Nestled near the breathtaking landscapes of the Grand Canyon, Elephant Rocks Golf Course offers an exceptional golfing experience that pleasantly surprises. My recent visit to this course for a Sunday morning round confirmed its status as a must-play for any golfer in the region. Securing a 7:30 AM tee time was straightforward, and the $83 fee, encompassing a small practice bucket and taxes, proved to be remarkably reasonable, especially when compared to the often pricier courses in California and Arizona’s valley areas. The weather was ideal, starting at a comfortable 63°F at tee-off and gradually warming to 80°F by 11 AM, accompanied by a noticeable two-club wind that added a touch of challenge.
From the moment I stepped into the pro shop, the staff’s welcoming attitude was palpable. The pro shop attendant was genuinely enthusiastic, offering insightful tips and local knowledge about the course, and excitedly highlighting the impressive green speeds of 12+ on the stimpmeter. Such genuine passion for the course and commitment to customer service truly sets a positive tone for the entire golfing experience.
Elephant Rocks Golf Course itself presents a delightful blend of golfing environments. The layout masterfully integrates woodland and links-style holes, creating a diverse and engaging round. The initial five holes wind through tree-lined terrain, transitioning into six meadow-style holes before returning to a forested setting for the final stretch. Adding to the allure are the spectacular vistas, with distant mountain views of Williams and Flagstaff providing a stunning backdrop to the game. While most holes are relatively straightforward in design, they vary significantly in width, ranging from tight, demanding fairways to more forgiving, open spaces. I found the course layout to be particularly enjoyable and thoughtfully designed. It’s worth noting the front nine features only one par 5 and one par 3, while the back nine includes three of each, balancing out to a par 72 course overall.
The course conditions throughout were consistently impressive. The tee boxes were level and well-maintained, offering three tee options at 6600, 6000, and 5400 yards. While a broader range of yardage options might be preferred by some, the existing choices cater to a good range of skill levels. The fairways were akin to carpet, boasting a lush, light green appearance. Though a few areas showed signs of slight overwatering, this was minor and didn’t detract from the overall exceptional fairway condition. The rough presented a more significant challenge, measuring around 3 inches in height, often causing balls to settle down, demanding precise shots. Venturing near the towering pine trees introduced areas of wild grasses, which could make locating errant balls quite difficult. The greens lived up to their reputation, playing exceptionally fast and smooth, yet remained sufficiently receptive to hold well-struck approach shots. Interestingly, the sand traps featured a unique volcanic sand, different from the typical sand found in many courses. Despite being somewhat wet, the sand was surprisingly soft and easy to play from.
Practice facilities include a driving range, though it’s on the shorter side, extending to 240 yards and playing downhill. The 6000+ foot elevation adds another layer of complexity to distance judgment on the range. I found myself overshooting the range’s end with 4-irons. Golf carts are available and in good condition, though they are not equipped with GPS. A beverage cart was spotted on the back nine, operated from a John Deere cart with coolers, adding to the on-course amenities.
Overall, my experience at Elephant Rocks Golf Course was overwhelmingly positive. It’s a truly enjoyable course to play, complemented by friendly staff and a brisk pace of play – my Sunday morning round was completed in just under four hours. Its location is particularly convenient for those visiting the Grand Canyon, being just one exit off I-40 from the main route to the national park. I wholeheartedly recommend Elephant Rocks Golf Course, especially for golfers seeking a high-quality, value-driven round in a stunning natural setting. If you are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, be sure to include a tee time at Elephant Rocks Golf Course in your itinerary; you won’t be disappointed.
