Gold Canyon Resort Phoenix, AZ
Gold Canyon Golf Resort offers guests a true Arizona experience and the comfort to match. Consisting of a full service salon and spa, the resort makes for a relaxing getaway while also offering amazing views for golf, weddings, and events. Most of the real estate at Gold Canyon consists of a beautiful set of 18-hole courses in Dinosaur Mountain and Sidewinder. Located only 35 minutes away from Sky Harbor Airport, Gold Canyon Golf Resort is easily accessible while being far enough away to enjoy the quiet, natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Head out to Gold Canyon if you are looking for a high-quality stay-and-play destination.
If you are looking for great value at a top tier course, Sidewinder is it. With expansive views of the Superstition Mountains, Sidewinder is everything you want and more from an Arizona golf course. The course slithers around the base of Dinosaur Mountain and through the natural desert landscape of the Sonoran Desert. Although Gold Canyon Golf Resort is known for its highly touted Dinosaur Mountain course, Sidewinder is still worth the drive out to Apache Junction. Lucky for us, we were able to play both courses so you’ll know what to expect no matter which course you choose to play at Gold Canyon Golf Resort.
After an easy 45-minute trip from Scottsdale, we pulled up to the bag drop and were promptly greeted by the course staff. An attendant quickly confirmed our tee time and set us up in our carts. The organization at Gold Canyon was impressive, first up with the Sidewinder course. Each cart had the tee time listed on the back, and were color-coded based on the course so you can easily find your cart. The golf shop is located conveniently next to the bag drop and driving range, making the check-in process quick and easy. This is when I like to ask for tips about the course (you need everything you can get in this game!). The pro informed me that Sidewinder is a second-shot course, and emphasized finding the fairway. Heck, my plan is to find the fairway with every course, but he said this one demands it. He also mentioned that the greens were rolling at 10.5 on the Stimpmeter (fairly quick) and to make sure you miss below the hole- both very helpful hints.
Gold Canyon Pro Shop
After checking in, I took a trip around the golf shop. What it lacked in size it made up for in content. It was stocked with loads of apparel and a wide array of golf shoes to complete the outfit. They also had a good selection of putters and wedges, an aspect that many golf shops lack.
When I finally finished shopping and interrogating the staff for tips, it was time to get myself ready for the round. The range balls were included with the green fees and located next to each range mat. While the mats did the job getting me ready, I prefer to hit off grass. Once I was nice and warm, it was time to head to the putting and chipping facilities. The putting green was reasonably sized with about six to seven “holes.” I say “holes” because they only have sticks that sit atop the putting surface, making it a bit tougher to practice pace. Chipping was last but definitely not least in my preparation. The chipping green was underwhelming at about half the size of the putting green and consisting of only two “holes”. This made it tough to chip with other players present, but it didn’t stop me from getting quality work in. Feeling prepared, I stopped by the snack bar to fortify myself for the round. The selection was appetizing and included breakfast items for those who didn’t have time grab a bite to eat beforehand, as well as sparkling margaritas for a genuine taste of the Southwest.
Sidewinder 1st Hole: Par 5
Sidewinder Course
The gorgeous panoramic views of the Superstition Mountains became apparent immediately on the first tee. With a beautiful sprawling view, I had to snap a picture before teeing off. I was tested early and often as the first tee shot had a tight landing area (many of them would). The carts each had a GPS system by “Caddytronic” to assist with hole layout and distance to the pin. This was helpful throughout the round, especially for those who do not own a range finder or pin seeking device.
My favorite hole on the front nine was the par 3 4th. With raised tee boxes and yet another stunning view, this hole was extremely memorable. It also made us think carefully about club selection after considering the elevation. The challenge on this course does not come from water (only 2 holes have water) but rather from the narrow tee shots and dry creek beds. If you fail to hit the fairway, the course will punish you with a less than ideal second shot, most likely resulting in a scramble for bogey. Once you finally arrive at the green, you must be careful to get the speed dialed in. Failure to do so will result in the dreaded three putt and a long drive to the next hole. While they are fast, the greens are fair and rewarding given the correct read.
Sidewinder 4th Hole: Par 3
Having heard that the back nine posed the greatest challenges, I really wanted to post some solid scores on the front nine. Boy, were they right! The back nine consisted of the same difficulties as the front, except the greens were crowned. Most of the tee and approach shots to these elevated greens proved to be the biggest challenge. If you don’t come in at a high angle, it is tough to stay on the putting surface and give yourself a shot at birdie. You also have to be conscious of the elevation and club up to get the ball there.
