Rancho Manana
Rancho Manana in Carefree, Arizona, is a course for all occasions. Local golfers can change up the scenery and visitors get the full desert mountain golf experience. As soon as you arrive amidst the cottonwood trees and adobe buildings, it is like going back in time. Standing in the court yard where the carts meet the bags and the golfers, between the pro shop, the snack bar and the restaurant, with the course and mountain ahead, it has an old ranch feel, but not a working ranch; rather the kind of ranch to which the movie stars would retreat. You almost expect to see Ronald Reagan sitting on the hood of a Hudson with his fedora hat on. Peaceful, quiet and relaxing is the best way to describe the setting for this resort course.
At 6200 yards, it is definitely not grip and rip, but, a true test of selective shot making. You might leave the driver in the bag and prepare to enjoy a true test of your iron play.
The course traverses the hills and canyons of Cave Creek requiring accurate tee shots and a great short game. While it is tempting to drive the par 4’s, an errant shot would lead to disaster and lost balls, guarded by desert reptiles amidst the thick and prickly, natural desert landscape. As you approach the creek area, you are surrounded by tall cottonwood trees and willows. You briefly forget that you are playing a desert course, but, the next hole brings you right back to the desert reality with elevation changes that rise 100 feet from the 1st hole. Spectacular views abound of the surrounding homes and mountains.
As typical with Rancho Manana, #3 provides a test of risk/reward. A split fairway that rises 50 feet from tee to green, requires a layup with a mid iron up to the green or a driver off the tee that requires a carry of 250 yards to a small landing area with the sharply elevated green above the shot. Lots of elevation changes across creeks and hillsides suggest mental juggling of your normal game strategy.
The clubhouse has one of the nicest facilities of any in Arizona. Carolyn McMullen creates a great shopping experience, meeting any of your needs in the pro shop with her friendly staff and has been known to arrange special drop ships for customers’ convenience.
Their award winning restaurant, The Tonto Grill is a favorite lunch venue for many locals to enjoy great food al fresco, choosing sun or shade. You can watch the golfers try their luck at the target green, knowing that, when you are there, a gallery is watching you as well. You can’t go wrong ordering from the menu. The specials are always special, but so is everything on the menu we have tried. It is a great change of pace from your hot dog at the turn option.
Rancho Manana is for making memories. There is a feeling of serenity or nostalgia, amidst this scenery that takes all stress away. You remember the day before it is even done and remember the times and people you played with there before. If you get the chance to play Rancho Manana, do make a memory.
