Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Country Club 18 holes,Par 72
Rating/Slope : Black 72.2/132; Blue 69.8/125; White 67.8/117; Red 71.0/128
Course Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
Driving up Arizona Highway 179 into the canyons of Oak Creek, you are surrounded by the magnificent Red Rock formations that make up one of the most beautiful areas on earth. The towering cliffs of red sandstone against a blue sky, create a truly unique landscape. Set in the midst of this grandeur is Oak Creek Country Club. The Robert Trent Jones design is a traditional layout of fairways lined with pines, cottonwoods, and willows. Bunkers are adequately placed within the framework of the area’s nature setting.
The timeless serenity of Red Rock Country unfolds as you play this well groomed, semi private course. The signature hole is #4, a 185 yard par 3, slightly uphill, surrounded by a large bunker on the left and trees at the back. Your backdrop is a towering red rock, tall pines and a recently completed 20 million dollar architectural designed home, according to an accompanied course member. Number 3 is a severe dogleg par 5 that is a risk/reward hole. Big hitters can attempt to cut the corner protected by giant pines and reach the green with a long iron, but the slope of the green tilting toward the back, makes hitting it in two a very difficult goal to attain.
The course meanders within the housing community of Oak Creek Canyon. Purple trees and purple iris, permeated the yards and harmonized with the purple-red mountain majesties, on an April morning after a frost delay. On one hole, the resident having a brew on his patio, entertained by the golfers’ various skills or lack thereof, offered a lilac blossom that smelled like a New York childhood springtime. By afternoon, shorts and short sleeves felt comfortable.
Quails are the course bird and logo but cardinals serenaded and a hummingbird perched at the top of the tallest pine. The pines are very pretty and smell so fresh, but there is the occasional pine gum associated that can make for a sticky ball. Several ponds and other water hazards, amongst the willows, create the principal challenge of scoring well here.
Gabe Beronja and his friendly staff provide excellent service and amenities. The clubhouse has a nice selection of fashions for men and women. The Mulligan’s Grill is a great place to unwind after the round of golf. You might consider grabbing a beverage to take on the round, since there is no snack cart on the course. Water is amply provided however on every three holes. Practice facilities include a large putting green with a chipping green as well. The range is across the street to help loosen your swing.
Oak Creek provides the perfect setting for a relaxing day of golf with the natural beauty of its surroundings. It is a great reason to make the drive north from Phoenix, for this gem of Red Rock Country.
