Established in 1987, and I might add in the middle of nowhere at the time, Tatum Ranch Golf Club and Community has grown up exceptionally well through the years and continually proves today why they have been so vibrant in the Cave Creek area.

The Robert Cupp-design offers a meandering desert layout featuring some of the fastest greens around. They were at an 11 on the day my crew played, and I’m pleased to say…I played one of my best rounds that day. Not due to great ball striking for sure, but the greens were slick, true and held well and I was sinking putts that shocked my teammates, as well as me! Course conditions were excellent with lush fairways, plenty of mature trees (even in this desert lay out), some water and great sand in plenty of challenging bunkers ready to take your score down fast. 

The par 72 layout tests shot-making abilities with the course designed in a way to include short distances between greens and tees, making it very walkable, allowing you to play golf as it was meant to be played. And, its members take great pride in pace of play, with most rounds played south of the four hour mark.

Plenty of mountain views throughout your round, and remember that they do have an influence on your putting on some of the greens.

This was a challenging yet fun layout to play as well as women friendly. You understand why the members enjoy playing theirs rounds over the years because it’s challenging, fun, a thinking man’s course and set in a quiet and secluded environment with plenty of wildlife throughout.

The Club offers a large driving range area with putting and chipping areas and an excellent snack bar conveniently located with outdoor shaded seating.

Tatum’s clubhouse is a sprawling design which gives each area a privacy feel and houses the well-appointed pro shop, casual dining, bar and grill and shaded patio area where there was plenty of membership activity while our group was there.

Members have access to men’s and ladies’ locker rooms with shoe shine service and some quiet corners to read the sports page or take in the news cast on one of the many flat screen TVs. A complete fitness center offers weight training, cardio, and classes from yoga and stretching to personal training. Just outside the locker room, the recently renovated junior Olympic Pool area offers members a “resort-like” atmosphere with new shade structures, pool furniture and expanded food and beverage services.

The staff was exceptionally friendly and ready to accommodate your every need and the members couldn’t have been more welcoming.

Hole #12, par 4, 305 yds. from the tips. Don’t let the yardage fool you on this hole. From the tee box (if you’ve never played this hole) you have absolutely no clue how to manage this hole. If you hit straightaway then you are contending with a cluster of large deep bunkers to make it to the green. Best bet is to hit left of the bunkers to give you a passage to the green without challenging the bunkering on this hole. The elevated green (from in front of the bunkers) is a two club increase due to the elevation. It’s one of the most unusual holes I’ve even encountered but I sure wanted to take it on again!

For those thinking a private club membership requires a significant check up front and high monthly dues, you will be pleasantly surprised that membership opportunities at Tatum Ranch are within your reach.

In fact, Tatum Ranch Golf Club launched their 2013 version of their unique summer memberships that allow golfers to, in essence, ‘test drive’ a membership through the summer months. Summer memberships are limited but offer the members an opportunity to experience all of the club amenities through September, 2013 for one low fee of $1250 (cart fee applies). Summer Members also have unlimited access to the club’s practice facility, as well as swimming pool, fitness center, clubhouse amenities and social events. Summer members also receive great OB Sports travel benefits preferred rates at other area participating OB Sports-managed courses including McDowell Mountain Golf Club, Eagle Mountian Golf Club, ASU Karsten Golf Club, Raven Golf Club – Phoenix and more (rates are detailed at OBSports.com/Travel). 

The Club also has a number of other flexible golf memberships including full golf memberships, junior executive memberships, social memberships and beyond that meet just about anyone’s needs looking to belong.

Summer Memberships at Tatum Ranch Golf Club are limited, so call 480.585.2399, email amiller@tatumranchgc.com or visit www.tatumranchgc.com/summer for details.

So take advantage of the summer months to experience what country club membership can provide and enjoy some great opportunities with premier golf and choices for the avid golfer or the entire family. Tatum Ranch Golf Club is one excellent property to experience country club amenities at their best!