Every February the Valley is on the global stage as it plays host to the Waste Management Phoenix Open. It’s a time when golfers and golf watchers descend on Arizona to take in the enviable temperatures and tournament shenanigans. Professional and amateur golfers alike will try their hand at several Valley courses including the Golf Club of Estrella. With 18 holes surrounded by stunning views of the Sierra Estrella Mountains and lively Friday night karaoke, this course is no longer a hidden gem, but a must-visit favorite.
Golf Club Manager Trevor Finton said the Club is seeing a noticeable increase in the number of golfers playing the course, as well as the number of people coming to the Club to enjoy the beautiful setting. “It’s the value. It’s definitely a better value to play here compared to other courses. It’s in really good shape, a lot of our regulars have been extremely happy with playing conditions this year. If you have a good course, people will come to play it, even if it’s tucked away like ours.”
The incredible mountain views are a distinguishing factor for the Golf Club at Estrella, but the course itself is the biggest draw. “It’s a fairly forgiving course,” said Finton. “The bunkers are well placed, you get lots of fairway, it’s not too narrow. For your average golfer, the holes aren’t difficult; you can keep the ball in play out of the desert.” He said most courses have popular holes and this course is no exception. “Sixteen through 18 are the favorites, 17 is the signature hole and on 18 you tee off with the views of the mountains. It’s a great finishing hole. You get a true desert golf experience even though you’re in a community with homes in it, they’re set back so you don’t feel like they’re right on top of the course.”
The golf club is currently undergoing upgrades and updates to the building and landscaping. The building has just been painted, updating it with a modern gray and gray slate color scheme. New signage has also been ordered which will make the club more cohesive with other amenities in Estrella. The landscaping is also getting an update with new irrigation, trees, and plants. “It’s not a huge overhaul but people notice it,” he said.
On any given day you’re likely to find as many non-golfers as golfers at the club’s Players Grill and Patio as well. The very popular happy hour draws a crowd every Tuesday through Friday evening, and the live acoustic music every Thursday packs the house. “On Friday we have karaoke which has proven to be way more popular than we anticipated. We originally had it on Thursday but ended up moving it to Friday and the patio is always full, it gets a great turnout. A lot of people from outside the community drive in for it.” But there’s more. “A couple times a month we feature local bands and do a mini-concert. We’ve had to turn people away for some of these because we max out around 200 people.”
Whether you’re looking to improve your handicap or simply enjoy time with friends and family, it’s a great time of year to visit the Golf Club of Estrella. For updated rates and tee times, visit the Golf Club’s website.
Find your new home at Estrella.com and discover why 8,000 families already call this diverse, welcoming West Valley master-planned community home. Located in Goodyear, Arizona amongst pristine mountains and a dramatic desert landscape, Estrella amenities include multiple Residents’ Clubs, resort-style pools and a waterpark, 72 acres of lakes, 65-plus miles of paths and trails, the Yacht Club of Estrella, the award-winning Nicklaus Design course at the Golf Club of Estrella, community welcome center, and more than 50 neighborhood parks.
