Dove Valley Ranch
By Shane Jensen
on Mar 11, 2008

Robert Trent Jones II is known for building some of the toughest golf courses in the country, and Dove Valley Ranch is no exception to the rule. This golf course, opened in 1998, features a distinct difference between the front and back nines. Dove Valley Ranch is located in North Phoenix.

There are only three holes at Dove Valley Ranch that feature water hazards but you will have to keep your game sharp if you expect to score well here. The front nine is a gentle side that eases you into the golf course. You will not find many doglegs on this side as the golf course is fairly straight-forward. This is the side you will need to score well on if you hope to come out on top at the end of the day.

The fairways and greens on the front nine are generous and give you several different options to play each hole. Many of the greens have ample open areas in front of the greens where you can run the ball onto the greens. The front nine has few bunkers and the golf course has little defenses on the front nine.

As you turn to the back nine, Dove Valley Ranch takes on a whole different character and forces you to play target golf. The back nine is much tighter and features a number of different forced carries to reach the greens. Although there still aren't many bunkers on this side, the desert areas are quite intimidating.

From the back tee Dove Valley Ranch plays to over 7,000 yards, but with four sets of tees, any golfer will have a good time at this golf course. Currently the golf course is in great condition. The greens are running fast and the fairways have never been better.
Dove Valley Ranch is located toward Cave Creek, Arizona and was built to compliment a luxury housing development that it weaves through. This is a great golf course for players looking to have a good time and who want great golf course conditions.