Destinations
Fully Lit
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Shines Bright
By Tom Mackin
With one flick of the switch a new chapter in the rich history of Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Ariz., began last April. Night golf arrived at #minDunes, with lights brightening an existing six-hole short course built on the driving range, enabling golfers of all ages and skill levels to enjoy playing shots after dusk, an especially worthy amenity during Arizona’s summer heat.
The introduction of night golf has been a resounding success according to General Manager Brady Wilson. “It has created some additional opportunities for people to play golf,” he said. “It’s available starting at dusk and going until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays; and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Speakers pump out some music (with a coordinated light show, too), there are portable bars, and there is a custom-built food truck. It has turned into just what we hoped that it would: a fun atmosphere and a cool place to hang out.”
There’s also Sundown and Super Sundown green fees that allows golfers who don’t finish 18 holes on the championship course before it gets dark to continue playing under the lights on #miniDunes for as long as they want with no extra charge. “I think for golfers who are a bit more budget conscious, that is a home run deal,” added Wilson. “No other place offers that in Arizona.”
Even after the lights went on, the main course itself at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes has remained one of the Southwest’s best daytime options. “This past overseeding season has our greens looking better than ever,” said Wilson. “Our superintendent Wes Haner, along with his team, has done a phenomenal job.”
Holes of particular note include the eighth and 14th. “The eighth is a long and challenging par 4 that favors a draw off the tee for the right-handed golfer along with another draw approach shot to the green,” said Associate Golf Professional Dylan Whitbeck. “The right side of the green leaves a fun, yet challenging up and down, while left of the green will be tricky and some luck will be need to get up and down. A par or better on this hole gives the golfer a great sense of accomplishment. The unique mounding around the hole makes this one fun to play over and over.”
The 14th is a short but tough par 4 with 10 bunkers. “Standing on the tee you can make an eagle or a double-bogey and everything in between,” said Nate Cummings, director of golf. “You look at it on the scorecard as a birdie hole, but you know all the trouble that awaits. Depending on wind direction and hole location, it plays differently day-to-day. It is also one of the most photogenic holes on the golf course.”
TOURNAMENT TESTED
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes also continues to shine as a sought-after venue for competitive golf tournaments. The University of Wyoming women’s and men’s golf teams escape their harsh winter weather by hosting back-to-back, 54-hole events (Wyoming Cowboy/Cowgirl Classic) at the course over five consecutive days, this year on March 30 through April 3, with 20-plus teams in each event.
A perennial U.S. Open local qualifying site (including this year on May 1), Ak-Chin Southern Dunes will also host its third straight National Golf Invitational Tournament. That event includes a men’s and women’s championship, each with a maximum of 18 college teams playing 54 holes of stroke play. “What it really has turned into is an event that brings together schools from all over,” said Wilson “There are teams from major conference and mid-majors, along with smaller schools. It’s a great event.”
This year women will play first, May 8-11, with the men following from May 15-18. Last year, the Rutgers University women’s team and the Washington State men’s team won the team titles. Anthony Delisanti from Valparaiso won the men’s individual title, and Jacksonville State’s Jinger Heath took home the women’s individual crown.
“Hosting national-level tournaments and introducing night golf at #miniDunes are examples of how our team continues to work to ensure that Ak-Chin Southern Dunes will remain a leader in the market in golf experiences for the foreseeable future,” said Wilson. ▪
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
Maricopa, Ariz.
(480) 367-8949
AkChinSouthernDunes.com
