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Rating Index Rating
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4.5
729 Reviews (729)
5 Stars
484
4 Stars
192
3 Stars
31
2 Stars
10
1 Stars
12
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.2
Layout
4.7
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.5
90.5%
Recommend this course
685 out of 729 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.3
39 Reviews (39)
5 Stars
22
4 Stars
11
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
3
Conditions
4.4
Value
4.0
Layout
4.7
Pace
3.8
Amenities
4.4
StaffFriendliness
4.5
87.2%
Recommend this course
34 out of 39 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
51 Reviews (51)
5 Stars
32
4 Stars
13
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
3
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.1
Layout
4.7
Pace
3.9
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.6
88.2%
Recommend this course
45 out of 51 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
Course conditions consistently impress, with fairways holding up remarkably well even after heavy rain and the layout drawing repeat visitors back every season. Warm, attentive staff and solid amenities round out an experience that delivers strong value for golfers of all levels.

About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Style Desert
Par 72
Length 7222 yards
Slope 133
Rating 73.6

Whirlwind Golf Club features 36 holes across 242 acres. Wild horses and native beasts roam the landscape - so don't let them drag you away. While just 12 miles from the metropolis of Phoenix, Whirlwind Golf Club's Cattail Course takes golfers to a secluded and scenic environment, where desert tranquility and beauty is a silent playing partner throughout.

Gary Panks designed the courses at Whirlwind Golf Club. The par-72 Cattail measures 7,222 yards and beings on Arrow Shot, a par-4 413 yarder; the South Mountain Range's canyons will guide you, but shoot straight. Things get long on Two Mesquites, the second hole, a par-5 517 yarder, which does feature Mesquites, a staple for the Gila River Indian Community, used in construction, medicine and food.

Finish up on Last Hole, a par-4 450 yarder that offers a good test to close on, as it is the course's most demanding to drive.

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Whirlwind Golf Club - Cattail
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Course Details

Year Built 2002
Greens Winter: Rye, Summer: Bermuda
Golf Season Year round
Architect Gary Panks (2002)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
GPS No
Pull-carts No
Caddies No
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Bunker Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted Yes
Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code No Denim, Collared Shirt and Bermuda Shorts Required

Food & Beverage

Bar, Grill, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Lounge, Meeting Facilities, Banquet Facilities, Locker Rooms

Available Activities

Riding

Available Sports

Tennis

Accolades

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Reviews

4.5
729 Reviews (729)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 33
Patio Dining 18
Brunch 16
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 53
Water Hazards 37
Undulating Greens 36
This course/club is great for:
A Weekend Splurge 40
Advanced Golfers 40
Locals 35
This Course's Location is:
At a Resort 51
Convenient to the City 39
Worth the Drive 38

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Nice course

I set up my tee time for this course from home based off other reviews. I was traveling in the area and wanted to play some golf.

I played the Cattail course which I was told is the more tournament course of the two at this location.

I enjoyed playing here, the course was in good shape although some fairways were very wet in areas. This was because I was one of the first groups off in the morning, I'm sure later they dried out.

The staff was very friendly and helpful. The practice area is very nice. The greens on the course weren't as pure as I would have hoped but they were in good shape, the ball also held well on the greens. I'm happy I played this course but it wouldn't be one of my top picks when I travel to this area. Its pretty and in good shape, I just don't like how the driving on more than a few holes sets up, just not visually appealing for me.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 13
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
First Time Playing

Frustratingly slow pace

We played Cattail on a Saturday and what a mistake! It took us 4:50 to play even tho the Marshall assured us that everyone was on pace. When we finally reached the par 4 #18, there was a group on the green, a group in the fairway, and two groups on the tee!

The course was in excellent shape with over seeding everywhere.

I wish I could say that we’ll be back, but the pace was unacceptable for the price.

Conditions Excellent
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Poor
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Always a treat!

We've enjoyed these courses, facilities and staff for 15 years. Troon golf has done a remarkable job managing this property. The course "Cattail", was in great shape. The only issue was, the greens were a little crusty on the edges however they still rolled well. I would always highly recommend Whirlwind to anyone looking for more than just a golf outing!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

a dream

when winter has you down and blue this is the kind of course you dream about! no need to dream get on a plane and make it your 1st stop. course conditions were wonderful, water doesn't appear to be a scarce commodity here, nothing appeared to want for water. contoured greens were interesting not extreme. bunkers well placed and consistent. fairways watered consistently, thick no bare patches, amended soil underneath not just sand. if you can find the right price this place will not disappoint.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 13
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 11
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

A Treat!

