The Champions course at TPC Scottsdale opened around the same time as the Stadium course in the mid-1980s. Following a multi-million dollar renovation from Randy Heckenkemper in 2007, this layout is now every bit as challenging as its famous stablemate.
Overall rating
The Champions course at TPC Scottsdale opened around the same time as the Stadium course in the mid-1980s. Following a multi-million dollar renovation from Randy Heckenkemper in 2007, this layout is now every bit as challenging as its famous stablemate.
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.