Superstition Springs Golf Club has an exhilarating track that was a former PGA qualifier, and with good reason, replete with rolling hills, elevated greens, and an abundance of sand and water. This Phoenix East Valley favorite stretches to more than 7000 yards, yet with four sets of tees for players of all ages and skill levels. Char Carson and Alex Black are popular for their instruction here. Jeremy Strauss and staff are welcoming from the bag drop to the full-service pro shop, driving range and practice green. Roy is a friendly starter and the beverage cart crew is happy to serve whenever you are ready. 

The course is robust with versatility. Close to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and a half hour from Sky Harbor, Superstition Springs serves as an international hub for birds of all feathers, happy to flock together. Typical Canadian geese (and Canadian golfers) mix with young and old coots, a wide variety of ducks and long-legged cranes and maybe an eagle on your scorecard. There was even a kingfisher in the tree on the short par 3 of number 3 and peach faced love birds flitted in the trees throughout as a reminder of what a great venue Superstition Springs is for weddings with al fresco altar spots, a banquet hall inside and reception packages available. We in fact held a tournament here for our guests the week of our wedding and everyone still talks about it 15 years later.

The course is named for the majestic Superstition Mountain range that looms in the background of several holes, with changing purple hues as the sun orbits. It is also named for the springs that flow to ponds on a course that might have the second most water spots in Arizona. The front nine holes are a mere warm up for the superb back 9 across the street.  

Hole #9, par 4, 425 yards – Anyone who has played this hole over the years might have been nervous about crossing the water or leaving their ball isolated on an island; not any more. As evolution would have it, a redesign is under way without replacing the costly water. It’s not like there is any lack of agua elsewhere on the course. What hasn’t changed is the challenging length of this par 4 nor the high mounding that hides the green from most areas of the fairway. Aim for the clubhouse and hope to miss all the greenside bunkering. The gallery balcony of the clubhouse allows patrons to enjoy watching the good, bad or ugly finish of golfers on the back nine as well as great food and drinks before, after or even without play.

Hole #10, par 4, 360 yards – Pass the clubhouse and cross under Baseline Road through a tunnel which reveals a floral patch and then a creek with waterfalls. The stream runs along the right fairway all the way to the green and on to 11 where a tree is filled with cormorants and egrets that look like Christmas tree ornaments.

Hole #12, par 3, 161 yards – Straight up, up, up is this most notable par 3 of the course. Add substantial yardage to account for the steep climb, bunker carry and any wind. A birdie here is a very proud mark on the card. 

Hole #18, par 4, 455 yards – How many times can you say water hazard? One of the best finishing holes in the valley provides ample drink opportunities for balls. Start off with a lake on the right, a stream rushing through, separating the fairway three times. Your drive is the most forgiving shot with about 230 yards f landing area, then a shot too long or short will meet Neptune’s fork. The green is surrounded by waterfalls and bunkers for an aesthetic grand finale. If you hate to end, notice the cart screen flashing a replay rate.

The new menu at Superstition Springs is crushing it, literally. Try the Crush Burger. If you purchase an Arcis card, it might come with your round. Three unique, affordable memberships are available for game access and privileges at Arcis courses -The Raven Phoenix, Continental, Kokopelli, Superstition Springs, Stonecreek and The Legend at Arrowhead. Go online or call for all the Arcis Player’s options.