If you asked a random golfer in Arizona to rattle off the name of the club that is ranked in BOTH of the Top 100 rankings from Golf Magazine and Golfweek Magazine, chances are they will quickly default to courses that are set within the borders of Scottsdale. However, the savviest of golfers, golf course architecture aficionados and those that even plan tour level events will be quick to reply with: “Ak-Chin Southern Dunes in Maricopa!” Yes, sprawling across 320 acres of annexed Ak-Chin Community tribal land, lies the masterfully designed Ak-Chin Southern Dunes. This year, the club moved up the Golf Magazine Top 100 rankings for 2016-2017 to #84 (ahead of notables such as the Pelican Hill-South, TPC Deere Run and Wynn Las Vegas, to name a few). The club also continues to maintain its Top 100 Best Resort Courses in the Country by Golfweek Magazine. The national rankings of “The Dunes” will continue as the Ak-Chin Indian Community is committed to creating an exceptional golf experience. Club leadership, under the direction of Troon Golf, continues to deliver the exceptional guest experiences and agronomic standards that are Troon Golf hallmarks.

This December marks the two year anniversary of the completion of a property-wide enhancement effort. The project was a combination of multiple initiatives that ultimately improved the course’s playability for leisure players while maintaining the challenges and shot-values enjoyed by experienced golfers. Enhancements included a complete bunker renovation, additional tee boxes, expanded landing areas, and other design improvements on several holes. To ensure the integrity of the award-winning design, original course architects of Schmidt-Curley Design and Fred Couples were brought back to work with Troon’s design and development team to execute the many phases of the project. The changes have been well accepted by all, as evidenced by the recent movement upward in the rankings and just by looking at the clubs recent tournament schedule. Competitive events included the PING Southwest Section PGA Section Championship (who’s winner was awarded an exemption into the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open), Web.com Tour Qualifying (ultimately the first step towards qualifying for the PGA Tour), and two other mini prominent mini tour events.

“The combination of the amazing agronomic conditions created by Dan Payson and our agronomy team, paired with the truly special design and varied tee yardages, makes our golf course one of the best in the region for not only competitive events but also your buddy trip or fun weekly foursome,” stated Brady Wilson, General Manager at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes. “Certainly all of these elements and more have played into our recent honors, awards, and accolades.”

Next month also marks the two year anniversary of the unveiling of #miniDunes. During the renovation, the practice facility was completely renovated. Within the “floor” of the practice area, six tees and six target greens were built to USGA specifications creating a fun-to-play, six-hole, par three short course. After the morning play tees off, the practice facility “converts” to #miniDunes. The course is one that many golfers are using for fun post-round skins games and horse races. At the same time it has also become a “grow the game laboratory”, whereby the club’s PGA teaching professionals create unique instructional experiences.

The Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Experience doesn’t stop when you step off the final green. The club is becoming the area’s most sought after dining destination and special event gathering place. During the club enhancement project, the Ak-Chin community gave the green light to refresh and rebrand the dining venue at the club: Arroyo Grille. The name was inspired from the Ak-Chin translation meaning “where the water loses itself in the sand,” or “the mouth of the arroyo.” Arroyo Grille’s new logo was designed to connect further into Ak-Chin incorporating common Ak-Chin symbols for water, arrows and the sun. Led by Chef Neil Magbanua, Arroyo Grille offers all of the traditional club favorites combined with modern twists on Ak-Chin’s traditional fare. Even if you don’t take in a full meal, the Grille is worth the stop for happy hour libations on the expansive patio where unique draft selections include local brews and specialty craft beers from Colorado will quench your thirst.

Combined (golf, dining, events and the like), Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club is the perfect complement to the Ak-Chin destination that also includes nearby Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino and the UltraStar Multitainment Center. These elements are brought together via creative packages available on AkChinSouthernDunes.com or through Troon Golf Vacations – creating a truly exciting destination.

Whether you are planning a competitive event or weekly foursome, the “Top 100” Ak-Chin Southern Dunes needs to be on your must play list. Do so, and you will be “in the know” with the savviest of golfers who can attest to why Ak-Chin Southern Dunes continues to climb up national rankings.

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes “At A Glance”

48456 West Highway 238, Maricopa, AZ 85139
Golf Reservations: 480.367.8949
www.AkChinSouthernDunes.com 

General Manager: Brady J. Wilson, PGA
Head Golf Professional: Jerrin Woodrow, PGA
Sales & Marketing Manager: Devin Lowe

Superintendent: Dan Payson
Managed by Troon Golf
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes
18 Holes, Par 72, 5036 – 7517 yards
Architects: Schmidt-Curley Design and Fred Couples
Fall/Winter golf rates range from $89 - $164

Preferred rates offered to Troon Cardholders & Copa Cardholders
Book on-line at AkChinSouthernDunes.com for the Best Available Rate

#MiniDunes
6 Holes, Par 18, 487 Yards
Designed by Brian Curley
Golf rates: $12 Unlimited Play ($9 for Troon Cardholders). Complimentary for Juniors under the age of 17 when accompanied by a paying adult. 

Arroyo Grille
Breakfast: 6 a.m. to noon
Lunch: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Dinner:  5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is proudly owned by the Ak-Chin Indian Community