TPC Scottsdale (Champions)

At the onset of the TPC Scottsdale development, there was no question which course was the boss. The Stadium course continues to host the most well-attended party on the PGA schedule, but recent history has shown interest in bringing its companion course, the Champions, nearer to its level.

Randy Heckenkemper’s 2007 renovations were a major part of this push. Although Stadium is big brother, it measures only about 100 yards above the Champions’ 7,100-yard distance. In fact, the longest hole on the property is the 605-yard par five at Champions No. 17.

No doubt that the holes you’ll write home about are a pair of par fours with options from the tee. Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish aren’t necessarily known for drawing on historic templates, but the long par four at No. 5 seems quite the play on Lido’s famous Channel hole, with a risky leftward fairway that will leave players much closer to the green if they dare the long carry over water. Across the pond is a more traditional Weiskopf/Morrish option: a drivable par four that offers a safe route...or a long line directly at the green for those who didn’t learn their lesson at No. 5.