Dobson Ranch Golf Course

Dobson Ranch Golf Course is a Public, 18 hole golf course located in Mesa, Arizona.

Dobson Ranch Golf Course appears to be a super bargain in what can be the expensive Arizona golf market. Rates, effective June 1 - October 1, 2007, for 18 holes were only $15 walking and $22 with cart and included the state tax. The green fee varies just like other Arizona courses depending on walking, riding, time of day and season. Even though the green fees might surprise you, so too will the quality of the golf for the money.

Dobson Ranch Golf Course is a par 72 championship golf course that plays to 6,593 yards from the back tees, 6,176 from the middle tees and 5,598 from the forward tees. This is a municipal course, owned by the city of Mesa. The course presents challenges for golfers of all skill levels.

The par 5, 1st hole has, trees lining both sides of the fairway, out of bounds on the left and a fairway bunker. From the middle tees, this hole plays to 516 yards. Just keep it in the fairway and you'll be on the green in 3. 2 putt it and like they say, easy game. Wow, if only it were that simple.

On this course, you want to remember that many of the greens from the front to back slope uphill. It is best to keep the ball under the hole as it is easier to control an uphill shot putt than a downhill putt. Being on the green does not guarantee a two-putt, particularly if you are above the hole.

The 2nd hole is a 400 yard, par 4, doglegs to the right and is your first of many doglegs. Out of bounds on the left. As with the first hole, the sloping green can create a difficult putt depending on pin placement and where you are.

The 3rd hole is also a par 4 but is shorter at 352 yards. It doglegs to the left with an OB on the left and a fairway bunker on the right. Long hitters may want to cut this dogleg, but a miss hit can find the trees or the houses that are out of bounds. The green has a bunker on the right.

The 4th hole is a 153-yard par 3. Water comes into play. The medium length par three has the green guarded on the right and left by bunkers and water to the right and back of the green. If you are going to birdie, this might be the time.

The 5th hole is another par 5 and plays to 489 yards. The course doglegs to the left. Long ball hitters can get to the green in two. The rest of us, if we just play smart and hit a 5 wood and a 2 nice short irons will be on in 3. Just watch out for the 2 bunkers on the fairway. Hole 5 also has a sloping green, watch ball placement.

The 6th is a par 4, 373 yards long, another dogleg left with trees, a bunker and out of bounds also on the left. The green is guarded on the right by bunkers.

The 7th hole is the shortest on the course at only 140 yards. This par 3 is another chance for you to score well. You have been practicing your 7, 8, and 9 irons, right? The green does have three bunkers and water on the left. Just land your tee shot in the middle of the green and there will be no hazards!

The 8th hole is another par 4 that plays to 402 yards. This hole has water running along the right side of the fairway and doglegs to the right. A fairway bunker protects the left side of the fairway. The green has a bunker front right and in the back.

The 9th hole is the longest on the course. This par 5 plays to 546 yards. Three consecutive nice shots will get you to the green. Avoid the two fairway bunkers on the left and the one on the right.

Making the Turn: The back nine has 2 par 3s, holes number 12, 14 and 17. They play to 183, 195, and 188 yards respectively. For the average golfer, the birdie opportunity on the par 3s was on the front 9, not the back nine.

Holes 10, 11, 14 and 15 are par 4s.

The remaining holes, 13 and 18 are par 5s and play to 488 and 490 yards.

Dobson Ranch Golf Course is a great municipal course. It's very popular - 90,000 rounds a year. A five hour round may be encountered. The course is well maintained and challenging, a very good course for visitors or everyday players who want the most for their money.

How to get there: From Phoenix, take Interstate 10 to Highway 60 East. Take the Dobson Road exit and turn south. Once you pass Baseline Road, Dobson Ranch Golf Course will be on the left. From Tucson, you will still take Interstate 10 and Highway 60.