Grand Canyon University Golf Course

$46 (cart included), played on Tuesday, March 2018 at 10:00 AM

This is a gem. I’ll be back a bunch of times. Put in monthly rotation. Plays like a private club.

$31 (cart included), played on Tuesday, November 2016 at 10:30 AM

I love this course. Greens are not as fast as in the spring time, but still very good.

Guest (cart included), played on Tuesday, March 2016 at 9:30 AM

Very nice course. The renovation was top notch.

$31 (cart not included), played on Sunday, January 2016 at 11:25 PM

Maryvale GC, now known as the Grand Canyon University course after a complete overhaul, is nothing like it was for the past decade+. Formerly a flat, open course with mature trees, it has been toughened up considerably, not the least of which was adding another 500 yards to now stretch it out to over 7200 yards from the tips. An old William Bell design (Papago and Torrey Pines are other courses in his portfolio), it has been refreshed by adding many bunkers (which are excellent) which frame the shots very nicely. Considerable dirt was moved and there is now a lot of movement and vertical in the fairways and many greens have been built up slightly. Most of the mature trees have been retained so it still has a parkland feel. Maybe the most interesting change is the putting surfaces. They put in Champion Bermuda, a relatively new "ultradwarf" Bermuda with fine texture compared to more traditional Bermuda. It has not been overseeded and is a very fast (probably running about 11+ right now), extremely true putting surface. A brand new restaurant and pro shop was added that is likewise very well done. A new must-play in Phoenix, especially with the reasonable pricing. Only complaint I had was the pace of play, and I will be back!

$31 (cart not included), played on Saturday, January 2012 at 8am

Fun, "old style" course - trees, grass & some water, no desert! Rather flat compared to other PHX muny courses, though we walk all of them. A bit tighter fairways than many PHX area courses and caution due to opposing fairways with our slices & hooks. But overall was pleasant and completed the round in under 4 hours (started at 0900). We tend to play the PHX municipal courses since they're walk-able, good condition and very reasonably priced, especially for the winter months.

$16 (cart included), played on Tuesday, February 2010 at 6am

Older, flat Phoenix municipal course. Relatively straight forward but with some water, doglegs, trees. Good greens and adequate other conditions.

$31 (cart included), played on Thursday, January 2009 at 10am

Flat, but otherwise an interesting variety of holes, and the price is right. Not difficult, but there are ways to get into trouble. Real trees, not something you usually find in this area.

$21 (cart included), played on Thursday, October 2008 at 6am

Overseeding near completion

$21 (cart included), played on Sunday, February 2008 at 2pm

A fine course for a casual round on a sunny Sunday afternoon and you can walk this course comfortably which only adds to the golf experience. Being a muni you will run into the usual hazards, the slow play duffers/hackers (is that my ball?)or the speedsters who think of golf as a racecourse ( I try to play 9 in an hour)these guys are always behind you and will be chomping at the bit on that next par 3. Maryvale has generous fairways that go left and right that creates more interest for the seasoned golfer requiring more fades and draws, most fairways are tree lined which gives some character to a relatively flat layout and requires more creativity on that second shot if you are off the fairway. Depending on his mood the pin placements can be generous or demanding- play from the blues if you have game (less than a 10 handicap) otherwise enjoy the day and play from the whites- far too many of the weekend players' reach does not exceed their grasp. Late afternoon is an ideal time to play as the trees create shadows that break up the blazing sun. Have fun- play Maryvale!