Saturday, April 28, 2012

Tonto Verde Golf Club in Scottsdale AZ


Tonto Verde Golf Club
If you like golf in the desert and if you like life far from the maddening crowd, and if you especially like being surrounded by Minnesota natives, then Tonto Verde may be exactly what you are looking for.  (over 1/4 of themembers are from Minnesota)
They call this remote community “The Verdes” consisting of Rio Verde, Tonto Verde and the new Vista Verde.  Rio and Tonto have two eighteen hole golf courses and Vista has  one--a total of 90 holes (not to mention the 18 hole putting course at Tonto).  The putting course, by the way, is a treat in itself.
I played the Peaks course at Tonto Verde which was designed by well known golf course architects David Graham and Gary Panks. This 6744 yard course follows the natural contours of the land and will challenge golfers of all skill levels.   It has views for miles of surrounding mountains and is named for “Four Peaks” which is in view on many of the holes.  Four Peaks is the highest point in the area and is occasionally covered in snow. Just imagine an 80 degree sunny day with snow covered peaks nearby.  That ought to get your heart thumpin’
The landing areas are generous and the greens are firm and quick, even after todays rain.  In winter the entire course is overseeded, so its all green (The Ranch course has only the fairways, tees and greens overseeded giving it a different look with the brilliant green fairways framed by dormant Bermuda grass.
They recently remodeled the 26,000 Square foot clubhouse and it looks brand new. A real treat.
Membership at Tonto is currently $20,000 but they run specials from time to time, including 6 month trial memberships with no initiation.  Until they become full, these courses have limited public access at fees ranging from $40.00 in summer to $100.00 in high season.  Just call the pro shop.
For those of you visiting the Phoenix area, they have an outstanding stay and play package with a beautifully furnished home for a week and 5 round of golf for under $1900 per couple.  Prices vary based on size of home and the season
If you go:
480-471-2710
www.tontoverde.org

No comments: