Nestled in Sun Lakes just southwest of Chandler is the community of IronOaks, which is a combined name for Oakwood and Ironwood. Originally a Robson Community, the IronOaks at Sun Lakes HOA purchased the community and decided to rename it combining Oakwood and Ironwood, hence the name IronOaks. It can be a bit confusing to anyone new to the area or experiencing the golf club for the first time, however hang in there and remember that Oakwood Golf Club is what you are looking for to experience 27 holes of pristine golf.

The community and golf courses are located east of I-10, just off Riggs Road and Alma School. Or another reference would be southwest of Chandler. They have a large club membership, however tee times are available to the public. Rates during the spring, summer and winter are $50 after 1pm $32; $40 after 1pm $22 and $60 after 1pm $42, respectively.

Oakwood Golf Club has three nines comprising their 27 hole rotation. These are the Palms which opened in 1984, the Sonoran which opened in 1999 and the Lakes courses which opened in 1995. Our team experienced the entire 27 holes and they were a pure pleasure, each offering a different feel and challenge.

The Palms course offers plenty of water hazards along with many palms (hence its name) to contend with and trades off cottontail bunnies in the wildlife arena for Jack rabbits, go figure. There are fake swans in the waters throughout all the courses to throw off the geese population and they work! Learn something new everyday, don’t we?

The Sonoran course offers a good challenge with water coming into play on many holes, as well. Even though homes are near the course, the exceptionally well-manicured yards seem to combine with the course so that you aren’t that aware of them during your experience. This community has maintained a lovely feel to it that enhances your round of golf instead of taking away from it. But remember not to retrieve your golf balls from the yards, as noted on the scorecard.

The Lakes course! All I can say is, “You want water in play? This is your course!” Every hole has water and a couple of them have water coming into play twice on your approach to the greens. It’s truly a wet world in the Valley of the Sun. Great challenge as our team, one who had played prior was already whining by the time we reached the first tee box, found out during this truly wet nine holes of golf.

The Oakwood Club clubhouse is located just to the east of the pro shop with a southern style feel and appeal with pillars on the front entrance and outside patio (where you can enjoy libations and dining in their Poolside Grille from 8am to 8pm) overlooking water with a fountain featured in the middle while watching golfers finishing the 9th hole of the Lakes course. The pro shop is well appointed and offers soft drinks, beer and snacks for the golfers. FYI for public golfers, be aware that there is no bag drop, park and bring your golf bags to the right side of the pro shop for placement on a cart, nor is there a cart lady so bring your drinks and snacks from the pro shop with you on the course. Hours during the summer will be  7am to 2pm.

The Sonoran – Hole #3 Par 3, 177 yards from the tips: Dogleg left with plenty of water that comes into play with your tee shot.

The Lakes – Hole #6 Par 3, 186 yards from the tips: Our team decided this had to be it’s Signature Hole with an island oasis in the center of the water hazard. Defnitely stay to the left of the island with your tee shot.

The Lakes – Hole #9 Par 4, 395 yards from the tips: Great finishing hole that wraps around and brings you to the clubhouse overlooking the fountain featured in the center of the water.

Overall, the entire golfing experience was a pleasure with greens that were slick, fairways were lush, atmosphere was very peaceful, plenty of wildlife, water hazards, mature trees, palms and a great challenge for the low handicapper and tee boxes to enhance the rounds for novice golfers. It’s a hidden gem that needs to be explored by all and if you can get in the full 27 holes, I highly recommend it.