Copper Canyon Golf Club

Schmidt/Curley Design + Troon Golf = Unique Golf Experience

You’ll recognize a difference the moment you step out of the new clubhouse onto either the 1st or 10th tee boxes. Copper Canyon Golf Club might be a golf course in an “active adult community,” but in no way is a retirement golf course.

Located in the new Del Webb Sun City Festival in Buckeye, the Copper Canyon Golf Club promises a unique golf experience, bringing together two Arizona golf icons for the first time in Arizona, the renowned design team of Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley, and the management of Troon Golf®. Both are revered throughout the golf world, but this is the first time their expertise has come together in the Phoenix area.

The panoramic view off the 1st and 10th tee facing the White Tank Mountains, typifies what you see on this course Traditionally defined as “desert-style links” but not as a “target” desert layout so common in the area, Copper Canyon provides a challenge for every skill level from four tees ranging in distance from 5,200 to over 6,800 yards. Spectacular conditioning and playability are the signatures of this Buckeye landmark, with generous landing areas and large, undulating greens, numerous bunkers in the fairways and greenside, and water from nearly a dozen separate lakes protect the integrity of the layout and attempt to distract your eye throughout your round.

If its newness and spectacular visuals are not enough, a top green fee of $80 in the popular winter months should provide enough incentive to attract you to escape the city traffic to nearby Buckeye for a great golf getaway.

If you’re known by the company you keep, Copper Canyon is in the room with greatness. Troon Golf manages over 190 top golf properties worldwide, including many of the best-known courses in Arizona. You’ve seen Schmidt/Curley’s work on TV at Skins Games in Palm Springs and in the recent World Cup at Mission Hills in China, as well as at a handful of top-rated courses in the Valley of the Sun.

The designers imaginitive layout of Copper Canyon might just join those ranks. After the picturesque drive off the 10th tee, players face a gorgeous par-3 over water at #11. After a tantalizing par-5 come not one, but two, back-to-back, risk-reward par-4s that will tempt the 300-yard driver to go for the green, but will likely reward the player who works backward, hitting a tee shot to a preferred approach distance to set up a birdie opportunity. The 16th hole, the longest of the fantastic set of par-3s, will force a long carry over water and the uphill par-5 18th will prove a great fi nish with its well-bunkered green that’s smaller than most of the others. 

Here is a tip to handle those above-average size greens with their subtle undulations-bring a compass. Head Professional Mickey Volcan says most putts will break to the north.

Before your round, perhaps even after, you will be drawn to the fabulous practice facility that is one of the true greats in the Valley. Over 100-yards wide, spanning three large tiers, one will only hit from the best possible turf. The unique setting of the practice facilities in relationship to the clubhouse gives this golf experience a cozy feeling not offered by many. The chipping green is flanked with dual sand bunkers, providing opportunities to practice short game skills and the practice putting green is also a showcase piece to the facilities at Copper Canyon.

The new clubhouse is home of the state-of-the-art golf shop and the Indigo Grille that can accommodate up to 200 guests for outings and other special events. The food at the Indigo Grille or the Festival Snack Bar is tastefully managed by the culinary experts that represent Troon  Golf facilities throughout the world. This experience will certainly be one to remember as both the game of golf and the love of food are celebrated together.

In addition to the beautiful clubhouse the property boasts a new 31,000 squarefoot multi-faceted recreation, learning and wellness facility, the Sage Center. Designed for residents and guests of the Sun City Festival community of active adults, its programs are growing constantly, complimenting the extraordinary golf that sits within the confi nes of this Del Webb community west of Phoenix. Festival residents pay special golf rates or enjoy the annual pass programs available. They also have access to the Troon Golf Rewards program and Troon TwoSome Card, as well as many benefi ts of being associated with a Troon Golf managed facility. Military personnel and Sun City residents from all over the Valley can play Copper Canyon at the guest rate.

The well-received Schmidt/Curley design and experienced management of Troon Golf ensure a fi rst-class golf experience. Add amazing affordability and Copper Canyon Golf Club quickly becomes a great value play. For more information, visit www.coppercanyongolfclub.com or call for tee times up to fi ve days in advance, (928) 252-6783.