SunRidge Canyon Golf Course

25 minutes east of downtown Scottsdale, the course is in the Sonoran desert with the fairways routed through steep canyon walls. Well conditioned, and highly rated nationally, it's in a beautiful setting with each hole seeming remote from the other. It's a straightforward course with strategic fairway and green-side bunkers, and a few risk/reward heroic type shots. #17 is widely considered to be the best par 3 in the valley of the Sun. The terrain is rolling, and the fairways are mounded and sloping, playing to large greens with minor undulations. Forced carries over desert areas are frequent from the back tees, though most are quite short, but once out in the fairway, the landing areas are mostly generous. The strength of the course starts slow but builds throughout the round as the fairways weave through box canyons and over and around arroyos towards greens, surrounded by desert vegetation. It is a quality layout with upscale conditioning and amenities. Great rates of $40 to $65 are advertised during the summer, making this an incredible value.