The Peaks Course at Tonto Verde
By Shane Jensen
on Dec 05, 2007

Tonto Verde Golf Club has two golf courses on property that were designed by Gary Panks. The Peaks and Ranch Courses were both designed to blend effortlessly into the natural surround desert Landscape. The Peaks Course is the shorter of the two golf courses and is fairly straightforward.

There is very little water on this Scottsdale golf course - it comes into play on just three holes. The major obstacles on the Tonto Verde Peaks Golf Course are the desert areas that cross the fairways. This golf course starts out fairly routine with three straight par-4's. It is not until the player reaches the 4th hole that the fun really starts. This is a long par-5 measuring over 570 yards in length.

From the tee players will need to layup short of the desert area that crosses the fairway. If the wind is behind the player, they might want to consider a fairway wood off of this tee. On the second shot players are forced to carry a desert waste area that divides the fairway into two sections. This is a common theme on this course and golfers should prepare for many more forced carries.

The green on this hole is large and guarded by a bunker on the left-hand side. The hole is mostly absent of bunkers - there are only three on the entire hole! Be sure to check the pin placement as there are several swells and undulations on this green.

There are five sets of tees on this golf course and high handicap golfers will definitely have a fun time here. The golf course is not overly demanding, but with all the forced carries it could be a long day if you don't get the ball in the air. Driving from the tee is not very difficult. It is on the approach and second shots that players have to be the most careful.

The 18th hole is one of the few holes that brings water into play. This short par-4 forces the player to carry the ball about 200 yards in order to reach the fairway. This hole measures only 397 yards from the back tee, but position in the fairway is more important than distance. The best line off this tee is down the left side away from the bunker on the right.

The second shot will be played with a mid to short iron into a green that is guarded by both a bunker and pond on the left. There is ample room to the right so don't put your ball anywhere near the left side of this green.

The Tonto Verde Peaks Golf Course has greens that are very flat and not very difficult to putt. The golf course is in great condition and has very quick green speeds. If you are looking for a fun time on an Arizona golf course, keep the Tonto Verde Peaks Course on your list.