southwest.
Think I'm biased or exaggerating? For starters, Mesa by itself has 25 different courses including one municipal course. There are at least 50 other courses that are within 30 miles from downtown Mesa: 8 are municipal, most are public and at least 10 are award winning. The courses are varied and appeal to all levels of golfers, plus you can find tee times to fit most schedules.
I've included a list of some of the higher rated courses and links to help you explore the possibilities. If my blog doesn't kindle your interest, the photos at the golf club websites most assuredly will.
Popular Public Courses in Mesa
Apache Wells Country Club features an 18 hole course with a par of 71. The fairways are tree lined and mostly flat, making it an easy walk. It is a semi-private course, recommended for beginners and beyond and open to the public April through October. The club includes a grill with dining services.
Augusta Ranch Golf Club, well known for its friendly services, offers a challenging layout of 18 holes with a par of 61. Walking and golf carts are permitted. The club offers loyalty passes, instruction, league play and tournaments. A pub/grill is open during lunch and dinner hours for before and after celebrations.
Dobson Ranch Golf Course is an 18 hole, par 72, municipal course that is reasonably priced, well manicured and a good choice for all ages and abilities. The generous fairways are tree lined with water hazards and bunkers to keep you on your toes. There is a pro shop, practice range and dining facilities on site. Group and private lessons are offered. Check out the online discounts and special offers before you arrive.
Las Sendas Golf Club sits high in the East Valley, is considered to have one of the Top 10 courses in Arizona and boasts a world class layout. This course is rugged as golfers move through the Usery Mountains at 1800 feet above the desert. The reward for rising to the challenge is the magnificent view of Phoenix. A golf academy with instruction for all levels and ages, a well stocked pro shop and on site dining are appealing amenities.
Longbow Golf Club, located near Sky Harbor International Airport, offers Top 20 Arizona golf in a quintessential setting. There are 18 holes with a par of 70. SoloRider golf carts are available, enabling golfers with disabilities to maneuver the course. The practice area includes hitting stations, sand bunkers and chipping and putting greens. There is a golf store for shopping and a grill for gathering when you finish on the greens.
Painted Mountain Golf Resort has a par 70, 18 hole championship course. It offers the complete resort experience with fine dining, entertainment and unique golf boutiques on the premises. Golf instruction, league play and tournament packages are appealing choices.
Red Mountain Ranch Country Club features the Pete Dye Signature Course, an 18 hole championship course with a par of 72 and beautiful mountain vistas. Specialty instruction, league and tournament play as well as on site dining are all possibilities.
Sunland Springs Golf Club, a Jeff Hardin course with 2 sets of tee boxes, features a 27 hole, par 65, desert style executive golf course overshadowed by the Superstition Mountains. The course is situated in Sunland Springs Village, a 55+ active living community. The club offers a practice range, instruction, a golf shop and restaurant.
Sunland Village East Golf Course offers an 18 hole executive length course with a 62 par and a 9 hole play option. The play on this course is suitable for all ages and levels. A pro shop, driving range and restaurant enhance the appeal of this club.
Superstition Springs Golf Club is championship golf in a peaceful setting and convenient location. The 18 hole course has a par of 72 and there is an extensive practice putting green as well as a driving range for warming up your shots. PGA professionals are available for individual or group instruction. There are shopping plazas, theaters and restaurants nearby.
Stripe Show Golf Club is the ideal course for beginners, junior golfers, those preferring 9 holes at a competitive price and golfers who like to walk (walking is required). Looking for a quick 9 holes? This course boasts a 50 minute play time. There are challenging elements amidst sun and shade features plus a driving range with targets to enhance your game.
Toka Sticks Golf Club or "The Sticks" offers 18 holes of traditional golf at affordable rates. Large trees adorn the course requiring accuracy of shots. The course is challenging; the greens are lush and well groomed. A driving range and grille are on site.
Award Winning Public Courses Near Mesa
Camelback Golf Club in Scottsdale presents 36 holes with 2 courses of championship golf with a 72 par. The club has a complete driving range, pro shop and grill for celebrating with your favorite golf buddies. Included is a view of the iconic Camelback Mountain.
Papago Golf Club is located within Papago Park in Phoenix and just 2 miles from Sky Harbor International Airport. Tempe and Scottsdale are a short commute from the club. This is the home of the women's and men's Arizona State University Sun Devils golf teams. The municipal course is surrounded by classic desert habitat with impressive views of Phoenix and Camelback Mountain. Single rider carts are available upon request for an additional fee. The 18 hole par is 72.
Raven Phoenix/Golf Club is a Phoenix club sheltered by the spectacular South Mountain and suitable for all player levels. The Raven Course is 18 hole regulation length championship golf with a par of 72. Amenities and services at this club are world class earning it several golf service awards. Practice ranges and instruction by PGA professionals are tempting features of this club.
Talking Stick Golf Club is designed to reflect traditional Native American culture enabling you to share in the rich history of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community while enjoying stunning golf courses. There are 2 different courses that offer challenging fairways amid splendid Sonoran Desert scenery. The club offers affordable packages to learn, practice and play.
Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler presents a peaceful and serene setting for 36 holes of championship golf within an ancient and natural landscape. Tournaments, instruction, a grill and golf shopping are all exciting amenities at this club.
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This is by no means the complete list of golf courses in and around Mesa but I'm hoping it's enough to pique your enthusiasm for a golf vacation in the Valley of the Sun. The golfing choices plus our 300+ days of sunshine make this destination hard to forego.
Arizona Vacation Home Rentals has a variety of rental properties near all of the courses noted in this blog and some of our homes are within 10 miles of many courses. Talk about golf dense! For those who seek golf course entertainment between playing, or prefer to be spectators, we have many beautiful, self-contained homes of all sizes with amazing golf course views. We also have homes with putting greens to warm up your shots before you head to a course.
Tee Off in the Valley of the Sun