Talking Rock

Desert golf is not typically well-known for its walkable courses, due both to hot temperatures and because real estate developments frequently intersect between holes. Jay Morrish, whose mark is on many courses like those described above, took a different tack at Talking Rock Golf Club, setting tee boxes close to the preceding greens to encourage the walking golfer. Granted, it helps that Prescott is not quite the hotbox that is Phoenix but, south of Flagstaff, the weather remains golfable all year round.

Although the walk may be relatively simple, the course is less so, stretching 7,350 yards from the back tees. Although there are certainly long holes — such as the well-bunkered 640-yard monolith at No. 5 — Morrish still stays true to his roots, which includes a drivable par four. In this case, No. 15 measures 340 yards from the back tees, but the downhill teebox makes a go at the green conceivable for desert tigers.

The closer on both sides is a par five, both of which share the same imposing pond upon approach, as well as a large, common bunker separating the two greens.