TPC of Scottsdale, Stadium Course

The TPC of Scottsdale, Stadium Course is a fun, interesting layout set in the desert about 30 minutes north of the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport.  The course was originally constructed to be the new home of the FBR Open (nee Phoenix Open) a professional golf tournament that is a regular stop on the PGA tour. The course is part of a larger golf facility that also includes the Champions Course, another 18-hole layout that is situated across the street. 

The clubhouse is first rate, and includes many of the amenities that are typically found only at private clubs, including an expansive locker room with an attendant who is available to change spikes or shine shoes.  A huge pro-shop carries just about any type of equipment or clothing that you could need.  The Practice Facilities at the TPC of Scottsdale are world class, and include multiple putting greens, a generous short game practice area, and a huge driving range with actual greens for targets (not just flag sticks).  It is not uncommon to see professional tour players out practicing on the range.  Forecaddies can be hired on a round by round basis, and provide local knowledge of the course including helping your group to read greens and locate errant shots.

The Stadium Course was expertly designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, and they did a terrific job of incorporating a small number of water hazards into the design of the course to create some really memorable holes. There are several unique holes that are challenging and fun to play without the course being overly frustrating. 

The 8th Hole is a long Par 4 dogleg hole that plays to a maximum distance of 470 yards.  A solid tee shot is necessary to have any chance of reaching the green in regulation.  Expect to hit a long iron or fairway wood to the green for your approach.  Fortunately, the green is quite large and its only protection is gentle elevation changes that ensconce the back and sides of the green.

The 15th Hole is a true risk/reward par 5, playing to a maximum distance of 547 yards.  The tee shot is protected by water that runs up the entire left side of the hole.  A decent tee shot gives you the option of going for the green in two, but the shot is all carry.  The green is defended by water on three sides, and drops off severely to the rear.  The only safe place to miss the green is long, which means a difficult chip back up the hill.

The 16th Hole is the famous stadium hole, which during the FBR Open is completely enclosed by bleachers of rowdy fans.  The bleachers can fit close to 40,000 people, and their behavior is not of the type typically seen at professional golf tournaments.  They applaud those who reach the green in regulation, and heckle those who do not.  A great shot produces cheers that rock the entire facility.  It is all done in great fun, and is a truly unique experience in golf.  When the tournament is not underway you can still see reminders of tournament weekend and the hole takes on a surreal quality to it.  After hitting your tee shot, you can almost hear the thousands of fans and their response to your effort.

The 17th Hole is a drivable par 4, playing to a distance of 332 yards.  During the 2001 Phoenix Open, Andrew Magee carded the first and only double eagle on a par 4 in PGA Tour history on this hole.  A cautious drive is necessary, as water lurks to both the right and left sides of the green, but a good tee shot can put you in excellent position to make a birdie.  There is a small swatch of green in back, and if the pin is back there make sure that to aim towards the center of the green.  Missing to the left or right when the pin is in back is an automatic way to guarantee a high score.

Playing the TPC of Scottsdale can be a little pricey especially during peak season. The green fees max out at $272 per person from December through April.  If you can bear the heat of playing golf in the middle of summer in the desert, the rates come down to as low as $73 per person from  June through August, and the course is closed for the month of July.  Included in the greens fees are a cart, range balls, a yardage book and bag tag, and a forecaddie for your group (during peak season only).

To reach the Stadium course from Sky Harbor Airport, take Highway 51 about 15 miles north to the 101 Loop junction. Proceed east on the 101 Loop until you reach North Hayden Road.  Turn right on North Hayden Road and proceed south for about a mile, the entrance to the Golf Course will be on the right hand side of the street.