FORT McDOWELL, Ariz. -- As the original golf course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, the Cholla Course, ranked among the top 100 in national golf publications, is still one of the most popular courses in the Scottsdale area. Designed by Scott Miller, this is a course that always affords a great view of the surrounding mountains as it winds its way through saguaros and other indigenous desert plant life.
Owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, We-Ko-Pa, Yavapai for "four peaks," has 36 holes in all, including the newer Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore-designed Saguaro Course. Both layouts have no homes on them or any out-of-bounds stakes.
The difference in the two We-Ko-Pa golf courses is that the Cholla Course seems to have more forced carries as well as doglegs that make you think about how far you need to carry your tee shots to avoid going through the fairways. But the consensus is that the course appears more intimidating than it really is and remains a great complement to the Saguaro Course. In either case, golfers who play both courses enjoy an outstanding clubhouse, great practice facilities and terrific conditions throughout the year.
Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - No. 2
The par-5 second hole on the Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a good early test at 588 yards from the tips.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - No. 5
The par-3 fifth hole on the Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club has a green that slopes to the right.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - No. 7
The par-4 seventh hole on the Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club gives players sort of a split fairway option off the tee.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - No. 8
The par-5 eighth hole on the Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club plays more than 600 yards from the back tees.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - fountain
The fountain in Fountain Hills, once listed as the tallest fountain in the world, is visible from We-Ko-Pa Golf Club.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - No. 12
The 12th hole on the Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a short, dogleg right par 4.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - No. 14
The miss on the par-3 14th hole on the Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club should be to the right.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - No. 15
The mountain scenery around We-Ko-Pa Golf Club can be breathtaking, as seen here from the short par-4 15th hole on the Cholla Course.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - No. 18
At 432 yards from the tips, the par-4 18th is a strong finishing hole on the Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
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(based on 3 reviews) The Cholla course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is the original, Scott Miller design that plays to a challenging 7,225 yards from the tips. Though perhaps more challenging than the neighboring Saguaro, the Cholla features more forced carries but less bunkers, only 75 of them spread over the entire golf course. You’re far more likely to contend with the natural sand of the surrounding Sonora desert.
18 Holes | Public/Resort golf course | Par: 72 | 7225 yards | ... details » Also see these nearby courses: