Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club

It was my first time golfing and was 'cautioned' by staff that it's not easy. This outing was more from my fiance but I had a GREAT time and I am looking forward to the snow melting so I can try golfing again! The staff were SO friendly. I also appreciate the guy who brought my jacket that I accidently left near a hole somewhere. I would say do not attempt this course unless you are experienced but again- I was warned and everyone was just super friendly. Fiance golfs quite a bit and was very happy with the course. Thanks everyone!

Drove down from Scottsdale about an hour to get here. Price is less than the popular publics around Phoenix, probably to lure folks for the long drive. Pulled up to bag drop and the guy just stood there watching us after we popped the trunk. We had to get our own bags out from the car. Not a good first impression, but it is public after all. Maybe the superior experience at Quintero the day prior spoiled my group? Went off to the range before round to find they are in the middle of installing large light fixtures around the driving range to turn it into a mini pitch and putt nighttime course (more later). There were some balls for us to hit at the range, but not enough. The course itself was very playable, despite over 100 bunkers, but the sand was well maintained and consistent. We played 6450 Blues, all 7-8 HC players and felt we could score low 80s with just a little more knowledge or experience of the course. Fairways were in excellent condition as were the greens. Practice green was completely flat, but the greens on the course are not. It would be nice if the practice green had some topography built-in to match a typical situation on the course to get speed. I liked the variety in design, plenty of doglegs, and good challenges into the greens. Fairways were generous, but even if you hit it slightly outside the fairway, you can still find the ball as the vegetation is more like the valley, and less like the Upland desert. Didn’t see any cacti, for example. I read a lot of reviews about mosquitoes and bug problems, but we did not have any except at the end when we had a beer on the terrace where the flies were terrible. Sit near the fire to avoid bugs. After our round, we went back to the driving range (which was set up as the pitch and putt after 3pm) to practice short game and play some friendly challenges. There is only one other group out there practicing so we could hit five balls, each into the greens. I highly recommend this to hone the short game, and it makes the experience unique. I think once they get the stadium lights in there it’ll feel like a quasi topgolf experience. The 6 greens on the range are 40 to 80 yards from the tees that they set up as a circuit so you get some good practice in after your round. I probably would drive down from north Phoenix to play here again for 2 reasons: the pitch and putt and lower green fees. Otherwise the course itself is solid but shouldn’t be on your bucket list.

I’ve played plenty of nice courses across the country and this is up there with some of those destination courses. Course was in great shape even after it pouring the last few days. Employees were some of the friendliest I’ve ever encountered at a golf course. It seemed like every employee wanted to be there. Whoever the employee from San Francisco California, was one of the most energetic and nicest employees you could meet. If you’re in PHX area, it’s worth the drive. Probably would be a $300+ teetime if it were in Scottsdale at this time of year.

Friendliest staff I’ve come across at a golf course. Free waters at tee boxes of every few holes. Fantastic greens, roughs and fairways. Tee boxes in amazing shape. Food was great. Cart service is frequent. Played We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro)the day after this course and I prefer AK-Chin. Better layout, a more interesting course and half the price.

Very nice course and great amenities. Price was on the high side and there was a little attitude from a few employees! Oh well I was there to play golf not make best friends. The course is worth playing and very challenging unless you are a very good sand player. On the other hand if you play smart you can score well and have fun. Back to the price I think this is a $70-$80 dollar course. We arrived 2 hours early and there was no way to get out early or so we were told. Tee times are 10 minutes apart but after waiting 2 hours they put a 4 some in front of us which delayed our start. I went in and asked and the response was oh sorry about that. Guess its good to know people...I did not appreciate this! Course is still worth playing...

Nice course, nice people. Had a great time playing this course; but sand is EVERYWHERE; ... should have known with a name like Southern DUNES. In my opinion this course is overpriced and not the plush course I would expect for the $150 I paid as an out of towner. Would I play again ... Yes; I would relish the challenge, but not at what I paid.