Course Review - ASU Karsten Golf Course

Located in Tempe, minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, this Pete Dye design is more Scottish-links than it is desert. Built in 1989 and measuring over 7000 yards from the tips, the par 72 features many of the trademark characteristics that golfers have come to expect from his efforts. The fairways are of ample width, undulating, raised, and protected by ubiquitous mounds, moguls and swales. Bulkheaded water hazards, multi-tiered and partially hidden greens and sprawling waste bunkers round-out the overall design.

Pete Dye hasn’t been shy about combining his trademark railroad tie and fairway mound motifs with the indigenous hazards of the desert. The result is a course set in virtually level terrain that offers every lie imaginable: sidehill, uphill, downhill, et cetera. The greens are fast and true rolling, so “below the hole” is a good rule for the day. So, need we say that this is a challenge for the “serious golfer” yearning to test their shot-making skills?

Home of the powerhouse ASU golf team, the trophy case is adorned with pictures of former ASU standouts that have gone on to achieve fame and fortune on the PGA and LPGA Tours: Phil Mickleson, Billy Mayfair and Joanne Carner are only a few whose photos remind visitors of the tradition of excellence associated with Sun Devil golf. The golf course is named after the late Karsten Solheim, the founder of the Ping Golf Company.

The 9th and 18th holes are near mirror images of each other, sharing the same teeing ground and doglegging around the same body of water. The 446 yard par 4, 9th gently bends to the right and is protected by water on the entire right side from tee to green. Railroad ties frame the length of the hole against the water. Tee shots must travel a minimum of 200 yards to reach the contoured, yet generous, fairway. The approach requires a crisp mid-to-long iron shot, struck with the realization that anything drifting right will vanish to a watery grave. The green is 33 yards deep and guarded by two grass bunkers: one, front left and the other in back. A small, lone bunker is also situated behind the green to the right. The putting surface is two-tiered with the front third sloping toward the water.

The 471 yard par 4, 18th doglegs left around water from tee to green. Like its sidekick, railroad ties separate the fairway and green from its aqua-guardian. Those who over-protect against flirting with the water will contend with two medium-sized bunkers on the right side of the wide and undulating fairway 250 yards from the tee. The approach is an intimidating long iron shot to a skimpy 27 yard deep target tucked behind the water. The green slopes from back to front and is befriended by swales and mounding.

Long hitters will be faced with a decision right away on the back nine. A 233 to 270 yard shot will carry bunkers on the left of the fairway, making it possible to reach the par 5, 10th hole in two strokes or a bad drive will mean additional strokes. Trees are also on the left and three bunkers on the right. A fairway bunker is about 65 yards from the green to catch a second shot - so stay left for a good view of the green. The green drops off on the right of the green where there is also a bunker.

Many of the greens on doglegs are hidden by hills, making it even more interesting the first time you play ASU Karsten. Local knowledge is a definite plus, but for any skill level, you will be challenged by Pete Dye’s trickery.

Signature Holes: As you stand on the 16th tee at the ASU Karsten Golf Course, you cannot help being drawn in by the beauty of the hole. A lake on the right side runs the entire length of the hole guarding the right and front sides of an expansive green. The mounding on the left and back sides of the hole completes a picturesque setting.

Then you check the yardage to choose a club and realize that you have a 217 yard carry over water to reach the green. Your instincts say bail out left to ensure a par or bogey at the worst, your pride says I can make this shot.

Each year the most seasoned collegiate golfers face this same decision. This signature hole is truly a risk to reward situation. Which path will you select? The safe route to a bogey? Or the precise golf shot that could yield that precious birdie on the 16th?