It is a bit odd that is allowed to happen.Īs to the course there are many noticeable holes. There is no where really to drop it or place it despite a local rule saying one can move it one scorecard away. Secondly, on the sixteenth hole on the left side if one misses just slightly in the desert there is a 5-6” straight cut of grass that is like a mini-wall and a ball struck will roll back into an area that gets wedged between a rock and that mini-wall. A few of the bunkers fronting the greens are so steeply banked that the ball can roll back in the bunker leaving a rescue shot requiring a downhill strike very close to the back edge of the bunker.
I have a few complaints regarding the green surrounds. Sometimes it can feel like it is overly done but a simple key thought to remember regarding the green is “which way is down the valley?” It can be either great fun or it can be maddening depending on one’s point of view regarding golf. There are several banks and backstops on or bordering the green that sometimes one can take advantage of and others times it will become one’s peril. The greens surrounds are well-bunkered and they are deep but more importantly are the swales, tiers, and contours of the greens which can send a ball hit seemingly into the right spot more than 40 feet away. Because of the wider fairways, the real key to Estancia is the pin placement and the approach shot required. The course has generous fairways although many play at an angle on the dogleg holes. The back nines are equally balanced in terms of difficulty and visual beauty with both sides being par 36. Most of the members generally play the “blue” tees at 6715 or the “copper” tees at 6336. The keys to playing Estancia begin with choosing the right tees which range from 7314 to as little as 5207. It “feels” different than many other courses designed by Tom Fazio due to bunkers that are center-fairway, a few hidden bunkers, and some shots that are blind into pin locations. Its eighteen holes offer variety, particularly with regards to the approach shots, and most of the holes are well above average.ĭesigned by Tom Fazio, with much of the work credited to Kevin Sutherland, the golf course is well routed to take advantage of its location next to Pinnacle Peak. Is Estancia the best desert golf course in the USA? Many think so although some mention Shadow Creek, a couple of courses near Palm Springs, Desert Forest, and Forest Highlands Canyon.Įstanica is a fabulous golf course with numerous commanding long 30-40 mile views wrapping itself around Pinnacle Peak (which has a lovely 90 minute easy hiking trail open to the public). It is an exceptional course, with pristine conditions, and super friendly members. It is now my favourite course I have played in the Valley.
#STARFIRE GOLF COURSE PLUS#
While I can understand why the plus handicaps play at Whisper Rock, Estancia is the club that the golf mortals should try and play. To be honest, I could sit here and rave about every hole on the back 9, there wasn't a single weakness.
#11 is a very unique par 3 (135 yards), where you are hitting into a green that is surrounded by a 270 degree rock formation. The back 9 of Estancia is where the course really earns its 6 stars (IMO). The routing is so seamless, that you never really feel like you have walked that far. The craziest part is when you get to the tee of #7, you look down and realize how high you have climbed since the 4th hole. Stand out holes on the front 9 for me are #6 (par 4 that doglegs up to the right) and #8 (par 4 that doglegs to the right, but you are hitting from an elevated tee). Oddly enough, I would notice the homes when my playing partners hit shots (they are stunning), but I never felt as if they were in play while over my golf ball. When you get to the first tee, the quality of the turf takes it to an even higher level. The entrance and feel of the clubhouse at Estancia is very welcoming, and oozes of class. I recently had a conversation with a fellow golf nerd, and we both agreed that Fazio courses are always a lot of fun to play.Estancia is no exception.
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