Elephant Rocks at Williams

This is the second time I've played Elephant Rocks, and I almost didn't come this time because of my experience with rude, inattentive, disrespectful staff -- and when the same thing happened again this time, I decided: okay, it's time to write a review.

The course itself is great. Not difficult from the tips -- I'm a 12 handicap and shot an 82 with a blowup "eight hole" (on a par four) where I put a drive into the forest. Greens were quick, fairways were beautiful and wet. Thoroughly enjoyed the course conditions and I was paired up with a couple of regulars who were outstanding as well.

Now, to the problem. I called about five or six weeks in advance to book and was rudely told on the phone that they have a policy that they can only book two weeks out. A policy is a policy -- albeit a dumb one -- but when you're traveling from out of town (especially if Elephant Rocks isn't your only destination), it's frustrating to only be able to book two weeks out. I put on my calendar to book two weeks out and called back. I called back exactly 15 days prior to my getting there (I wasn't counting the days...), and again rudely scorned for trying to book a tee-time one day too early. Finally, called the following day and made a tee time. Look, I get it -- it's not the worker on the phone that made the policy most likely, but still you don't have to be rude.

I got to the course exactly 14 days later to play. I, along with about five other golfers that I did not know, stood in the pro shop twiddling our thumbs for nearly ten minutes until a staff member came to the front to check us in -- and that only happened after the phone rang. I guess I could have cried out "HELLO, IS ANYONE THERE?' but that didn't seem very appropriate. When I finally paid, I also paid for a few beers and range balls (I'm sorry but at a golf course of this caliber, you shouldn't have to pay for a bucket of golf balls); the gentleman that checked me out made it incredibly clear he had no interest in being there. But, what do you do -- this is what you do for a living; even if you're miserable being there, the rest of us are trying to have a good time.

There is no starter, no one announcing when it's your turn to play. So, after hitting balls (had to ask where the range was because I didn't remember and there was no one around to help direct people) and putting for a while, I drove up to the first tee and sat there, alongside with nearly five other carts, all puzzled for what to do next. The nice gentlemen who were up next simply said; "why don't you go first..." although my tee-time was nearly 20 minutes away -- because "it's more of a 'come and go when you please' type of course."

Though I think the pro-shop staff are abysmal, one thing I do have to say without a doubt is that the rangers are great (as are the members with whom I've had the pleasure of meeting). I've had two rangers -- I don't remember the first one's name last year, but this year it was Ted -- and he was wonderful. Friendly, generous, fun to spend time with, and just a delight to have driving around the course.

The makeshift coolers that they give you for the beer say "please return to golf shop" on them, as do the keys to the carts, so after finishing my round and dropping off my bag and cart, I took in the makeshift cooler and key back to the pro shop. There was no one in the shop but me and the employee behind the desk, and I said: "Thanks so much -- great round! Have a nice day" as I set down the cooler and key; he didn't acknowledge me or respond. He just looked at me like a stoned, preoccupied teddybear. Again, I get it -- you may not love being there, but is basic human decency too much to ask for?

Look, the golf is great -- fun, easy, beautiful, and in good condition. And this is the ONLY time I've EVER written about the poor quality of staff on a golf course, but this has happened twice and I was\ so turned off by them, again, then I figured I should say something.

Recommendations to the course:

1. Keep doing what you're doing to the course (it's beautiful!), hire more rangers (perhaps make one a starter?), and either fire or retrain whoever you have working behind the desks.

2. Let people book further out than two weeks. I'm playing five courses over five days in three states. I booked every other course 6-8 weeks in advance.

3. Stop charging for range balls.

4. Have a bartender/cart girl show up before 10:00am, or teach someone in the golf shop how to make a Bloody Mary. It's just not that tough.

Great 1st time at Elephant Rocks. Whether was perfect and the course was in great shape. Great set up and lay out. We are both 14 handicaps, and we loveed the course. Staff was wonderful. My wife and I liked the experience so much we stayed for lunch had a few beers at the bar/restaurant, then played 18 more holes. Wonderful experience all round. Will come back and play again.

First time playing this course and for sure will be back next time we go to the Grand Canyon.

Love this once a secret , not anymore escape the Valley heat getaway. Ran well , friendly staff , course condition was rougher than normal due to weather .Greens were okay but not great and approach landings were extremely soggy and saturated other than that in good shape ! The difference between the front nine layout and back nine is like playing two different courses in one ! Enjoyable regardless of level of play

Beautiful setting. Mostly wide fairways but have a few narrow fairways where a 3-wood may make more sense. Some interesting layout including the uphill 17th and a risk reward par-5 with two burns across so you can get there in 3 with 2 iron shots or try to get there in 2 with a long wood and probably end up chipping or worse. Wide open this afternoon. Probably mostly locals in the retirement community of Williams. About 40 min from Flagstaff.

Scott and his staff are the best at what they do. The course is always in great shape and are better in condition than the country club courses in Northern AZ. Highly recommended for anyone looking play a round while in N. AZ!!

Had a 10:00 am tee time, was able to play as a single getting out a little earlier (thanks to the staff !!!). Course is a nice mountain course with the middle holes playing on a flat area. The fairways are not in great shape, but if you play "winter rules", the course is playable. Would play again if in the area

A hidden gem in Northern Arizona, great layout and challenging from the back tees.

Had a great time but cold and windy for morning play

We waited all wi twr for this course to open up. We've played it 3 times in 3 weeks and it continues to get better and better. Pretty wide fairways most of them tree-lined but very playable. Greens are good for just coming out of winter. Ryan in the pro shop is super friendly and gave great advice for playing the course. We can't wait for all amenities to open back up and get the full experience. A must play in the area.

Lovely northern AZ course. Wander through the pines and take in the mountain views. And while the course isn't too long, the greens make up for it with many challenges. Public course, so rough around the edges a bit. But totally worth it. Will come back many times.