Golf is a unique sport for many reasons: golfers hold themselves accountable to the rules, and the true competition is against the golf course – or the six inches between the ears – instead of other players. And the average Joe can play the same golf courses as the game’s best. ASU Karsten Golf Course is one of those places.

For more than two decades this Valley favorite has been incubating some of the finest competitive golfers to ever play the game. Names like Phil Mickelson, Paul Casey and Anna Nordqvist are good examples of alumni who made the cut in professional golf. But ASU Karsten also provides fertile ground for everybody else through a comprehensive mixture of game-improving services available to tour pros and hackers alike.    

It all starts at the club’s famed PING Learning Center. Headlined by two of the best teachers in the business, Matt Trimble and Scott Watkins, the instruction side of the equation is in good hands. They sport 50 years of experience between them, not to mention playing the game at the highest levels. And they have all the tools at their disposal to transform one’s game. 

As Trimble explains, they take a methodical approach. “It’s all about the fundamentals. We show you what good players do. Then, we show you what you do through eye-opening video analysis. From there, we put together a practice routine designed to help you transition to a more productive set of mechanics,” said Trimble. “I want my students to not only know what and how to practice, but more importantly, why good players do what they do.”

Watkins and Trimble offer a multitude of instructional programs such as private lessons, group clinics, comprehensive schools, corporate events and golf instruction vacations. Customized programs can also be crafted to accommodate friends, important clients and business associates.

To improve, it’s not only important to swing the club right but also swing the right. Improper equipment leads to inconsistent ball flight even with a sound golf swing. To that end, ASU Karsten once again teams up with PING to ensure the best results for every student through its outdoor fitting services provided by master fitter, Matt Phelps. He’s on hand for drop-in fittings Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 4 pm, and otherwise by appointment. Best of all, there is no charge for the fitting service! And golfers who order equipment are swinging their new clubs in as quick as 3 to 5 business days — sometimes even the next day. 

Okay, swinging the club pure. Check! Playing with fitted clubs. Check! Time to tee it up on ASU Karsten’s spectacular Pete Dye-designed golf course. With several cost-effective programs, it’s easier than ever. For the wee ones, ASU Karsten developed the Future Champions Program. Junior players may walk up to 9 holes or play until sunset for only $1 when accompanied by an adult golfer. The adult pays $1 per hole to walk with an additional charge to ride. Who said golf was expensive? 

For big kids, the 2015 Champions Club Card provides them, and their guests, with unlimited rounds at preferred rates, among a host of other benefits such as five free rounds of golf and five large bags of practice bags. Currently on sale for an annual fee of only $159, it’s one of the best values in the Valley.   

Not big enough? Behold the ultimate passport to ASU Karsten Golf Course — the Karsten Club. This annual membership is open to only 25 individuals or corporations. The Single pass for one designee runs $3,500 for the year, the couple’s variety goes for $6,000, and the corporate runs $9,500 annually for four designees. It’s all about the benefits. Members receive unlimited golf for the year including reduced guest rates. They also receive practice facility access, advanced tee times, merchandise discounts and uniquely — a season ticket to ASU Football and Basketball. 

Pounding balls on the range and playing all that golf certainly works up an appetite. ASU Karsten has that covered, too. Led by a talented team of chefs, the Trophy Room Restaurant offers a culinary experience crafted from finest ingredients supplied by only the best local purveyors. Contemporary regional flavors collide with traditional clubhouse favorites resulting in mouthwatering choices ranging from the epic Boss Burger to the Karsten Cobb Salad. The Trophy Room is a great choice for anyone looking for exceptional quality in a scenic golf course setting. It’s also ideal for group gatherings with several choices of private and outdoor space to accommodate events of all shapes and sizes.

Optimists at heart, golfers gleefully take on the complexities of the game only to be summarily humbled. But those in pursuit of their passion don’t have to go it alone. ASU Karsten Golf Course — with its game-improvement and lifestyle amenities — continues to uphold a tradition of excellence that makes the game, and this golf club, one of a kind.