Apache Stronghold (Closed)

Tom Doak has never had issue with taking his talents to obscure locations, far from the eye of casual golfers, and that approach remains true with his rare attempt at desert golf. Apache Stronghold Golf Club is attached to the Apache Gold Casino, two hours east into the desert from Phoenix.

Those who bring their big-kid sticks all the way out from the city will find a layout capable of challenging the best, topping out at more than 7,500 yards. Although not quite the minimalist affair that Dismal River ended up being, Doak played to his better instincts and used the lay of the land to dictate the flow of the course, including vista-set teeboxes (that take some edge off of that long yardage total), and a series of natural washes provide cross hazards to vex those wayward from the tee.

Those who really find the two-hour trip from Phoenix to be unbearable can consider booking a private flight to San Carlos Apache Airport...it’s right across the street from the golf club.

The course permanently closed on the 30th November, 2021.