Review Date
August 17, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: daemonizer, Shoots in the 80s

Summary:
A surprisingly good course. Worth the trip into the far north-western boonies. I played this course mid summer, and didn't see anyone else on the course. Thoughts:
Practice area- very good. A nice driving range w/ new pro-v1 practice balls, and plenty of targets. The short game area is good (not as exceptional as Golf Club Scottsdale, which has the best I've ever seen, or even Estancia).
Course layout- not horribly difficult but INTERESTING- Engh did a great job using the terrain to do some interesting things. I like how part of the green is hidden on a number of holes, such that you are firing at the top of the flag stick instead of the surface. There is some nice work where some greens are woven into the side of hills- very picturesque. It has 3 or 4 cheesy water holes (they always look so silly and fake on desert courses) and some strange greens that are placed deep down inside bowls- I've never seen the like. The 9th hole is very unique, with a tiny green tucked into the side of the hill. I liked the layout on that hole but I suspect most players would find it too extreme and a little "tricked up". It's also rather unfair for short-hitting women as they would have a very tough time crossing the desert chasm in front of the green.
Greens- relatively flat with little severity. Some small, mostly very large.
Conditions- very, very good, the grass was very healthy, and almost no divots (I don't think they get much play in summer).
The plot of land is not as good as the breathtaking property of some of the North Scottsdale courses (e.g. Estancia, Desert Highlands, Troon) but the architect made a very good showing.
I would strongly recommend this course to anyone. The rates are shockingly low to join right now so if you live in the west valley it would be worth considering.

Customer Service:
Exceptional. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The director of golf drove by a few times to make sure I was happy, and was very pleasant. The chicken sandwich at the turn was perhaps the best food I've ever had on a golf course- PHENOMENAL. The maintenance staff did not intrude on my round at any time.

Similar Courses Played:
I've played most of the top "new world" private courses in the Phx valley.
This course is a lot like Mirabel but so much better, b/c Engh has balls and creativity while Fazio does not. It is in moderately close proximity to Quintero but has a more interesting and less gimicky layout. If it weren't for the corny water holes and quirky placement of some greens Blackstone would contend w/ the very best in the Valley.