Haven’t played here in 4 years, so it was a treat to get back. I used to play this track alot and have always loved it. Layout is great and challenging. Greens were rolling good for February. I think if you are over a 18 handicap you might get frustrated with the bunkers. They are doing some construction which sounds very exciting. New clubhouse and putting green coming. Their pro shop and merch has always been fantastic. Beverage carts every 2.5 holes which was great. The restaurant food is 10/10 and the outside post round sitting area is great. Played with my 14 year old son and he played the 5600 tees and I played from the gold. We played in 4 hours with a 2pm start. My only knock would be the same in the bunkers is very inconsistent and settled. Staff was great as I remember.

Awesome golf out here at Ak-Chin. Course was in great shape and was very well taken care of. Lots of bunkers, but lots of perfectly manicured fairways too. Front desk staff was awesome, but my only complaint would be the starter at the first tee making sure to let us know to keep up place of play and keep behind the group in front of us. Told us if we weren’t, then we weren’t playing fast enough. I get that pace of play is important, but it makes everyone out there feel rushed. Not really a welcoming thing to hear as you step on number one for the first time ever while you’re out in Arizona on a golf vacation. Other than that, the experience there was great.

Played during a cold end of January morning with frost delay. The pro shop had our names on vouchers for $15 off each person in the restaurant, which was a nice bonus. Since we had the delay we enjoyed some tasty breakfast. The course is in great condition, though many players do not fill fairway divots. The greens are great and challenging. All employees were nice and friendly.

Second round here as a frequent AZ golf visitor and I can’t say enough great things about this course. Great conditions, great pace of play, and friendly staff. It’s worth the drive down from PHX.

A Sanctuary in the Desert – Southern Dunes Golf Club Over the past eight months, while caring for my terminally ill father, I found myself needing somewhere to breathe, to reset, and to reconnect with life—even for just a few hours at a time. That place, without question, became Southern Dunes Golf Club. It wasn’t just a golf course—it was my sanctuary. And in every possible way, it exceeded all expectations. From the moment you drive up to the facility, the experience begins. The course itself is stunning—immaculately maintained fairways stretch across the desert landscape, with breathtaking views that constantly remind you why Arizona is one of the most majestic golf destinations in the country. The layout is challenging but fair, a true player’s course with thoughtful design that rewards precision while never punishing creativity. Every round felt like a privilege. But what truly separates Southern Dunes from the hundreds of courses I’ve played is the people. I’ve never met anyone at a golf club—anywhere—who left such an impression on me as Tim, who handles check-ins. Tim is not only the kind of professional every club wishes they had; he is a genuinely remarkable human being. Warm, sharp, and incredibly insightful, Tim has a way of making you feel grounded, even during life’s hardest moments. Our brief conversations were often the highlight of my day—his wisdom and calm presence offered more than customer service. They offered comfort. Bree is another gem—a constant ray of sunshine. Every time I encountered her, she was welcoming, gracious, and kind. In an environment that prides itself on excellence, Bree upholds and enhances that standard. She treats every guest like a regular, and every regular like family. The on-course experience is also phenomenal. In the sweltering summer heat, they bring cold towels out to the course. Let that sink in. That kind of above-and-beyond hospitality is what sets Southern Dunes apart from even the most prestigious country clubs. Small details like that, and the attentiveness of the staff across the board, make every round feel like an escape—luxurious without ever being pretentious. The food? Spectacular. Whether you’re grabbing something at the turn or settling in for a proper post-round meal, the quality and consistency rival high-end restaurants. The clubhouse atmosphere is elevated, but relaxed—exactly the kind of environment that makes you want to stay long after your last putt drops. That said, if I had to offer one piece of constructive feedback, it would be this: Please replace the ball washers. Having functional, clean washers equipped with towels at every tee box would be the final touch in what is otherwise a flawless facility. It’s a small thing—but details matter when everything else is so thoughtfully done. In closing, Southern Dunes didn’t just offer me a great golf experience. It gave me peace. During one of the hardest periods of my life, I found something deeply meaningful in the fairways, in the rhythm of the game, in the beauty of the land—and in the kindness of the people who run it. I cannot thank this club enough. For the memories. For the moments of calm. For the excellence in everything you do. Southern Dunes, you are truly a treasure. — Andrew Wiggin