Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
About
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.
Course Details
Rentals & Services
Practice & Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
Available Facilities
Available Sports
Awards & Recognition
Golfer Photos
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Photo submitted by u000001261715 on 05/19/2026
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Photo submitted by u314161478681 on 02/22/2026
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Photo submitted by george1061870 on 02/12/2026
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Photo submitted by george1061870 on 02/12/2026
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Photo submitted by JoeFellows on 03/07/2025
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Photo submitted by u000005021421 on 04/23/2024
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Photo submitted by u000005021421 on 04/23/2024
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Photo submitted by u000005221683 on 03/06/2024
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Photo submitted by TyrelB on 01/06/2024
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Photo submitted by ricknok on 06/17/2023
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18th hole Photo submitted by u000007367496 on 04/19/2023
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Photo submitted by gregwascher on 03/31/2023
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Photo submitted by bluedog54 on 12/24/2022
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Good track Photo submitted by Lobo39 on 08/26/2022
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Bare spots and snake... Photo submitted by tarifachris on 05/27/2022
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Could have played all night with the full moon. Photo submitted by SteveJWyo on 03/23/2022
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Photo submitted by u314160287695 on 03/14/2022
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Photo submitted by Jbwills99 on 12/23/2021
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Birthday round Photo submitted by Jbwills99 on 12/15/2021
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Photo submitted by ThePeteyRich on 11/22/2021
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Photo submitted by ThePeteyRich on 11/22/2021
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Photo submitted by ThePeteyRich on 11/22/2021
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Photo submitted by ThePeteyRich on 11/22/2021
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Photo submitted by ThePeteyRich on 11/22/2021
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Photo submitted by ThePeteyRich on 11/22/2021
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14th Photo submitted by u000004410047 on 02/16/2021
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Photo submitted by Mark6271553 on 01/29/2020
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Photo submitted by mikx3x3x3 on 08/25/2019
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Avoid the bunkers. Photo submitted by JasonDeeganGA on 01/14/2018
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Ak-Chin 2nd Photo submitted by Pizazz84 on 03/19/2017
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Ak-Chin 10th Photo submitted by Pizazz84 on 03/19/2017
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Photo submitted by Terry4060839 on 07/05/2016
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Hole 4 Photo submitted by salim on 03/19/2016
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Hole 2 Photo submitted by salim on 03/19/2016
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Photo submitted by Andyglad1 on 05/04/2015
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Photo submitted by Andyglad1 on 05/04/2015
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Photo submitted by Andyglad1 on 05/04/2015
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This guy wanted to play though... so we let him Photo submitted by yavo2596 on 10/07/2013
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Sand sand sand Photo submitted by strybosch on 02/20/2013
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Photo submitted by hottommy on 11/13/2012
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Photo submitted by hottommy on 11/13/2012
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some of the 109 bunkers Photo submitted by hottommy on 11/13/2012
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Photo submitted by jjrtdcaz on 10/12/2012
Golfer Reviews
Somewhat overrated
Course has a reputation of being one of the better courses in the Phoenix area. Sits about 30 minutes south of Phoenix Sky Harbor airport in Maricopa. Staff very friendly. Practice areas all good. Range, chipping green, bunker and putting green. Course layout is excellent. Holes layout visible and separated. Several tees needed to be rolled to level and groomed. Well bunkered but the bunkers need a lot of attention. Very thick sand in some spots barren hard pact in others areas in the bunkers. Greens rolled true and fast but were not receptive can’t remember repairing a single ball mark or any others on the greens. Post round of drinks and wings were good and served with a smile. Received a $15 voucher when checking in at the pro shop. Good friendly staff inside and outside. Starter Bob friendly and informative. Average value for the $225 green fee. Better value courses for around the same green fees would include The Legacy, The Raven, Papago, Aguila (best value in Phoenix) and the Whirlwind courses.
Bunkers need attention
Course is considered one of the better courses in the Phoenix area. Range chipping area and putting green all good for pre round warm up. Course layout is excellent. Tees were not well groomed and even level on several holes. need to be rolled. Bunkers were plentiful and not in very good condition. Some areas had several inches of sand while other parts of the bunker were basically bare hard ground. Staff was very friendly and the post round of complimentary drinks ($15 vouchers provided at checkin) were well made by Kayla and delivered with a smile. Not the best value for the money compared to other Phoenix courses.
Southern dunes
Played an early morning tee time here. Course was in excellent condition. Worth the drive if you're in Scottsdale. Tons of bunkers which require some planning of how you'll play. Fantastic course.
Hidden gem
Awesome course that can be played multiple ways. Will be back again
First time out
This course is awesome! So much fun to play. The course was in great shape, greens rolled true on every putt and chip. I had 2 chip ins for birdie so maybe biased on loving the greens.
Definitely follow the advice of the starter in that the on cart GPS is your best friend. You need to know where the 100+ bunkers are.
It's a bit of a drive but well worth it, will certainly be playing again!
A Desert Oasis
Took a chance and found perfect fairways, amazing green complexes, smooth greens and a country club experience in the middle of the desert. Would highly recommend! The starter, Mike Frey, the bag drop attendant, Liam, and the Pro Shop Assistant, James, (named after me) was very engaging.
We will play it again, and try to avoid a higher percentage of the 100+ traps.
Worth the Drive!
Played this morning and everything was great, the bag drop staff, pro shop staff and on starter were all friendly and welcoming.. the only issue was the pace of play for an 8am round took 4.5 hours, new golfers infront of us couldn’t keep the pace but it didn’t ruin our day. Will definitely be back!
Great golf
My foursome had an early morning T Time and had a nice breakfast before our round. All employees we encountered throughout the day were very friendly and professional. The course was in nice condition and we were able to keep a nice pace throughout the round.
Played the Blue Tees.
Bunkers could use some work. very hard.
Greens ran true.
Not worth the money
Prime money for average course. Fairways and greens are nice enough hut overall it’s an ugly course. Tumbleweed and garbage on nearly every hole. Play legend trails for better view and less coin
Can't miss on this one!
Beautiful views, challenging layout. Easy to see why the course is used for AGA and USGA qualifiers and events. Course is in GREAT shape. Very fair if you keep it in play, but you'll need every shot in your bag if you get out of position. For $100ish with tax, it's a bargain compared to other "high-end" courses, amd it puts other $100 courses to shame.
Hour drive each way for me. I will definitely play it again!
Phenomenal Track
Southern Dunes was a phenomenal experience. From checking in, practice range, and course were all superb. Fairways and greens were in great shape. Plenty of beautiful scenery and wildlife on the course. Traps had soft sand. Some holes involved carry, but were no issue. Pace was exceptional and staff was fantastic. We had breakfast prior to our tee time and the food was outstanding. I recommend this course to those that want a challenge and exceptional customer service.