PRESCOTT, Ariz. -- Few private golf courses fit within their surrounding communities as well as Talking Rock Golf Club.
Talking Rock Ranch is a 3,600-acre development of Symmetry Companies, a residential and lifestyle company committed to offering premium, resort-influenced amenities and first-class hospitality.
Architect Jay Morrish designed the Talking Rock golf course to be endlessly playable, a necessity in a community that attracts a large percentage of retirees. There are loads of bunkers -- more than 80 -- but there are also ways to bounce the ball into many greens to avoid trouble.
It is also walkable -- a rarity in the desert heat -- because the climate at 5,000 feet is much cooler and milder than the Valley of the Sun near Phoenix two hours to the south. Golf can essentially be played year-round in Prescott, a historic town in northern Arizona that once was the state capital.
The par 5s carry the day. The two toughest holes, at least according to the handicap rating, are due to the sheer length of the 641-yard sixth hole and the semi-hidden desert wash fronting the green on the 563-yard 11th hole. No. 9 and no. 18 are parallel par 5s that bookend each nine. A pond separates each green.
The three-hole stretch on Talking Rock's back nine ranks among the best in Arizona. More elevation changes leads to striking views. Standing on the elevated tee at no. 15 reveals a drivable par 4 playing a tempting 309 yards (from the blue and gold tees). The thin air of high altitude and downhill lay of the land compels even short hitters to give it a go. It's a moment of pure fun, just like life inside the gates of Talking Rock.
The pro shop, locker room and restaurant are all located in separate buildings next to one another known as the ranch compound. They're beautiful facilities that make a day -- or a lifetime -- playing at Talking Rock something special.
Talking Rock golf course - hole 13
The par-3 13th hole introduces a beautiful stretch of holes at Talking Rock Golf Club in Prescott, Arizona.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Talking Rock golf course - hole 2
A large bunker guards the second green at Talking Rock Golf Club in Prescott, Arizona.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Talking Rock golf course - hole 4
It's risky to attack the pin if it's located on the left side of the fourth green at Talking Rock G.C. in Prescott, Ariz.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Talking Rock golf course - hole 5
At 461 yards, Talking Rock Golf Club's fifth hole is the longest -- and maybe toughest -- par 4.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Talking Rock golf course - hole 6
There aren't many par 5s in Arizona longer than the 641-yard sixth hole at Talking Rock Golf Club.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Talking Rock golf course - hole 7
The 163-yard seventh at Talking Rock Golf Club feels like a breather after a 641-yard par 5.
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Talking Rock golf course - hole 14
An elevated tee at Talking Rock Golf Club's 14th leads to an elevated green.
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Talking Rock golf course - hole 15
Most golfers try to drive the 15th green at Talking Rock Golf Club from the elevated blue tees 309 yards away.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Talking Rock golf course - hole 16
The afternoon sun lights up the par-3 16th hole at Talking Rock Golf Club in Prescott, Arizona.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Talking Rock golf course - hole 17
Talking Rock Golf Club's 17th hole, a par 4, sets the stage for the par-5 finishing hole.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Talking Rock golf course - hole 18
Water lurks to the left of the 18th green on the Talking Rock golf course. This view is taken from the ninth fairway.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Talking Rock golf course - 9th
The ninth (pictured) and 18th holes at Talking Rock Golf Club are both par 5s separated by a pond near the greens.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Talking Rock golf course - 11th
A semi-hidden desert wash short of the 11th green will collect errant shots on the par-5 11th hole at Talking Rock G.C. in northern Arizona.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Talking Rock golf course
Jay Morrish designed Talking Rock Golf Club in Prescott, Arizona.
Courtesy of Talking Rock G.C.
Talking Rock Ranch - real estate
Many residents in the Phoenix area buy retirement homes in Talking Rock Ranch in Prescott, Ariz., to escape the heat but still enjoy a year-round golf climate.
Courtesy of Talking Rock Ranch
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