Course Review - Starfire at Scottsdale Country Club

A time-honored tradition since 1953, StarFire at Scottsdale Country Club has recently been revitalized, in appearance and in spirit. Arnold Palmer is synonymous with great golf, and Scottsdale Country club boasts his personal touch on 27 holes. Abundant foliage, mature tree-lined fairways and glimmering water features enhance the golf experience. StarFire has three nine-hole courses that are played in three combinations of eighteen holes. The King Course has the finest layout and is the most picturesque. StarFire is a traditional-styled course with wide fairways and many trees that can affect your shots. The terrain is fairly flat and there are water hazards that come into play on fourteen holes. Beautiful views of either Camelback Mountain or the McDowell Mountains can be viewed on almost every shot. StarFire is a woman friendly course that won’t beat you up. Unlike many of Palmer’s designs, StarFire is not a long and is very playable. If you are on your game you may shoot a very low score. With its simplistic beauty and central location, Starfire is a classic golf experience.

The signature hole is number 8 on The King Course, a 202-yard, par 3, requiring a carry over a lake that is decorated with a gorgeous fountain. The green is elevated, well-bunkered, and surrounded by water. This hole also offers lovely scenery of the surrounding mountains and also of the nice homes that are located throughout the course design.

The King

The Squire

The Hawk

Other Information - Starfire at Scottsdale Country Club

Practice Facilities: Designed specifically to assist golfers with their short game, the new practice facility features a putting and chipping green, with an additional green for pitch and bunker shots. Twenty tee stations are featured within the 110 yard driving range, with additional tee stations for practicing longer shots. Range balls are not included.

19th Hole: The StarFire Grille serves exceptional food and we highly recommend that you find time to relax and enjoy a fine meal before or after your round of golf. There is also a snack bar and drink cart.

Clubhouse: Befitting the recently enhanced course, the elegant and brand new, state of the art full service clubhouse is beautiful. The pro shop offers a complete selection of golf attire and the latest golf equipment.

The Players:

• Designer: Arnold Palmer
• Director of Golf: Andrew Potter
• Golf Pro: Andy Potter
• Superintendent: Todd Allen
• Golf Lessons: PGA instructors offer individual and group lessons and golf clinics.

Grass type: Greens: Bermuda Grass. Fairways: Winter Rye

Recommended handicap: Anyone with over a 2 handicap can enjoy the course. It is very playable and women friendly. With 4 tee boxes, none of which plays very long, even very high handicap players can enjoy this course.

1 -10 Course Rating by Meridian’s Golf Specialists: 6

Comments by Meridian Guests:

• “After playing such tough desert courses like SunRidge Canyon and Troon North it was nice to shoot a low score.” “We really enjoyed the course. The King Course was fabulous.”
• “It was a nice country club experience from the service to the beautiful facility and it was so close to our accommodations.”
• “Thank you Arnold! You finally designed a course that I can enjoy playing. I actually shot under 100 even though I am a 30 handicap player.”

The Drive: Right in the heart of Scottsdale it is only about a 5 minute drive to the course. It is one of the closest courses to Meridian’s accommodations.