41/2 Stars
By Jeff
Oh boy, it's been a little cool here in NYC lately. I���m still waiting for spring to officially arrive. Actually���you know what? Let's just jump straight to summer. I need some sun. Let me paint you a picture. Now, I've been creative ever since I was a young���un, so let me get out my crayon box and color my sun orange and purple. Yes sir, time to head west to Phoenix, AZ. Whoa!! If you're new to this column, welcome aboard. Every Monday we're going on a ride cooler than that freezing beer train in those TV commercials.
So, here we are. My boy "Marcus" and I arrive at Sky Harbor Int'l Airport, downtown Phoenix, and get our bags and rental car in no time flat. You have to love it when a plan comes together. We've checked into our condo and proceed southeast toward the majestic mountains of the Sonoran Desert for a round of golf at the Poston Butte Golf Club. Poston Butte is a relatively new course in the SE Phoenix area. As a matter of fact, Florence, where it is located, is part of a plethora of new upstart suburban communities. So, make sure your GPS is up to date. New roads go up fast as the state wants to make all areas accessible to and from Phoenix and nearby Tucson.
What sold me on this course is that it's a part of Troon Management. They run most of the more "upscale" courses around the world; and, the selection of courses on their roster is usually impeccable. This course does not disappoint. Built in testimony - right on the front page of the website you can see their widget* informing you of its status as a 2008 US Open qualifying site.
From the moment you pull into the parking lot and are greeted by the staff, you feel the comfort necessary to induce a good game on a new course. The pro shop is fully stocked with gifts and all your playing needs. There is also valet service right from your car. Your bags are taken as you arrive and pre-loaded on a cart that will be waiting for you after you check-in. Very nice. And if you feel the need to warm up a little, their practice area, from the range to the putting green, is set up conveniently and professionally. One sign that a course really wants you to have a good round is when no one rushes your warm up session (loving it!).
As for the course itself, hint���click on the hole-by-hole flyover widget on the homepage of the website to get an animated view of the course prior to playing. Why? Because, it's right on the money. Hey kids, we do realize that Phoenix is in the desert, correct? So, where in the world did they get a par 3 island green hole surrounded by water on 3 sides? WHAT!?! It's genius. Sort of like a blurry oasis vision rising from the desert floor in the heat. Be careful though and plan your shot wisely. The wind blows there. It is so easy, yet so tricky if you guess wrong.
Every single hole is stunningly beautiful, from the course to the surrounding mountains. Watch out, you can get caught up in the splendor and lose sight of your game. Try this on for size: emerald green grass, white-sanded bunkers, and red clay out of bound areas with the ever present cacti. Course designer Gary Panks must have been having a really good day when he came up with this treat. And ladies, this course provides ample opportunity for you to play with fairways so generous you���ll think you've hit a celebrity "swag room" with freebies galore! Now, before you think it's all THAT easy, there are quite a few challenges waiting for you.
Poston Butte has frequent specials. Their current special is unlimited golf with lunch, and, a sleeve (3 pack) of Callaway golf balls for $49. Mind you, lunch may be a sandwich, or salad if you like, but you get to play until YOU decide to quit. High five on the value!! Spring and summer usually offer the lowest rates, as fall and winter are considered peak season. Yes they recognize our "snowbird" status. So, put this beautiful course on your "honey do" list. I'm going back for another 18 holes. Don't forget, check me out next Monday as I review another course in AZ. Remember, have fun, and, play it as it lies!
Recommendation: ****1/2
Current Price: Week $60; Weekend $70
Par 72; Slope 60.6; Rating 123; Yardage 6321
Address: 6100 W Merrill Ranch Pkwy, Florence, AZ
Website: http://www.postonbuttegc.com/
*widget -a widget is a permanent webpage plug-in or a permanent link with a picture. On this site, the widget I am referring to is a helicopter.
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