Scottsdale
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes
Australian Sandbelt-inspired desert
Southern Dunes is one of the smartest adds if the group values golf more than convenience. It is not really Scottsdale, but it can improve the trip. The wide, sandy, firm look gives the roster a needed break from manicured resort desert golf.
Course gallery
3 photos
The take
Southern Dunes is one of the smartest adds if the group values golf more than convenience. It is not really Scottsdale, but it can improve the trip. The wide, sandy, firm look gives the roster a needed break from manicured resort desert golf.
Best for
Architecture and strong players
Watch out
Drive time from Scottsdale
How to play it
Strong play
Course intelligence
What you need to know
Strengths
- Strong architecture
- Firm-and-fast character
- Value against Scottsdale premiums
- Serious test
Watch-outs
- Far from Scottsdale
- Punishing from poor tees
- Weaker nightlife logistics
Signature holes
6, 9, 15, 18
Book it right
Cost, access, and timing
Green fees
Mid-to-premium public rate.
Best season
Best window: November-April Peak cost: February-March Summer reality: Brutally hot, cheaper, and only for heat-tolerant groups Shoulder value: Late April-May and October Packing rule:
Replay priority
High for golf-first groups
Booking move
Book peak-season premium tee times early, especially TPC, We-Ko-Pa, Troon North, Grayhawk, and Quintero.
Weather read
Pick the right window.
Best window: November-April Peak cost: February-March Summer reality: Brutally hot, cheaper, and only for heat-tolerant groups Shoulder value: Late April-May and October Packing rule: Desert layers;
Jan
68F / 45F
Sun Best; rain Low
Feb
72F / 48F
Sun Best; rain Low
Mar
79F / 53F
Sun Best; rain Low
Apr
87F / 60F
Sun Good; rain Low
May
96F / 68F
Sun Hot; rain Low
Jun
105F / 77F
Sun Very hot; rain Low
Google review
4/5 - 2 months ago
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
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
Read full reviewClose review
Google review
5/5 - 5 months ago
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
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
Read full reviewClose review
Google review
5/5 - 3 months ago
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 d
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 d
Read full reviewClose review
Keep planning
What should you do next?
Use Ak-Chin Southern Dunes as one piece of the Scottsdale trip. Build the routing, compare the destination, or ask how it fits your group.
Keep exploring Scottsdale
Other courses in the same trip.
Must play
TPC Scottsdale Stadium
Stadium is an experience play.
Strong play
TPC Scottsdale Champions
Champions is the practical sibling.
Must play
We-Ko-Pa Saguaro
Saguaro is the course Scottsdale should be bragging about more.
Must play
We-Ko-Pa Cholla
Cholla is more visually dramatic than Saguaro and less architecturally subtle.
Strong play
Troon North Monument
Monument is classic Scottsdale premium golf and belongs in the top tier of the market.
Strong play
Troon North Pinnacle
Pinnacle is strong and polished, with more raw elevation spectacle than Monument in spots.
Strong play
Grayhawk Raptor
Raptor is a very good Scottsdale resort round.
Strong play
Grayhawk Talon
Talon is not a consolation prize.
Strong play
Quintero
Quintero is not convenient.
Strong play
Boulders North
Boulders is about setting and resort feel.
Strong play
Boulders South
South belongs if the group is staying there or wants the boulder scenery at sunset.
Strong play
Talking Stick O'odham
O'odham is for players who want strategy more than postcard rock formations.
Strong play
Talking Stick Piipaash
Piipaash is useful and playable.
Strong play
Camelback Ambiente
Ambiente is a decent fit if the logistics are easy.
Strong play
Camelback Padre
Padre is for ease, not glory.
Strong play
Gold Canyon Dinosaur Mountain
Dinosaur Mountain is a fun scenic add when the group wants variety and does not mind the drive.
Ask smarter golf-trip questions
Get honest answers. Build smarter trips.
Pressure-test the trip, compare options, or ask what the page is not telling you yet.