Team ropers can jackpot all day every day in Arizona, but every once in a while, even the diehards need a break. Golf is many-a-cowboy’s second-favorite frustrating hobby, and Arizona’s offerings in that event almost rival its roping opportunities. Snowbirds and locals alike have favorite courses, and we tapped some Arizona regulars to find out where the cowboy-friendly courses are and why they fit the bill.
Arizona Evolution: How Arizona Became the Hot Spot For Team Roping
The 500 Club
4704 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale, AZ 85310
Recommended by: Ariat World Series of Team Roping Producer & BFI Co-owner Daren Peterson
Why he loves it: “It’s the place everyone loves to play. It’s right on I-17 and the 101, and the general manager, Jeremy Knowles, is a roper. It’s not a tough course and anybody can go play and have fun and enjoy it. You’re not playing through houses, and it’s got great views. It’s reasonably priced and, if you have a group of guys coming into town who aren’t golfers, that’s where we’d go. There’s a patio, and after you play you can eat and drink and smoke a cigar.”
Also offers: Golf lessons with PGA pros, weddings, tournament facilities, Futures Nine-Hole Course
Winter rates: $35-$65
More info: the500club.com; (623) 492-9500
Rancho de los Caballeros
1551 S. Vulture Mine Road Wickenburg, AZ 85390
Recommended by: Yost Events Flagger Brodey Serres
Why he loves it: “Down here, team roping engulfs our lives, and it seems like the only escape from roping is golfing with our buddies. My favorite course is probably Los Caballeros right there in Wickenburg. It’s on the way to the house from Rancho Rio, and you can stop in there and play a round after a roping. The staff sees a lot of team ropers, of course, and they’re really great people. I’ve been there with Ty Yost, and he’s in his same jeans, white shirt and cowboy hat on the course. It’s one of the older courses, and it’s not just a regular old country club. It’s got a resort there with great food. The views are awesome, and layout of the course is outstanding. It’s reasonably priced for as nice as it is, and it’s easy to get on. You have to get a tee time, but they will work with you and get you on whenever.”
Also offers: Dude ranch resort, spa, horseback riding and meeting rooms
Winter rates: $75-$120
More info:
ranchodeloscaballeros.com; (928) 684-2704
Wickenburg Ranch
3312 Maverick Drive, Wickenburg, AZ 85390
Recommended by: PRCA Heeler Jordan Olson
Why he loves it: “It’s a great new course, and it’s a little but harder. They have the Little Wick course there, too, and it’s a really nice nine-hole course. Every time I’ve been there, it’s been so nice. The restaurant there is very, very nice. It’s really great to golf and then go in the evening for dinner. You can eat on the patio that oversees the 18th hole, with the mountains in the background.”
Also offers: Restaurant, luxury homes, spa, catch-and-release fishing, walking trails, dog park, yoga, tennis, pickleball, bocce, social clubs
Winter rates: $100-$150
More info: wickenburgranch.com; (855) 878-4729
The Golf Club at Dove Mountain
6501 Boulder Bridge Pass, Marana, AZ 85658
Recommended by: NFR Heeler Cesar de la Cruz
Why he loves it: “It’s a PGA Tour course designed by Jack Nicklaus, and it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s so beautiful and challenging. It’s won tons of awards. When I come home from the rodeos, it’s one of the best places to unwind.”
Also offers: 45,000-square-foot clubhouse next door to the Ritz Carlton, Cayton’s Burger Bistro, Audubon sanctuary
Winter rates: call for pricing
More info: thegolfclubatdovemountain.com; (520) 572-3543
Wickenburg Country Club
1420 N. Country Club Drive, Wickenburg, AZ 85390
Recommended by: NFR Header Dustin Bird
Why he loves it: “it’s where I play with my good buddy, Terrance Persson. It’s really peaceful, and it’s a really nice, clean course. It’s a great place to drink a few beers, clear your mind and ride around the course.”
Also offers: Restaurant, driving range, corporate events
Winter rates: call for pricing
More info: wickengurggolfclub.com; (928) 684-2011
Time of Your Life: The Team Roping Journal’s Winter 2020/2021 Complete Guide to Arizona
Rancho Manana
5734 E Rancho Manana Blvd., Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Recommended by: USTRC & Ariat WSTR Sponsorship Director Lory Merritt
Why he loves it: “It’s beautiful, and their Mexican restaurant is awesome for margaritas after. It’s a public course, and it’s a tough course. It’s right as you drive into Cave Creek. All the Cave Creek guys go there, and every time I go, I see a roper I know. It’s really mountainous-that’s part of the allure of it-so I’d recommend taking a cart. It’s worth it for the views.”
Also offers: Driving range, practice chipping and putting greens, pro shop, restaurant, European spa and outdoor swimming pool
Winter rates: $125-$175
More info: ranchomanana.com; (480) 488-0398
WE-KO-PA
18200 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
Recommended by: PRCA World Champion Aaron Tsinigine
Why he loves it: “It’s right by my house in Fort McDowell. It’s a really nice course. It’s convenient, and it’s owned by the Yavapai Tribe. They have a really good restaurant and a casino at the bottom of the hill. There are some challenging holes, and they use the desert in the course layout. GOLF magazine ranked it as one of the top courses in all of Arizona.”
Also offers: Two 18-hole courses, conference center, restaurant, hotel
Winter rates: $125-$190
More info: wekopa.com; (480) 836-9000
The People’s Open
Each February, the golf world comes to TPC Scottsdale for the Waste Management Phoenix Open. One of the first events on the PGA Tour calendar, the Phoenix Open allows its spectators to become central to the event-helping transform the famous 16th hole into “The Coliseum,” called the loudest hole in go!£ The tournament benefits the Phoenix Thunderbirds, a prominent regional charity. The who’s who of the Arizona roping community spends at least a day at the event, savoring the libations and basking in the celebrity spotlight While ticket prices vary greatly, military and first responders get free admission with one accompanying individual, and tickets are free on Monday and Tuesday, courtesy of Ford Free Days. Children 15 and under also can enter free.
More info: wmphoenixopen.com
