One of the most iconic golf courses to inhabit the desert landscape of Phoenix is ASU Karsten. Named after PING founder, Karsten Solheim (the largest contributor of initial funding), it is home to the ASU golf teams. Built in part to attract collegiate recruits, it worked well to launch pros like Phil Mickelson, Billy Mayfair, Grace Park and the late Heather Farr who is beautifully commemorated by a detailed bronze statue.

Designed by Pete Dye, this 7000-yard gem is a short par 70 on the scorecard but long in character. An extra card on the cart provides descriptions and tips for the holes. It is titled “Quality Time” and includes five reminders on moving the game along for an enjoyable pace of play. Expertly managed by OB Sports and Director of Golf Daryl Crawford, quality is emphasized throughout the well-maintained grounds and facilities, starting with the knickered attendants. The Scottish influence carries to the links layout in the shadows of the ASU Stadium with mountain range vistas on many holes. The undulating fairways and massive mounds are like ski moguls. Pete’s infamous pot bunkers and waste areas with his signature use of railroad ties producing the bulkhead effect challenge golfers of all levels. 

Hole #5, par 4, 493 yards – The massive power lines that parallel this long par 4 serve as a target line for drives. Pine trees dot the fairway on the left. It slopes right to feed the expansive waste bunker dividing the 5th and 6th holes. A shot from there is tricky over the trees to the hidden green behind mounding and two guard bunkers that create an illusion of shorter distance as the fairway spans 15 yards past them before meeting the actual green. Go long on the approach. Depending on the player’s skill set, choosing the correct tee box and playing it forward to begin with is smart.

Hole #9, par 4, 446 yards – A very long lake splits the fairways between 9 and 18, no doubt a bonanza for diving ball recyclers. On number nine, drive far left and then take the liberal stance of left again on the approach to ensure dryness. If you nail the strategy, you may want to repeat it in a reverse right direction when you get to 18 but beware there of the hidden bunkers on the right and note the green is tucked a bit behind said lake. These sister holes are a great test to ending both nines.

Hole #15, par 4, 457 yards – A generous landing area gives the golfer temporary relief but the approach must be long and accurate as the valley of the fairway rises to meet the elevated narrow green with deep grass bunkers on the left side and a hidden lake on the right.

Hole #16, par 3, 248 yards – This par three stretches from 248 to 132 yards on the forward tee box. The glimmer glass lake on the right side of the fairway and green dominate the visual of one of the best par 3’s in the valley. The heavily undulating green with multiple landing zones creates a variety of play depending on the pin position of the day. The left front pot bunker and deep grass bunkers behind make an accurate tee shot imperative. Bailout to the far left and you must get back to the green over bunkers with the lake lurking for the aggressive swing. Anything dry off the tee box is good and par is exceptional.

The Trophy Room restaurant awards any score with a full bar, dining area, meeting room and a balcony for a gallery view of the course. Players are welcomed into the 21,000 sq. ft. Sun Angel Clubhouse of everything ASU. Strategically central and perched on the hilltop above the practice facility and PING Learning Center, this boldly contemporary design and the ultra-cool environ may serve as many business folks as golfers. ASU Karsten Golf Course is a wise and popular choice for many charity and championship tournaments. Just minutes from the airport, visitors flying in get the birds eye view and may tee off on arrival, before takeoff, or both while locals are lucky to be able to frequent this high value course any time to recall or create great golf memories.