Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel & Casino

This course was recommended by friends who love it. They are more accurate off the tee. 🙂 A lot of the traps that I experienced were not great quality. It may have been the time of year, but I expected better sand. The price was very fair for the golf. A single shot Bloody Mary in the restaurant is $11. Overall, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Staff was wonderful, but the course is not for me. My friends do love it, though, so take my review with a grain of salt.

This is a great place to play. The layout is unique, spectacular, and a nice change-up from all the desert courses around Phoenix. It may not be as scenic as Boulders or Troon, but it's a better all around course. To me, it is the most difficult public course from the back tees in Phoenix. Even tougher than Quintero or any of the other Troon courses. There are 5 sets of tees, so it can accommodate all players though. The staff is great and super friendly as well, which is another reason this place is worth the drive.

BUY AT YOUR OWN RISK: I purchased the Southern Dunes Summer Six Pack for $249, thinking it was a good deal. Unfortunately, I only used 3 of the 6 rounds. I assumed the pass expired at the "end of August," so I tried to book today the 31st, only to be told it expired on the 29th. Last I checked the end of August is the 31st, major bummer we couldn't get it in. Despite the course being available, they refused to honor the pass or offer a discount. The course condition was also disappointing, with waterlogged holes and partially dead fairways. Doug at the pro shop was unhelpful and dismissive as was the director of golf. Neither would do anything to help get my young son and I on the wide open course and make a happy customer. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.

GOLF AT YOUR OWN RISK: I purchased the Southern Dunes Summer Six Pack for $249, thinking it was a good deal. Unfortunately, I only used 3 of the 6 rounds. I assumed the pass expired at the "end of August," so I tried to book today the 31st, only to be told it expired on the 29th. Last I checked the end of August is the 31st, major bummer we couldn't get it in. Despite the course being available, they refused to honor the pass or offer a discount. The course condition was also disappointing, with waterlogged holes and partially dead fairways. Doug at the pro shop was unhelpful and dismissive as was the director of golf. Neither would do anything to help get my young son and I on the wide open course and make a happy customer. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.

Really good golf course. In great shape. Very friendly staff. There are other courses I like more in the Phoenix area such as Quintero and The Boulders but it is a really good layout.

I really want to love this course. The layout is excellent, conditions were as expected for the summer, and the greens are close to being back but likely need a couple of weeks. My #1 problem with this course is the pace, and the lack of marshals willing to do anything about it. Oh, I’ve mentioned it each visit. They say the same thing, like today. “Oh, you’re only at 4:10 hours so you’re in right on pace”. Yes, but I skipped 4 holes to pass people and didn’t finish all my shots on the final hole. So no, it’s not “on pace” is it?!? If it was an afternoon and I had nothing to do and didn’t mind wasting 5-6 hours in 108 degree heat, then sure, this is likely the course for you. However, if you value your time and actually want course marshals to do their job and speed people along, then you must look elsewhere. They won’t address slow play here. Not at all. I was an 8:00am tee time and was waiting on every hole after the 1st. No excuse for this when you’re paying someone to drive around the course and ”monitor” play. Absolutely terrible management. PLEASE address this! Third round in a row that was trending for 5:30 hours or more, 2nd straight round where I called it quits with holes to play because I’d hit the 4:30 mark. Pitiful! Do they offer a credit, no. I waited in line at Starbucks and it took unusually long, yet they offered a free pastry to make up for it. Take notes Ak-Chin.

golf course in great condition, but greens still recovering from aeration.

One of my favorite courses in Phoenix and well worth the drive. It won’t disappoint. Troon never does.

Been a couple of years since I had the pleasure of golfing Southern Dunes, I missed it. Great course, layout, staff, conditions, a great challenge. Its where I go to gauge where my game is at. Only complaint on the day is the greens were in great shape but unusually slow, left a handful of putts just a bit short. Other than that, a great day indeed!

**I would rate this a 5/5 as far as summer conditions goes** Teed off at 6:40am this time. NO ISSUES WITH MOSQUITOS. We finished the round in 4 hours. The greens were punched recently but are healing. Definitely not a deal breaker as many courses in the Valley prep for the change. Can't say enough about how peaceful it is out here. I would recommend bringing a friend to play out here. It's worth it to drive further but you get a challenging course that is a lot of fun. Lots of interesting holes/layout. Don't forget to stop by the Grill for food. This course is a definite do not miss if visiting Phoenix.

The course was nice, the GPS was needed and worked well, the pace is as great as our foursome was done in less than 4 hours. As soon as I got home, I booked for next Sunday!