Sanctuary Golf Club

Up in the foothills of Scottsdale's McDowell Mountains and just north of the acclaimed Westworld equestrian center, home of the Barrett Jackson Classic Car Auction and the world-renowned Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, lies the Sanctuary Golf Club, a SunCor Golf facility.  Golf course architect Randy Heckenkemper transformed the Bureau of Reclamation's storm water retention area into one of Scottsdale's more interesting golf courses, a 6,624-yard, par-71 gem that bears the distinction of being the first golf course in Arizona to attain the coveted Audubon Signature Status. Basically this whole piece of land that we are fortunate to play golf on is a wildlife sanctuary, hence the name.

While a staunch advocate of the desert environment, Sanctuary is a golf course that requires some course management and unless I play it from the back tees I am always second guessing myself with my approach shots, usually resulting in a "fat" shot or an overnuked one. My suggestion is if you are a 12 handicap or better you need to play this course from the tips. You will find each hole more interesting that way, especially the par 3's. It's a fun course to play, the greens hold a well struck shot but don't be long on most holes. And whatever you do don't chase a ball into the protected areas, that is a definite no-no. It is a desert course with great views of the McDowell Mountains but it is not particularly a target design so there is some room around the greens if you should miss short or right. There is trouble down the left side in the form of a deep ravine on the front nine and it gets a bit tight on some holes so if the driver isn't working all that well, try the 3 wood for position.

Sanctuary has established itself as one of the more popular and challenging golf courses in North Scottsdale in a short period of time. It has only been around about 7 years or so and it sits right in the middle of the McDowell Mountain Ranch Community, easily accessible from most locations in Scottsdale. It is a well maintained golf course with great putting surfaces and lush fairways. It also features a beautiful Southwestern style stone and stucco clubhouse that offers a myriad of amenities including a multi-use, covered outdoor pavilion and a well stocked golf shop. 

Sanctuary is a great golf course to play in the late afternoon when the sun is low and the shadows are long. You become more aware of the wildlife around you and the course takes on a whole new dimension. I like this course, I guess because I have been able to post some good scores on it. But there have been times when I have become too confident and boom, out into the protected area I go. Keep it in the fairway here and you will post a good score.

Sanctuary Golf Club, 10690 E. Sheena Dr. Scottsdale, Arizona 85255