GOLD CANYON GOLF RESORT
Dramatic Views make for Picturesque Golf: Gold Canyon Golf Club

Dinosaur Course: Par 70; Yardage: 4,921-6,584
Sidewinder Course: Par 72; Yardage: 4,529-6,414

There is a big bold feel to the Dinosuar Course at Gold Canyon Golf Club due to the multitude of elevation changes designed by Ken Kavanaugh, the Dinosaur offers some of the most panoramic golf in the East Valley. The views begin at No. 2, a 197-yard par-3 that drops 75 feet from the tee to green, and never stop.

What's cool about Gold Canyon's Dinosaur is that three of the other four par-3s also are gifted with dramatic tee shots looking down on the green. True desert golf in every sense, the Dinosaur is draped over three distinct canyons, making for an abundance of never-before-seen shots. Picking out the signature hole is difficult, but the par-4, 467 yard fourth hole is a good call if only for the awesome view of the Superstition Mountains.

The Sidewinder course, another Gold Canyon Golf Club gem, which is the result of nine holes built by Greg Nash plus nine new ones by superintendent Stuart Penge, is also a great alternative, especially for the lower green fee. As might be expected, the Sidewinder cuts through the lower portions of the canyons, with signature hole being the 424-yard 15th, which snakes its way over and around a lake to a small green that features an amphitheater- like setting.

Todd Massie's Tip: The Dinosaur is a golf course that doesn't have a comparison in Arizona because of all the dramatic elevation shifts and beautiful views of the Superstition Mountains. The conditions on both courses are always good, and Gold Canyon Golf Club is the perfect place to tee it up for those coming out of the cold and snow. An eye- popper!