My wife and I have played some very decent courses the past 8 days including Encanterra and Seville. While they were very well manicured with great greens, Whirlwind was a far more interesting layout to us. The conditions were perfect and easily the most enjoyable round of our holiday. I had read some reviews stating that the staff at the course were not friendly and that they didn’t care about the customers. Couldn’t have been further from the truth for us! Right from the moment we arrived we were treated very well with a friendly attitude and we even had lunch before the round where the service was outstanding and the food amazing!!!

Nothing negative to say about this course at all!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 28
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Great, worth playing, one of our top 5!

Our top 5 favs in Phoenix/Scottsdale area include Troon and Boulders. Very nice course, great condition, carts have GPS. Pace of play great around 4 hrs. Nice clubhouse/restaurant, but closed at 5. Look for a hot deal just over 100 around 1. Close to Premium outlet and airport.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 39
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

True desert course

This is a very nice course. A beautiful course in the middle of the desert!

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Whirlwind of a great time

My friends and I were in Phoenix area for a weekend vacation. Whirwind Cattails golf course was a great find on golfnow. Everything from the restaurant on-site to the driving range to the course conditions were awesome! Very friendly staff and very good pace of play. The course layout is beautiful and very scenic. The carts have GPS and range balls are included. The practice facility is outstanding. I can not say enough about the staff. Mike in the pro shop was very welcoming and the starters were equally as nice. Thank you Whirlwind for a relaxing and exciting golf experience in Phoenix!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Pricey

Course was in great shape. Not sure it or any public course is worth over $150 but got a sweet deal at $40 in the afternoon. Played 16 holes. I would only play again if i had a deal

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Played On
Reviews 41
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Walked
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 21
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great Track

Beautiful course, very well maintained, green fast and true. Played 18 in under 4 hours, condition of the course was excellent. A little pricing but if your looking to treat yourself for a day, this would be a great place to go

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 20
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great course

Everything about Whirlwind is Great. Worth the drive

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 26
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Whirlwind Golf

I have been wanting to play these courses (Cattail & Devils Claw) and though I found the course to be in good condition and somewhat challenging for the same value or less, I have played others in the area that were much more scenic, perhaps I will try Devils Claw and it will impress me more.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 38
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
4.0
Arizona Advisor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Whirlwind: Devils's Claw & Cattail - High end ho hum

Golf in the Valley of the Sun. Desert courses are offered at an almost exponential level. The very best are memorable and you will pay no small amount to have that experience. But the courses that are, let's say, second tier courses like those at Whirlwind, provide almost nothing truly memorable. That is not to say that they aren't good tests, as they surely are. They just are not particularly compelling, nor memorable, certainly not when one is spending over $125/150 just to tee it up.

Living in Scottsdale allows one to be somewhat discerning about where to play and when. Golf Now and to a much lesser degree, TeeOff.com, have made it so that when one has flexibility of time, rates to play become much more palatable. Even so, with such a range of great courses (and that includes a quick drive down to Tucson or up to Sedona or Prescott), playing Whirlwind at any time other than in the Summer when the rates are more in line with the experience makes little sense to me. Moreover, when anyone I know is heading from the wintry north to our warm environs, I can literally think of at least 15 other courses I would point them in the direction of...

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 11
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Add this course to your list of must play

Greens were running fast and the course was in excellent condition. Five tee boxes allowed for varied skill levels. Staff were welcoming and attentive. Only complaint was the pace of play...5 hours.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Whirlwind Cattail

Lush course conditions, for sure. Course interesting and well laid out. Pace of play good on a weekday afternoon. I walked, so If you also walk, prepare to hustle a bit on many holes with a fair amount of distance from green to tee. Greens were not overly fast, but smooth. Practice areas very nice. Good expierence overall!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Excellent course

I played WhirlWinds Cattail and the course is excellent. Challenging course with a lot of tough holes and great views. I forget what hole we were on but my group had seen a wild group of mustangs running in the background of one of the par threes. One of the coolest experiences I have had specifically on a golf course. Great service and an excellent value for winter rates inn Golf Now.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
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