Southern Dunes

Evolution is taking place and history is being made in Maricopa, AZ, as the formerly private and gender-restrictive Southern Dunes Golf Club is now open to the public. In the latter part of 2010, the ownership of Southern Dunes Golf Club was transferred via purchase to the Ak-Chin Indian Community, and as such the golf facility evolved into a course that, now, everyone can play. The club was originally formed as a private, 'men only' club with a sole emphasis on golf and did not feature swimming, social, or physical fitness amenities; it opened in 2002 and was sometimes touted as the 'southern end of town's rival of Whisper Rock Golf Club'. From its opening, Southern Dunes played as a long golf course, and had no forward tees.

But with its remote location, intentionally limited amenities, restricted market (males), and an eventual floundering economy, Southern Dunes did not financially survive. Twice re-organized, and once re-named as Royal Dunes Golf Club, Southern Dunes GC may now find its niche as a wonderfully challenging public golf course that can be enjoyed as part of an entertainment package that the Ak-Chin Indian Community now offers.

Land near Maricopa, AZ, is the ancient home of the native American Ak-Chin Nation, however, in 1913 portions of their original reservation were taken away. Fast forward in time roughly 85 years and U.S. Laws governing home-rule regulations enabled this Nation to establish gaming on their tribal lands. The Ak-Chin Community owns the successful, nearby Harrah's Ak-Chin Resort and Casino, and will soon open (Summer 2011) a five-story tower to double the number of hotel rooms on site. Thus gaming and golf packages will be available through the Ak-Chin Resort and will create an exciting and multi-faceted destination attracting a wide range of visitors. History came 'full-circle' when, in 2010, the 320 acres of land which Southern Dunes GC occupies was purchased by the Ak-Chin Community; this parcel was part of the land taken 97 years ago, and is considered sacred by the Indian Community.

So what kind of golf course is Southern Dunes? Let me first state what it is NOT: Southern Dunes is not the typical desert style target course; Southern Dunes is not a coastal, treeless links style course; Southern Dunes bears no resemblance to a traditional Midwest parkland country club; and, Southern Dunes will in no way present images of the marshy courses found in the Southeast. The course's architects, Schmidt-Curley Design, Inc., describe their product as reminiscent of "Australian dunes" with a laid-back ambiance. The course is generally flat, but gently rolling in most areas and gently rising in a few areas (see photos); there are no houses on the course. Par is set at a balanced 36-36=72 from all tee boxes, of which there are six choices. The course yardages and ratings are rendered as follows:

Tips: 7517 / 76.2 / 141
Black: 7307 / 75.1 / 138
Gold: 6889 / 72.6 / 131
Blue: 6493 / 70.6 / 126
White: 6074 / 68.5 / 121
Red: 5102 / 71.7 / 124

The media accolades for Southern Dunes are plentiful along with the listing of premier events that the club has hosted:

Golf Magazine's Top 100 Courses That You Can Play (#87 Nationally)

Golf Magazine's Top Courses State-By-State That You Can Play (#5 AZ)

GolfWeek's Best Courses You Can Play State-By-State (#9 AZ)
GolfWeek's Top 100 Resort Courses (#91 Nationally)

PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament Second Stage - 2006, 2007

United States Open Local Qualifying Site - 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010

Arizona State Amateur - 2005, 2009

Gateway Tour - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Cactus Tour - 2009, 2010

PGA Professional National Championship - Southwest Section Championship - 2009


Southern Dunes Golf Club is managed by Troon Golf, the world's largest upscale golf operator. Southern Dunes GC, Maricopa, AZ is an approximate 65 minute drive south of Scottsdale, AZ. Fred Couples was the design consultant for the course.

If you are a golfer that falls into the 'adventurous', 'curious', or 'low-handicap' category then include Southern Dunes on your must-play list. Or, if you are a golfer that enjoys gaming following a round of golf, then by all means, schedule a day or two getaway at the Ak-Chin Resort Casino.

Further information can be found at website: www.golfsoutherndunes.com;
phone: 480-367-8949; address: 48456 West Highway 238, Maricopa AZ, 85239.