items={[ { question: "Where is Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club located?", answer: "Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is located at 48456 AZ-238 in Maricopa, Arizona—approximately 40 minutes south of Phoenix." }, { question: "How much does it cost to play at Southern Dunes?", answer: "Green fees range from $33 to $286 per round depending on date, time, and demand. Cart fees are included." }, { question: "What is the slope rating at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes?", answer: "The slope rating ranges from 142 (Tips) to 105 (Red tees for men). From the back tees, it's one of Arizona's most challenging courses." }, { question: "Is Ak-Chin Southern Dunes a public golf course?", answer: "Yes, Southern Dunes is open to the public and ranks among the best public courses near Scottsdale. Originally opened as a private club in 2002, it became publicly accessible after the Ak-Chin Indian Community acquired it in 2010." }, { question: "What are the hours for Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club?", answer: "The course is open 5:15 AM to 7:00 PM daily, except CLOSED on Mondays from June 1 through August 31." }, { question: "Who designed Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club?", answer: "Schmidt-Curley Design (Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley) designed the course with consulting input from PGA Tour legend Fred Couples. It opened in 2002 and underwent renovation in 2014." } ]} />

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club

Looking for a golf experience that transports you from the Arizona desert to the legendary sand belt courses of Australia? Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club delivers exactly that — 7,546 yards of top-tier golf that has earned rankings as Arizona's #1 course and spots in Golf Magazine's Top 100 Courses You Can Play.

This Par 72 masterpiece in Maricopa showcases the collaborative genius of Schmidt-Curley Design and PGA Tour legend Fred Couples. From the imported drought-resistant Australian trees to the 100+ strategically placed bunkers, this course demands your best while rewarding thoughtful play.

What Makes Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Special

Award-Winning Design and Recognition

Elevated green with deep bunkers and mountain backdrop at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club — Dramatic bunkering protects elevated green with Arizona mountain views

Golfweek's Top 100 Resort Courses
Golf Magazine's Top 100 Courses You Can Play
Golf Advisor 2016: #1 Top Courses in Arizona
Hole #16: Honorary inductee, Golf Hole Hall of Fame
Troon Golf: #7 in Arizona

"Ak-chin Southern Dunes is a must play in Phoenix," declares Reddit user u/TheBrownMan1322, while u/Duke123321 calls it "My favourite course in the south Phoenix area."

The Bunker Challenge

If there's one thing every golfer remembers about Southern Dunes, it's the bunkers. With over 100 strategically placed sand traps, the course earned Reddit posts specifically dedicated to bunker difficulty.

"The Bunkers at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes are No Joke," warns u/Casum27. Another golfer summarizes: "The greens and sand traps are unreal - expect to get your ass handed to you on the scorecard."

Pros

Authentic Australian sand belt design unique in Arizona
Exceptional course conditions year-round
Uncrowded rounds even during peak season
Outstanding value for championship-quality golf
Top-notch practice facilities including #miniDunes
Full amenities: Pro shop, restaurant, club rentals, caddies

Cons

Extremely challenging bunkers (100+ throughout course)
40-minute drive south from Phoenix
Closed Mondays during summer (June 1 - August 31)
Dynamic pricing can reach premium levels
Not beginner-friendly from longer tees

Course Details and Tee Box Options

Aerial view of Ak-Chin Southern Dunes showing large lake, multiple holes, and desert landscape — Expansive desert golf layout with central water feature and rolling terrain

|-----|---------|--------|-------|----------| | Tips | 7,546 | 76.5 | 142 | Tour-level players | | Black | 7,330 | 75.2 | 138 | Scratch golfers | | Gold | 6,902 | 72.7 | 132 | Single-digit handicaps | | Blue | 6,493 | 71.2 | 129 | Mid handicappers | | White | 5,981 | 68.7 | 124 | Higher handicappers | | Red | 5,055 | 69.9 | 121 | Beginners, seniors |

Green Fees and Booking

Dynamic Pricing Model

Tee box view down tree-lined fairway with mountains at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes — Narrow fairway framed by mature trees and desert landscaping

Current rates range from $33 to $286 per round, with cart fees included.

Pricing Tips:

Book well in advance for better rates
Early morning and twilight times typically cost less
Weekday rates generally lower than weekends
Summer months offer the best values — see more budget-friendly options near Scottsdale

Important Hours Note

Regular Hours: 5:15 AM - 7:00 PM

CLOSED on Mondays from June 1 through August 31 for summer maintenance.

Practice Facilities and Amenities

Driving Range: Full-length range with target greens

Outdoor patio seating with umbrellas overlooking golf course at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes clubhouse — Covered patio dining area with course views and desert ambiance

#miniDunes: Unique practice facility with six tees and six target greens
Putting Green: Large practice putting surface
Chipping Area: Short game practice with bunkers
Arroyo Grille: Full-service restaurant
Pro Shop: Fully stocked with equipment and apparel
Caddie Service: Experienced caddies available

Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino Connection

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes shares ownership with Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino through the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Stay-and-play packages available — check with the casino for current offers. Nearby Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass is another solid tribal course if you want to make a two-course day of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club located?

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is located at 48456 AZ-238 in Maricopa, Arizona—approximately 40 minutes south of Phoenix.

How much does it cost to play at Southern Dunes?

Green fees range from $33 to $286 per round depending on date, time, and demand. Cart fees are included.

What is the slope rating at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes?

The slope rating ranges from 142 (Tips) to 105 (Red tees for men). From the back tees, it's one of Arizona's most challenging courses.

Is Ak-Chin Southern Dunes a public golf course?

Yes, Southern Dunes is open to the public and ranks among the best public courses near Scottsdale. Originally opened as a private club in 2002, it became publicly accessible after the Ak-Chin Indian Community acquired it in 2010.

What are the hours for Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club?

The course is open 5:15 AM to 7:00 PM daily, except CLOSED on Mondays from June 1 through August 31.

Who designed Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club?

Schmidt-Curley Design (Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley) designed the course with consulting input from PGA Tour legend Fred Couples. It opened in 2002 and underwent renovation in 2014.