Phoenician Golf Club — Restaurant in Phoenix

This morning, I had the occasion to play at The Phoenician Golf Club for the first time. Upon relocating to the area four years ago, I consistently received feedback from locals indicating that the course does not justify its price in comparison to other options available. However, I was invited to play, and I believe it is imperative to evaluate a golf facility based on personal experience rather than hearsay.

This review is provided from the perspective of a dedicated golfer, not a casual weekend player or visitor. The parking facility features covered bays—a first in my experience at local courses. Additionally, the clubhouse and locker rooms are aesthetically pleasing, and the staff demonstrated commendable friendliness. The practice facility was well-appointed, and the putting greens were maintained to a high standard. The golf carts were also impressive, and the inclusion of GPS technology proved advantageous, particularly on the back nine.

The front nine holes are exceptionally well-designed. The fairways were in acceptable condition, especially considering the peak of summer. The greens are undulating and effectively held approach shots, contributing positively to the putting experience. The bunkering was well-executed, allowing for legitimate bunker shots.

However, the back nine represents a stark and unsatisfactory departure from the quality design observed in the front nine. This segment features steep elevation changes, blind tee shots, and a convoluted routing around cart paths. Following an enjoyable front nine, the back nine is both frustrating and overly gimmicky. Fortunately, the course concludes with holes 17 and 18, which return to a more traditional design.

Regrettably, I must categorize this course as one to avoid. At a price point of $100+ to play right now, it does not deliver value, particularly in comparison to the rates charged during the winter months. The sentiments of the locals have proven to be accurate, and I feel justified in...

What was supposed to be a special day golfing with my girlfriend, nephew, and brother in law, turned out to be a special day golfing despite being harassed by the male ranger starting on the 4th hole. On the 4th tee box "hey guys, the course is wide open so you can play as fast as you want" We just nodded and said "ok" because we weren't really sure what he meant. On the 5th hole I drive the cart up to the other side of the green to park so the group can go putt. Hes waiting by the green and he says "Is there anything I can help you guys with?" "No, sir? Are we playing slow? If were playing too slow well be happy to let the foursome play thru from behind but I see theres more people behind them so Im not sure it will help too much?" "I need you guys to pick up the pace because yall are NINE minutes behind pace" I just nodded politely and agreed because honestly I was in shock. Ive never had this happened before. Ive been playing all my life, ive aware of playing at pace but NINE minutes?? I told the rest of the group what he told me and my brother in laws response was "does he want to swing the club for me?" We saw the ranger twice more and he just kept saying "thank you for picking up the pace" and im just thinking to myself "Am I being harassed? Whats the problem? Leave me alone" I didnt let it affect me too much but i felt bad for the rest of the group because they were picking up there putts and played poorly after. I only get to see my nephew once a year, I never pay that much for a round of golf, and I never get harassed before by rangers for being NINE minutes behind. What was supposed to be a special day golfing with family, left a sour taste in my mouth. I will not being playing here ever again. Oh, we finished the round...

I'm a Phoenix resident and play golf courses all over the valley. The course is nice, and I wish I could rationalize playing there again, but I suggest playing nearly anywhere else. There is no way to justify paying $79 in the triple digit temperatures of Phoenix in the summer when you can play any of a number of equal or more highly rated and well-kept courses at half the price. What a shame that the residents who help keep the water bill paid when it's too hot for visitors to come to town, who would also be the most likely to refer your golf course to visitors when it's prime season, can't afford to play here in June through September. Do yourself a favor and use your golf dollars to play TWO rounds elsewhere- play The Raven ($42), Legacy Golf Resort ($39), Lookout Mountain ($29), Wigwam ($34), Rancho Manana ($32), Dove Valley Ranch ($35), McDowell Mountain ($37), etc, etc, etc. The Phoenician, you can elect to take offense at this review or take it as constructive criticism. The same pen that is used for this review could have just as easily be used for your betterment and promotion, but instead should have the opposite effect. If you should eventually make a change to reflect our mutual interest of value to each other, I'll be in a hurry to change my review to that effect. By the way, I splurged for summer and booked Kierland after my call to the...