Estancia Golf Course in Scottsdale opened to positive reviews in 1995. The course, which spans 7324 yards, was designed by Tom Fazo. He was the winner of the “Best Modern-Day Golf Course Architect” award three times over. His other courses won “Best Private,” “Best Public,” and “Best Resort” course awards numerous times. He also was the first person to win all three awards in a single year. He’s also the single living designer among the Top 100 American and World Courses lists.
In his design of Estancia, he says he wanted to “Design the course so the regular player can enjoy his rounds by still feel challenged.” For over 50 years, Fazo worked on numerous courses, and no one has more courses to his name on the Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses or on the Golfweek’s list of America’s Best.
After winning the award three times, the “Best Modern-Day Golf Course Architect” award was disconnected by Golf Digest. Also notable, he won The Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
Estancia Golf Club Membership Costs
While Estancia Golf Club membership costs can change year-to-year, they are currently set at $150,000 (Golf Market Based Pricing) with golf dues of $22,750 a year. There is also a $10,000 social (residential) fee. Residents must own property to gain access to the social membership. Social dues are $7,584 per year, and there is no food or beverage minimum. Options include sponsorship, application, and approval.
Private Golf Facilities at Estancia
The golf club offers a number of amenities to users. There are five grass teens, a short game practice area, covered areas, and grass putting green. There’s also a range of targets, including flags, bunkers, built-up greens, and fairway cuts.
The Estancia Golf Course “Hall of Fame”
Take a look at the golf course’s numerous accolades spanning the last 25 years.
- #1: America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses 2005 through 2019 (#70 in 2019) – Golf Digest
- #2 Private Golf Course in AZ – 2019 – Golf Digest
- #3: America’s Top 100 Modern Courses, 2016 – #31 – Golfweek Magazine
- #4: America’s Top 100 Residential Courses, 2017 – #3 – Golfweek Magazine
- #5: America’s Best Residential Courses, 2017 – #6 – Golfweek Magazine
- #6: America’s Top 100 Residential Communities 2010 – #24 – Golfweek Magazine
- #7: America’s Top 100 Courses 2005 through 2012 – Golfweek Magazine
- #8: America’s 50 Best Modern Golf Clubs 2007, #3 – Golf Digest
- #9: America’s 100 Greatest Public & Private Golf Courses 2005 & 2006 – Golf Digest
- #10: Top Rated Golf Courses for Arizona 2005-06 – Golf Digest
- #11: Top 500 Holes in the World 2000 Hole 2, Par 4 – Golf Magazine
- #12: America’s Best New Private Golf Course 1996 – Golf Digest T
What Makes Estancia Golfing So Special?
The course has much to offer, including bentgrass greens with incredible views. It’s located just under the north slopes of Pinnacle Peak, creating some of the most unique views of any golf course. It’s also routed to provide a variety of uphill and downhill shots, allowing for a change of direction at just about every hole. Every one of the 18 holes offers a variety of approach shots. There are also numerous teeing areas.
How to Beat the Estancia Golf Course?
The course has a range of tees from 7314 to just 5207. Most of the players on the course choose the blue tees, which offer 6715 yards or the copper teens at 6336 yards. The two back nine courses have a par 36 and offer the same type of visual beauty you’ll find on the rest of the course. The generous fairways to enjoy, but many play at an angle on the dogleg holes.
To do well with this course, players need to get pin placement and approach shots just right. The course features well-bunkered greens that are deep. The banks and backstops along the course can work in your favor or work against you, depending on the situation. Each play is a bit different as a result.
For those who love the area, golf course homes are available. Estancia Golf Club homes for sale offer a wide range of beautiful features. There are about 384 lots in this master-planned community with 211 estate lots and 173 hillside villas. Costs range from $1.25 million up to $5 million. Visit James Wexler for the best real estate in Scottsdale, AZ.