Nestled in the East Valley, is an exceptional, executive golf course that will totally help you hone in your game while thoroughly enjoying a three hour round of golf. Augusta Ranch Golf Club, designed by Bill Phillips and owned and operated by Don Rea, who boasts the friendliest golf course staff ever and we agree, offers 18 holes of challenging short game golf . This, par 61, 3788 yards from the tips, course serves up three tee boxes, eleven par 3s and seven par 4s to test your short game skills. Undulating fairways, elevated and tiered greens with plenty of bunkers and water coming into play, makes this a sensationally fun course that won’t easily give you that birdie or par you’re working towards. The fairways, bunkers (with good sand) and greens were in excellent condition, even in August, and putted true and held well. Once you’ve played here, you’ll understand why Augusta Ranch Golf Club was rated ‘Best Executive Golf Course’ by the Arizona Republic.

The course, which opened January 15, 1999, is conveniently located within a short drive from Chandler, Tempe, Apache Junction, Gilbert and of course, Mesa. Our group drove from Cave Creek, Scottsdale, and Goodyear and the course was easy to find and we all agreed worth the trip. We had a fun round of golf on a very weather turbulent day and still finished in only 3 ½ hours (after moving everything indoors while the lightning passed). And, we could certainly see why Augusta Ranch Golf Club is the host of the Arizona Golf Association’s Short Course Championship each and every year, as well as being selected “Host Club of the Year” by the Arizona Women’s Golf Association.

The facilities’ amenities include: well appointed pro shop, excellent practice facility with a multi-targeted full length driving range, large putting and chipping area with bunker, clubhouse with an award winning restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, and a large outdoor pavilion with seating for up to 120 people perfect for weddings, receptions and business or family gatherings. Contact Craig Smith, Special Event Coordinator at 480.354.0802, ext. 223 or csmith@augustaranchgolf.com for more information.

And, yes, rental sets are available for men, women and even left-handers. Golf instruction is always available with their excellent PGA staff of instructors offering first time or tuneup lessons. They host many clinics, leagues, tournaments, and even ‘Night Golf’ with glow balls, each year. There’s always something going on at Augusta Ranch, it’s renown for all its activities throughout the year. Visit their website and check out all the events going on as well as their ‘Best Rate Guarantee’ for all tee times booked on their site.

Augusta Ranch Golf Club offers many different ‘Play More for Less’ Packages, Passes, and Patron’s Cards for you to choose from that are sure to suit your golfing needs. The 2011 Unlimited Golf Package can be purchased by the month, at different rates each month, starting with Unlimited Golf in September for $47.99 plus tax. Add an additional $60 for unlimited cart. Check out their website for each month’s rate during the year. Two Annual Passes are offered: Azalea Pass (Walking) starting at $1,295 plus tax and Magnolia Pass (Riding) starting at $1,695 plus tax, with a September, 2010 purchase. See their website for details of all the advantages offered with these passes and different pricing for October and after November 1st. Next is the Patron’s Card for $29.95 plus tax which gives you a 35% savings every time you and your guest play a round, plus many other savings (see their website for complete details). And, if that’s not enough, ask about how you can play ‘Free Golf for Life’ at Augusta Ranch Golf Club!

Overall, we would have to say that with all the activities going on at Augusta Ranch Golf Club with its traditional layout always in excellent condition throughout the year, this is one happening place for golfers of all skill levels and for meeting or enjoying friends who love the “Game”.

Directions from Sky Harbor International Airport: Head east on the 202 until you reach the 101 south. Take the 101 south to the U.S. 60 East then take the Ellsworth exit and turn right (south), go through the light at Baseline and make a left on Lansing into the Augusta Ranch golf community. Follow the course to the clubhouse entrance.