Located at a 5,200-foot elevation within the foothills and shadows of the Bradshaw Mountains, StoneRidge Golf Course, which opened in the summer of 2002, is surrounded by piñon pine, scrub oak, native grasses and wildflowers, intermingled among the granite rock formations and deep natural washes. Designed by Randy Heckenkemper of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the 7,052-yard par-72 course is challenging and dramatic. Climbing and falling more than 350 feet in elevation throughout the course, the fairways and greens lay softly among the washes and canyons. In an effort to maintain the environmental integrity of the area, Heckenkemper purposely routed the course to preserve the natural washes and boulder formations that give the area its character.

“Its cool temperatures and striking views are very different from many golf courses in the valley. Golf in Phoenix during the summer is nothing short of Hot! StoneRidge is just a short drive and will offer exceptional value for a cool, challenging and beautiful golf experience. And, I think after players experience this course a few times during the summer, they’ll decide it’s actually a wonderful retreat year-round,” states Denise Hyland, Head Golf Professional for StoneRidge Golf Course.

Fans of classical design are certain to appreciate the collection of holes at StoneRidge, especially the roller-coaster-like back nine. Hole 12, a medium to long par-3, is where StoneRidge lives up to its name. The hole is framed by pockets of boulders, rocks and ridges that serve as a gallery for your targeted approach to the green. The 13th hole, measuring 373 yards from the back tees, begins with a scenic elevated tee shot overlooking the fairway and green on the other side of an arroyo. From this vantage point, the entire hole unfolds. Golfers will want to take a good look at the 13th hole from the tee, because once they’ve hit their tee shot, the green becomes partially obscured from view, thanks to a distinctive sloping fairway.

StoneRidge features Penncross bent grass greens, a mixture of bluegrass and rye grass in the fairways and tees, and bluegrass, rye grass and native fescue in the rough and out-of-play areas.

“StoneRidge is one of the most beautiful and challenging designs I have ever created,” said Randy Heckenkemper. “This golf course is a desert/mountain course hybrid, with picturesque desert views and dramatic elevation changes. But a lot of times on mountain golf courses, the shots are too difficult, which makes a course lose its appeal. That’s why we were careful to examine the layout of each hole and make adjustments that would help StoneRidge be more player-friendly, while still offering challenge and beauty. It’s a very solid course. This course is something special.”

Obviously, GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest agree with Heckenkemper, as they awarded honorable mention for “Top 10 New Courses” in the nation to Stoneridge.

“It’s our favorite course to play in Prescott. Definitely worth the short drive to the cooler, mile high climate and the fantastic elevation changes. Of course, Hole #18 is something you have to experience to believe it…(special note: check the layout before making your strategy to score on this one),” said Nancy Howard, Publisher/Editor of Arizona Golfer.

While StoneRidge is open to public play 365 days a year, the course offers a limited number of club memberships and honors the Southwest PGA Pass for added value. Green fees in peak season are approximately $70 per player. During April, the course offers Golf and Grill specials at $40 during weekdays and $45 during weekends. Check out their ad in this issue of Arizona Golfer or visit www.stoneridgegolf.com or go to www.azgolfernews.com and click on Book A Course Now section.

StoneRidge offers an excellent practice facility, fully appointed pro shop, restaurant/grill, bar area as well as patio dining and is located just 45 minutes south of Sedona and a little more than an hour from Phoenix. Average daily high temperatures are approximately 20 degrees cooler than the Phoenix area.

The intimate 14,586 square feet clubhouse is the ideal choice for wedding receptions, banquets, business events or small gatherings. The spacious banquet room will seat 200 people and also accommodate dancing and entertainment. You can choose from a wide selection of reception packages and menus. Or, if you prefer, their professional food and beverage staff can help customize a menu to fit your personal tastes and style. With sweeping golf course and mountain views, StoneRidge provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable event.

StoneRidge Golf Club is owned and operated by SunCor Golf, a division of SunCor Development Company.

The surrounding StoneRidge community will consist of approximately 1,800 single-family homes, 500 custom lots, 470 multi-family units and 275 resort/vacation units. The community is located on the upper ridges of the property looking down on the golf course, providing many homes with premium golf course views, while keeping homes out-of-sight for golfers. The community is designed to create a small town feel. Residents enjoy features such as exceptional mountain and golf course views, community parks, walking trails, a school and small commerce park.

StoneRidge Golf Course and its surrounding community are constructed on 1,840-acres of pristine desert terrain, with more than 50 percent of that land preserved as open space.

For more information or tee times, call 928.772.6500 or visit www.stoneridgegolf.com.