Phantom Horse Golf Club: Nothing Invisible About this Phoenix Gem
PHOENIX - As you get off Interstate 10 and enter the Pointe Hilton South Mountain, you don't realize what experience is hidden in the South Mountains. There was a time when a herd of wild mustangs roamed the South Mountains. All were captured but one-the Phantom Horse-whose ghostly spirit, some say, still races along the Phantom Horse Ridge. There you will find the Phantom Horse Golf Club.
To check in, you take an elevator to the upper level to the Golf Shop. Or you can take the stairs if you wish (I decided on the elevator for the view, of course). Along the way up, there is the swimming pool, tennis courts, and the workout gym. The golf shop has plenty of clothing items and a selection of putters and balls.
If you would like some refreshment or food before you play, the restaurant is next door to the Golf Shop. There is a putting green next to the number one tee and a short distance away is a small range with balls for you to get loose.
You start up the ridge on the first hole, a short 387 par 4, but an elevated green. You'll find a lot of gentle elevations on this golf course. The number three hole is a par five with water coming into play. The tee box is elevated, as is the green. Water also comes into play on the first four holes, with the number four green surrounded by water. Fortunately your approach shot should be a short iron on the 362 yard hole.
You won't see wild horses, but you may see tamed ones. Signs abound warning you of horse crossings because of the activities offered at the resort. You'll find rabbits, roadrunners, and if you are unlucky, a snake or two. Your primary goal is to stay in the fairway, which cannot be seen on a number of holes.
Flags mark your target areas and landing areas on a number of holes. These flags are important to give you guidance. Aggressive play disregarding the target and landing flags is not recommended as you may end up in rocks, ravines, rough, or out of bounds.
There is no water on the back nine, but you will find the signature hole on number 13. It's called "The Jailhouse" and for good reason. The par 5 is not that long, but after your drive you have a decision to make. Go for the elevated green in two or lay up. Three tiers of bunkers short of the green make the decision an important one.
Come up short and you may be jailed, having to go from bunker to bunker until you reach the green. A good drive could leave you with enough of a lofted iron to up the ball over those hazards. It is a challenging hole you'll enjoy playing.
Although you'll find several short par 4 holes, they can be very difficult if you miss the fairway. Then you'll have small greens to contend with. One in particular is called "The Wall". You wonder about the nickname because there is no wall in sight on this short par 4. Hit the ball over the green and you'll find the wall, a brick wall that is the support for the green, about five feet high.
Your round finishes with a par three from an elevated tee with a drop of 100 feet or so to a bunkered green. Before you hit your shot, look at the view. You'll see downtown Phoenix and Bank One Ballpark, Arizona State University's Sun Devil Stadium, and the Superstition Mountain further east. Now you have a 210 yard plus shot to the green. It is a great way to finish a delightful round of golf.
If you plan to stay, you'll find rooms available at the Hilton, along with dining facilities. If you are planning a conference, there are plenty of meeting rooms to serve your needs. Area restaurants are also available if you want to go off the resort.
How to get there
Whether going toward Tucson or Phoenix on Interstate 10, take the Baseline Road exit in south Phoenix. Turn west on Baseline and you'll find The Pointe Parkway almost immediately. Turn left and follow the signs to the golf course.
Phantom Horse Golf Club
at Pointe Hilton South Mountain Resort
7777 S. Pointe Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85044
(602)431-6480
April 22, 2000