Dinosaur Mountain Course
After 18 holes on Sidewinder it was time to see if Dinosaur Mountain would live it to all the hype! The Dinosaur Mountain course is known for dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views of the high Sonoran Desert. Constructed in 1982, Dinosaur Mountain is an extremely imaginative architecture style made real by architect Ken Kavanaugh. Before heading up to the first tee we happened to find a second, more course-like (green speed) practice green on the way to the first tee of the Dinosaur Mountain Course. If you’re looking for more space to putt and more realistic speeds, make sure to head over to the “secret green.”
Dinosaur Mountain A Sight to behold
Surprisingly Dinosaur Mountain starts you out pretty easily with a short par-4 up the hill. There is a small mountain on the right that makes the fairway look narrow, but I assure you there is plenty of room directly over it. The greens are very tricky at Dinosaur Mountain, so you must make sure to notice where the valley is. Since you will be on a mountain, this is crucial to take into account for the speed and break of your putts.
The first of three beautifully elevated par-3 tee shots was up next. The hole overlooks a community of homes and extends out, far beyond the valley. Obviously with all the elevated tee shots and especially the par 3’s, you will not need as much club to get it there, so make sure to choose wisely! The course is not overly tight (narrow), but like any desert course, you must make sure to be in the grass. I also suggest keeping the ball below the hole to avoid some of the drastic slope while you’re putting.
Dinosaur Mountain 3rd Hole: Par 5
One of my favorite holes on the front nine was the par-5 3rd hole. Although not overly long at 514 yards from the tips, this dogleg left plays longer than illustrated as it curls up the mountain and serves as the number one handicap hole. You don’t need a long tee shot here, as for most amateurs this is a 3 shot par-5. Keep it along the left side to avoid a dramatic slope either below or above your feet. If you want to play it safe, hit a lower club and take the hill out of play. The green is well protected with hills on both sides while sloping from back to front. Definitely miss short on this green to give yourself a nice uphill putt, or just sink your approach shot (easy right?).
Dinosaur Mountain 5th Hole: Par 3
Dinosaur Mountain’s back nine features the same beautiful elevation changes as the front, with a few more mountain views. My favorite hole on the back nine was the par-4 15th. The elevated tee box overlooks a split fairway, and the green is just over the small mountain on the left. Although the right side may look safer, I suggest aiming directly over the small mountain, as there is more room on the other side than you might think. You only need about 200 yards to get your tee shot into some grass.
I was sad to be ending the round after 18, since the course was so much fun to play. If you’re looking for unique golf and a true Arizona experience at a top tier stay and play resort, then head out to Gold Canyon Golf Resort. Both courses at Gold Canyon kept us guessing hole after hole with each twist and turn. The perched tee boxes offer amazing mountain views and a created a memorable impression on us. While most elevation changes were downhill shots, the uphill elevation changes kept us honest.
Course Ratings
Gold Canyon- Sidewinder (Overall Rating 4 Stars out of 5)
Overall, Sidewinder was in phenomenal shape. Spongy, quick greens coupled with plush fairways made the round extremely enjoyable. The course constantly challenges you to hone in off the tee boxes and minimize mistakes. The views are fantastic and serve as an added bonus to the round. With a friendly staff and exceptional playing surfaces, I recommend this course to any golfer looking for a new challenge.
Some of the strongest parts of the course were also the most important, including pace of play, course conditions (tee boxes, fairways, bunkers and greens), and scenery. The main factors that impacted the course rating were the practice facility, pro shop, and on course beverage service. The impacted criteria were only minor aspects when considering a good course to play and did not affect the quality of the round.
Gold Canyon- Dinosaur Mountain (Overall Rating 4 ¼ Stars out of 5)
Dinosaur Mountain is one of the most unique courses in all of Arizona. At no other course will you find so many dramatic elevation changes and vaulted tee boxes. There is a bit more slope on Dinosaur Mountain than Sidewinder so you better prepare for tricky putts and slopey lies in the fairways. As was with Sidewinder, the practice facility really hurt the rating for Dinosaur Mountain. The small chipping area, lack of a practice bunker and range mats are not ideal to get ready for a round. If it were not for the underwhelming practice facility, I see no reason why this course would not scratch 5/5 stars. The playing experience is simply magnificent and will surely leave golfers with a reason to come back.