A secluded escape: Talking Rock Golf Club offers a walkable, enjoyable round in Prescott
PRESCOTT, Ariz. -- Few private golf courses fit within their surrounding communities as well as Talking Rock Golf Club.
Talking Rock Ranch is a 3,600-acre development of Symmetry Companies, a residential and lifestyle company committed to offering premium, resort-influenced amenities and first-class hospitality.
Architect Jay Morrish designed the Talking Rock golf course to be endlessly playable, a necessity in a community that attracts a large percentage of retirees. There are loads of bunkers -- more than 80 -- but there are also ways to bounce the ball into many greens to avoid trouble.
It is also walkable -- a rarity in the desert heat -- because the climate at 5,000 feet is much cooler and milder than the Valley of the Sun near Phoenix two hours to the south. Golf can essentially be played year-round in Prescott, a historic town in northern Arizona that once was the state capital.
The par 5s carry the day. The two toughest holes, at least according to the handicap rating, are due to the sheer length of the 641-yard sixth hole and the semi-hidden desert wash fronting the green on the 563-yard 11th hole. No. 9 and no. 18 are parallel par 5s that bookend each nine. A pond separates each green.
The three-hole stretch on Talking Rock's back nine ranks among the best in Arizona. More elevation changes leads to striking views. Standing on the elevated tee at no. 15 reveals a drivable par 4 playing a tempting 309 yards (from the blue and gold tees). The thin air of high altitude and downhill lay of the land compels even short hitters to give it a go. It's a moment of pure fun, just like life inside the gates of Talking Rock.
The pro shop, locker room and restaurant are all located in separate buildings next to one another known as the ranch compound. They're beautiful facilities that make a day -- or a lifetime -- playing at Talking Rock something special.
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