17th Hole at TPC Sawgrass is Replicated in the Desert
By Shane Jensen
on Oct 11, 2007

Grayhawk Golf Club is home to two of the most acclaimed golf courses in the Scottsdale area, the Raptor and the Talon. Many PGA Tour events have been played on these two Arizona courses, and both are absolutely great tests of golf. The Talon golf course was designed by David Graham and Gary Panks. Both designers have a long history of building great golf courses and the Talon falls right into that category. Golfers will find more dense landscaping around this golf course than others in the area. The abundance of water in this area allows thicker trees and shrubs to survive. This can be very tricky if you tend to hit your ball in the desert a lot. This golf course has a lack of both water and sand bunkers on the front nine. Don't let this lull you into a false sense of security, however. You will soon discover how difficult the golf course really is. The golf course is fairly straight-forward with few dog-legs. The par-4 6th hole is 459 yards from the back tees and one of the most difficult on the golf course.

From the tee the player must weave a shot into the middle of a fairway that is difficult to see. The best target to aim at is a group of trees on the right side of the fairway. A steep fall-off located down the left-hand side of the fairway further limits the landing area. If you can find the fairway you will have a long to mid iron into a large green. Depending on where the flag is located you will have a long putt to the hole.

The greens on the Talon course are in great condition. They are running smooth and are just the right speed. They are not as fast as tour greens, but the average player will do better on greens that are on the slower side anyhow. This will not only help with the speed of play but will also give more enjoyment to the players.

The back nine is where this golf course really starts to heat up. Many of the holes meander around Box Canyon. This natural landscape feature provides some of the most dramatic views on the golf course.

The 11th hole is the first real challenge on the back nine. If you get a chance, play this hole from the back tee. Walking over the swinging bridge is fun and the back tee gives you a great look at the hole. This par-3 only plays 175 yards but you are forced to carry the canyon and a bunker in front of the green.

This hole typically plays downwind, so you will need to adjust your club on the tee. The green is bisected by a huge ridge that runs the entire length of the green. If you hit your ball to the back of the green you will have a tough time making par to a front pin. This green is deep so be careful.

A trend for some golf course designers is to include a drivable par-4 in their layouts. Graham and Panks have added such a hole in the 13th hole on the Talon. This hole only measures 303 from the back tees and gives the player a great opportunity to make a birdie. In order to reach the green you will have to fly a portion of Box Canyon and get a good bounce to this uphill green. The best play is to aim at the bunker closest to the green on the left-hand side.

From there you will be left with a short pitch and a great chance to improve your score. If you are not hitting the driver well you need to play conservatively because nothing is worse than taking a big number on a short hole. There is great risk and reward on this hole.

The most dramatic hole on the golf course is also the shortest. The par-3 17th hole will stick in the mind of every player on the golf course. This is a true island green with water on all sides. At only 126 yards, you will definitely need to aim for the middle of the green. Don't fool with the pin if it is located in the front, but keep par in mind and the middle of the green. This hole is similar to the 17th at TPC Sawgrass.

The Talon course is a great golf course to play if you are looking for a wonderful time. The course has four sets of tees and players of all skill levels can find something to enjoy. The assortment of short and long holes enhances the playability of the course. Many of the long hitters will be reaching the par-5's in two shots and a good round can be had here.

During the winter months this golf course is in great shape. After the overseeding process you will not find a blade of grass out of place. Overseeding will be from September17 to October 4. Take advantage of the low summer rates and play this golf course before the overseeding season.