By Shane Sharp
Regional Staff Writer

June 21, 1999

PHOENIX -- Immediately upon rolling into to Gold Canyon Ranch, you know you are in for one of the Phoenix area's truly unique golfing experiences. Perched in the foothills of the legendary Superstition Mountains, Gold Canyon Resort's bleached white casitas and villas dot the hillside above the golf shop and restaurant like a Mediterranean Village.

Upon further exploration, the architecture of these rustic abodes proves to be Santa Fe style with interiors that rival their handsome exteriors. Throw in an inviting swimming pool, a 19th Hole that functions more like a local pub than a brief stop in after a round, and a first class sit down restaurant, and you have on fully operational battleship

Oh yea, and if you can get past the initial charm of the resort's other amenities, there is golf to be played. And some of the Valley's best at that. Gold Canyon Resort features two 18 hole layouts, one a first class championship course, the other a first rate bargain.

The Dinosaur Mouton Course was recently rated the number two course in the state by the subscribers of Arizona Business Journal. While Golf Magazine or Golf Digest the ABJ is not, subscribers are no dummies and these savvy critics just happen to know what anyone who has played at Dinosaur Mountain knows: this is desert golf as it was meant to be.

With its ridiculously low greens fees ($100 for a foursome during the summer months), the Sidewinder Course is geared towards local clientele who want to play a quality course without losing their shirts. While it does not tackle as challenging terrain or offer up as many breathtaking views as its neighbor, the "Winder" can hold its own with any course within its price range. This righteous combination of golfing democracy is largely attributable to Head Professional Scott Scherger.

"When I first got here, I thought it was unfortunate that local did not play during the winter when the conditions are so good," says Scherger. "Many local had not been out to Gold Canyon in five or six years because they didn't know what we had to offer."

What "they" have is an escape from the urban grind of the Phoenix metroplex - a rustic resort a mere 30 minutes outside of the city in one of the least inhabited areas of the valley. What Scherger and friends also have is a golf course that will leave you enough money to buy a round for the guys, a golf course that will leave you either speechless or babbling for hours, customer service that almost makes you feel guilty, and variety of food and beverage to satisfy any guest.

What Gold Canyon doesn't have is the snobby pretentiousness exuded by many of the Valley's upscale resorts. Hey, nothing against posh resort golf, but don't we all feel a little more at home at a place that feels a little bit more like home?

Shane Sharp is a staff writer for Myrtlebeachgolf.com and GolfArizona.com. Contact him at sharp@rockies.com