WeKoPa Golf Club Cholla Course Photo Credit: Lonna Tucker
Designed by accomplished golf course architect Scott Miller, We-Ko-Pa’s Cholla golf course is a must-play in Arizona. Meaning “Four Peaks” in the native Yavapai community, We-Ko-Pa is one of the most awarded courses in the entire state, boasting a true desert experience absent of any homes or apartments. The property is surrounded by the McDowell Mountains, Red Mountain, the Verde River and the Matazal Mountains, which are highlighted by the often snow-covered Four Peaks. Playing at 7,225 yards from the tips, Cholla was honored as one of the“10 best new public courses in the world” after it’s debut in 2001.
As we arrived at We-Ko-Pa, the sheer size of the property was immediately evident. The resort and casino were on the right once we turned in, on the left is a short winding drive to the golf course. The staff greeted us at the curb and offered to take our bags. After loading up the cart, the staff mentioned they would have it waiting for us right outside the golf shop near the range. We also noticed each cart featured ball/club cleaners, a subtle but nice touch.
We-Ko-Pa Golf Shop – Photo Credit: Lonna Tucker
I decided to walk around a bit before heading into the golf shop to check in. Between the restaurant/bar area and the golf shop was an expansive shaded patio area with plenty of seating for relaxing before or after your round. The restaurant consisted of a bar area, 2 or 3 TVs, and dining tables. Once it was time to check in, we decided to browse the golf shop. The shop was fairly large with floor-to-ceiling windows, letting plenty of light into the room.
After checking in, it was range time. The range is fairly close to the golf shop, requiring just a short walk. There are two separate range stations about 100 yards apart from each other. I would estimate that the range can handle up to 30 golfers or more at one time if both sides are open. Each station has a pyramid of balls waiting to be chunked, hozzled, thinned, hooked, sliced, and of course pured into the 300+ yard desert-lined driving range.
Hole 17, Par-5 – Photo Credit: Lonna Tucker
Once we got all the bad swings out, we headed over to chip and putt. The chipping green features a sand bunker and a few holes. There are four separate putting greens to practice on, including one practice green at the first tee of the Cholla course.
The first hole started us out with a short par-4 but turning slightly left with a waste area in front. You can certainly pull driver here, but the landing area is pretty tight so I opted for the 2-hybrid. The greens on Cholla were not too quick, rolling at about 10.5. However, there is a decent amount of undulation on these greens, so make sure to get your read right!
As we made our way through the front nine, there were not many holes I felt confident pulling driver (probably because it was my first time playing the course). The layout featured doglegs, blind shots, and tight fairways. I didn’t mind though, as long as I had enough distance off the tee to avoid an 180+ yard approach. Cholla had also recently replaced their greens, so chips and approach shots landed hard and rolled long.
The back nine was fairly consistent with what we experienced on the front, besides sprinkling in some water on 18. If you are golfing here in the summer, it is good to know that there is drinking water every few holes along the course. There is also a snack bar at the turn in case you need to grab some food or throw back a few more adults sodas to grease the swing.
There are 4 par-3’s on the course, two on the front and two more on the back. While 18 is the only hole with water, almost every hole boasts some type of waste area or dry creek bed. Not to mention that every hole is lined with desert as well (no houses out here!).
The course was very well-manicured. Tee boxes were flat and trimmed, fairways were plush and short, and the greens were hard and true. The views were absolutely spectacular, overlooking the natural landscape of the Yavapai Nation. The golf course blends so naturally with the desert and the absence of homes was refreshing for us.
I will definitely be back to visit the Saguaro course and experience more of We-Ko-Pa. The arrival process was smooth as butter, and so was the rest of the facility. The practice facilities were well-equipped and extremely course-like. The course itself… well, it is really tough to explain the beauty of this course. It is just pure nature and beautifully cared for. Make sure to stop and take a few pictures here and there, you will not regret it.
Rating: 4.3/5
We-Ko-Pa rated one of the highest out of all the courses we have played. The first class service, well-equipped practice facilities, and flawless playing surfaces were just a few things that made our experience one to remember. Since We-Ko-Pa consistently ranks in the top 5 in the state of Arizona, golfers from all over travel to experience this beautiful property. The only impact on our rating was the pace of play that day, but we didn’t mind. There are few places I would rather spend my day, plus it gave us a chance to really appreciate the beauty of the area.