Unforgettable Sunday Afternoon at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes

Unforgettable Sunday Afternoon at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes

Last weekend I played Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, my favorite course in the Valley. I played with Bradford, Brett and Alec and we had a blast! Bradford was nice enough to drive, so I met him at his place around 10 on Saturday morning. Brett was planning to ride with us, but ended up following us. Not sure why… It’s a long drive from North Scottsdale. We didn’t tee off until noon, but I like having plenty of time to hit balls, practice my putting and work on my short game. They have a great practice facility at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes.

Before we teed off, Bradford got the chance to try a new drink from the Arroyo Grille. It is basically a Bloody Mary made with bourbon. I didn’t try it, but Bradford really enjoyed it. They are still trying to name it, too. Bradford’s was made with Buffalo Trace bourbon and the bartender threw in some bleu cheese stuffed olives. Naming it the Bloody Buffalo makes sense, but Bradford came up with the Buffalo Bleu. I love that name, but it would only work if they used Buffalo Trace bourbon. Regardless, the drink looks good and Bradford really enjoyed it.

On the first hole I found the fairway, but missed the green left. I made par knowing I missed an opportunity on this short par 4. On the second hole, I hit a hybrid off the tee, but pushed it. 5 shots later I was +2 through 2 holes. I will save you the play-by-play, but I ended up shooting 39 on the front. On the back I made a couple of birdies, but ended with a bogey on 17 and a double bogey on 18. I ended up shooting 77. Not bad considering I had 2 double bogeys on the card.

After golf I wanted to play #miniDunes, but Bradford was tired and hungry. It was 114° that day. We left Ak-Chin Southern Dunes and headed to Four Peaks Brewing Company in Tempe for some food and some drinks. Then we met Sheryl at Fate Brewing Co. before ending our day at Scottsdale Beer Company. Since I was with Sheryl, I rode home with her. We stopped by Cellars Fine Wine & Spirits on the way home. We ended up going to a beer tasting on Father’s Day, and needed some beers to take with us.

The golf course was in great shape, and the staff is truly world class. When we were done, I ended up talking to the guys outside for a few minutes. The guy cleaning clubs was new at Ak-Chin, and we talked about the staff, his role in the golf business, and what it means working for Troon. It was a great way to end an unforgettable day at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes. The day for Alec was unforgettable, too… He made 7 birdies. Right? He shot 72, but had 7 birdies on the card. He’s a stick.

I don’t play the golf course as much as I should, but it is my home course. Brady, General Manager, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, is one of the best in the business, and we have become good friends over the years. Devin is still pretty new, but he and I have become friends. Don’t forget about Rolland and Ben. These guys are the best. Ben deserves an award for what he is doing to grow the game. Every time I turn around he is hosting complimentary clinics or taking a group of juniors to #miniDunes to learn more about the greatest game ever played.

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is great, and I have a great experience every time I am there. I can’t wait to get back. The course record on #miniDunes is -4… Where is the first tee?