Grayhawk GC
Scottsdale, AZ
Raptor: 1995, Tom Fazio
Raptor:
Raptor 7135, 74.0, 136, 72
Palo Verde 6593, 71.3, 133, 72
Terra Cotta 6150, 69.1, 127, 72
Talon: 1994, Graham & Parks Intnl.
Raptor 6973, 74.3, 141, 72
Palo Verde 6391, 70.3, 121, 72
Terra Cotta 5867, 67.9, 116, 72
Fees: ~$195
Raptor #59 2000 Top 100 You Can Play
Talon #64 2000 Top 100 You Can Play
#21 Golf World 2008 Reader's Choice poll
Fat Guy Note: Per my buddy Gordon, this is a good one. Not as nice as Troon North, but a close second.
Mickelson used to live here. 'Nuff said.
Golfcourse.com Review: This facility has 2 dynamic 18's. These desert courses have an ample amount of rough lining their wide-open tifdwarf fairways. The Talon Course features elevated greens that are extremely large and undulating, and water hazards come into play on 2 holes. This course offers a myriad of panoramic views encompassing the McDowell Mountains and the Phoenix Valley. The most difficult hole is #6, a 459-yard, par 4, requiring a long straightaway tee shot in order to make a par or birdie. Another interesting hole is #17, a 126-yard, par 3, requiring a shot to an island green. However the best hole is #11, a 175-yard, par 3, which was voted one of "The Best 18 Holes You Can Play" by "Golf Digest" in '97. This hole, called "Swinging Bridge," requires a carry over a desert hollow and a deep front bunker to a wide and deep green, which has 2 levels. The club hosted the semi-finals and finals of the Anderson Consulting World Match Championship, famous for being the "world's richest tournament." This club also hosted the first World Championship of Golf in 1995.
Best Bar Nearby: The on-site bar at Grayhawk was named to Golf Digest's 2008 50 Best 19th Holes. "Phil's Grill is half sports bar, half shrine to Mickelson; known throughout the area as 'a place to go for a good poker game'; hardwood bar surrounded by TVs; comfy leather couches."
What To Read: I believe it's a standing tradition that everyone who pays greens fees at Grayhawk gets a copy of Rick Reilly's Missing Links, the laugh-out-loud-on-public-transportation, funniest golf novel ever written. After your pulled stomach muscles heal from all the laughing, check out the sequel Shanks For Nothing (only in hardback).
Where To Booze, Grub, Crash, & Play, Phoenix/Scottsdale: See Fat Guy's Phoenix/Scottsdale Golf Weekend