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Rating Index Rating
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4.5
1445 Reviews (1445)
5 Stars
983
4 Stars
337
3 Stars
79
2 Stars
33
1 Stars
13
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.3
Layout
4.6
Friendliness
4.7
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.4
88.3%
Recommend this course
1341 out of 1445 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.3
56 Reviews (56)
5 Stars
34
4 Stars
11
3 Stars
7
2 Stars
3
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.1
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.3
Amenities
3.9
StaffFriendliness
4.6
80.4%
Recommend this course
45 out of 56 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
90 Reviews (90)
5 Stars
53
4 Stars
23
3 Stars
9
2 Stars
4
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.2
Value
4.2
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.2
StaffFriendliness
4.7
85.6%
Recommend this course
77 out of 90 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
Southern Dunes delivers a championship-caliber layout with challenging bunkers, stunning scenery, and conditions that consistently impress recent golfers. Exceptionally friendly staff, quality amenities, and outstanding value make this AGA and USGA qualifier venue worth the trip.

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Style Traditional/Links
Par 72
Length 7546 yards
Slope 142
Rating 76.5

Stretching over 320 acres in the southwest area, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club (previously known as Royal Dunes) transforms mostly flat terrain into a challenging course that uses practically twice the amount of land a standard course. The course incorporates superb landscaping featuring towering mounds and hollow valleys for an interesting and scenic game. This desert golf course has wide fairways and generous landing areas. The dunes-style layout requires precision from tee to green. The difficulty of the golf course lies within the deep, strategically placed sand bunkers, multi-tiered greens, and native grass roughs. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club provides adequate challenge for players of any skill level.

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Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
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Course Details

Year Built 2002
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round. Closed on Mondays from June 1 - August 31st
Architect Brian Curley (2002) Fred Couples (2002) Lee E. Schmidt (2002)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Caddies Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code Appropriate golf attire.

Food & Beverage

Bar, Grill

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities, Spa, Locker Rooms

Available Sports

Fitness

Accolades

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Reviews

4.5
1445 Reviews (1445)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 59
Patio Dining 48
Brunch 25
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 121
Undulating Greens 56
Forced Carries 55
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 90
A Bucket list/Top 100 Pick 49
A Weekend Splurge 44
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 101
In the 'Burbs 16
Convenient to the City 7

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Reviewer Photos

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Cool layout, feels more like a course in CA, nice pro shop, nice green complexes, good use of native areas.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Nice track

Great layout, lots of risk/reward. Greens and fairways in excellent shape. Lots and lots and lots of sand. Bring your bunker game.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Pure

Southern Dunes is pure. It’s a great layout and they keep it in immaculate shape in season. Greens could be a little faster, but they are true. Bunkers everywhere and certainly desert “sand” but if you know what you’re doing you shouldn’t have trouble getting out. Tee boxes in great shape, practice facility is very nice, and the breakfast sandwich I had was absolutely amazing.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 25
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Wonderful experience -private club feel

Range balls included

Bag drop and pick up services

Greens at fair speed, course very playable

Sand in bunkers was good and solid condition

Offered free water on course

Great carts with GPS confirming yardage to the pin

Enjoyed the 7:36 second off tee time hot deal total cost $120, very fair cost.

Plenty of grass well groomed and plush around the greens and in the fairways.

Enjoyed the day!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Cold weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Greens too slow

Course is great shape but the greens were way too slow for this time of year and the amount of money you’re paying.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Last minute

Was able to secure a single spot no worries. Unfortunately the driving range was closed due to par 3 starting. Otherwise the starter got me out on time at 2:20 for full 18. Manicured like higher priced courses. In Maricopa, plan for a relaxing drive. Enjoyed my round with guys from Iowa, Mike, Eric, and Dr. Mike. I’ll be back for sure!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

First time and I will definitely be back!

Didn’t know what to expect and was unsure of the 50 min drive from Scottsdale, but from the moment you pull up to the bag drop the staff were very friendly and and welcoming. The range setup was great and practise greens were in great shape and very true. The starter was funny and got us off to a great start. The course was in immaculate condition. The pace of play was great you never felt rushed but also never had to wait. This course is just as good or better than any in Scottsdale for a fraction of the price. I will definitely be back to play everytime I’m in the Phoenix area.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
First Time Playing
Cold weather
Used cart

Over priced - $$$$

Understaffed. Heavy rain, with pour run off, that morning and no one to help get water off the course. Fairways were generally 1/2" deep in water, bunkers all had Ponds of water, greens are mainly elevated and pourly airated thus, as hard as rocks (heavy foot prints from previous days = not rolled out).

We had carts but restricted to cart path which were all one 1 side only, therefore would have been better off walking.

2 groups in front had same issues and also not too pleased.

Prices appear to be jacked up for the Waste Management Open week. $349.93 x 3 = $1,046.78.

Sorry Southern Dunes but it is what it is.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Course is one of my favorites in the valley. Always in great shape and the staff has always been great. Greens are in great shape and quick. Bunkers not bad for Az and the fairways are plush. Great practice area to warm up. Was another great day of golf!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 55
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Top 5 course

Obe of my favorites. Other than a few bunkers the course is in great shape. The grass range is the best in the valley. Got paired with Raj,Gopaul and Mike and they were great to play with. All the staff were great. A must play track with lots of challenge for every level

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 15
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Cart Path Only

Played on 2/2/24. Heavy rain the night before made this a cart path only day which slowed down play tremendously. The course was still a little saturated and some of the bunkers had standing water. However it was still in amazing shape and the greens are in perfect shape. One of my favorite courses in AZ

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Wet weather
Used cart

Price on Golf Now was not honored

When I booked the 2 person tee times in December - the agreed to rate was $135.00. On arrival to the course, Southern Dunes would not honor that agreed to price - instead charged the rack rate of $185.00. I was in no position to argue as the round was an Xmas present to my guest. This is completely unacceptable, and as far as I'm concerned Southern Dunes should owe me $100.00. I'm also asking myself - what is the benefit of using Golf Now if prices agreed to are not honored. I am a very unhappy customer.

Conditions Good
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 11
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 61
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course

I looked up best courses to play in The Phoenix area and Southern Dunes was on the list. I was not disappointed. The course was in good condition, the layout was very good, and the pace of play was on point. I would recommend this course to anyone visiting the Phoenix area.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 26
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Walked

Great shape ...

Walked (with electric cart) in just under 4 hours with three guys paired with me who rode.

Course (greens, fairways, tees, traps) is in great shape. One of my favorites in the PHX area, despite the drive, and always play multiple rounds here each January/Feb when visiting.

For the FIRST time in years, there was WATER in the wash in front of #17 tee that prevented me from walking through to reach the fairway. Have had plenty of rain, lately, but still a surprise.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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