We-Ko-Pa (Cholla) - Arizona - USA

I was able to play the Cholla course on a recent trip to the Scottsdale area. This is a rambling spread out course designed around many of the washes in the area. The course runs up and around a ridge that gives some significant elevation changes to several of the holes. The course is beautifully conditioned and quite pleasing to the eye. On the positive side the course has several interesting par threes and a nice variety of par 4's. I really liked the driveable par 4 15th and the dogleg left par 4 16th hole. On the downside the par 5's were all very long and essentially played as three shot holes with no opportunity for a risk reward second shot. I thought the split fairway 18th to be a rather bizzare hole requiring either a lay up to the right leaving a long second shot or a very dangerous drive to the left of the bunkers to try and shorten the hole. Another downside for me was that the course was unwalkable. My GPS gave me a total distance covered of over 9 miles for the round versus the 6 to 6.5 miles I usually walk at my home course. We spent a lot of time riding the cart between holes.

I think this is a solid 4 ball course. It is probably worth playing while in the area, but for me the course is far overshadowed by the Saguaro course next door.

WeKoPa Cholla is probably the best fee paying course in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. WeKoPa means Four peaks in the Yavapai language and to be honest there is some bite to Cholla. Terrific vistas of mountains, valleys, canyons and washes, not to mention the Saguaro cactus and other desert vegetation. The first hole is fairly short but has a spectacular view overlooking the emerald green fairway and Red Mountain in the distance. Pick up a par or better because the next seven holes are pretty intimidating. The two hardest holes on the front nine are the two par 5s. The second is a double dogleg with a wash cutting across the fairway off the tee with the green tucked away from sight in a little nook of it's ow. Desert golf at its finest. Number 8 is the signature hole with the most incredible view of Four Peaks mountain. A downhill dog leg that only the longest of hitters would dare to go for in two. The second shot has to be a layup taken with utmost care. Too long or too right and the wash awaits. The third shot, again downhill to a long narrow green surrounded by a wash and deep bunkers. par is a good score. A great back nine with wonderful views....with a great 19th hole awaiting you. WeKoPa Cholla is a spectacular golf course that you have to play.

The original We-Ko-Pa course (Cholla) is one of my favorite courses in the Phonix/Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area. I have to photos of this course on the wall above my computer. As the reviewer said, there are no houses to detract from the great views. The course has a good variety of holes and is very playable for all levels of golfer. Service is outstanding and they serve a delicious burger. You can see the fountain hills fountain from several of the holes.