Cholla at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
The Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, located in the Sonoran Desert just outside Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a distinct and captivating desert golf experience. Designed by Scott Miller and opened in 2001, the Cholla Course has been acclaimed for its stunning natural beauty, challenging layout, and thoughtful integration with the desert landscape. It complements the Saguaro Course at We-Ko-Pa, providing golfers with two distinct golfing experiences at one exceptional venue.
Stretching over 7,225 yards from the back tees and playing as a par-72, the Cholla Course weaves through dramatic desert terrain, featuring undulating fairways, significant elevation changes, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and desert vistas. Unlike traditional desert golf courses that often rely on target golf principles, Cholla encourages strategic play, offering multiple lines of attack on several holes, and rewards thoughtful shot placement and course management.
The course is renowned for its preservation of the natural desert environment, with numerous holes designed around natural arroyos, rock outcroppings, and native vegetation. This commitment to environmental stewardship not only enhances the aesthetic appeal and challenge of the Cholla Course but also provides a habitat for local wildlife, adding to the immersive golfing experience.
One of the signature aspects of the Cholla Course is its collection of memorable and challenging holes. The par-5 5th is particularly notable, requiring golfers to navigate a dogleg right around a natural desert area, with a well-guarded green awaiting those who successfully manage the risk. The 15th hole, a short par-4, presents a strategic dilemma with the option to lay up or attempt a bold drive near the green, where precision is key to setting up a birdie opportunity.
The Cholla Course's greens are a defining feature, with complex contours and subtle breaks that demand careful reading and a soft touch. The bunkering throughout the course is strategically placed to challenge golfers of all skill levels, further adding to the strategic diversity of the layout.
Facilities at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club are top-notch, with a spacious clubhouse that offers excellent dining options, a well-equipped pro shop, and comfortable amenities. The practice facilities, including a driving range, putting green, and short game area, allow golfers to refine their skills against the backdrop of the stunning desert landscape.
Playing the Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa is an unforgettable experience that combines the challenge of golf with the natural beauty and tranquility of the Sonoran Desert. It's a course that invites golfers to immerse themselves in the landscape, offering a round that is as rewarding as it is challenging.