Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Ancala Country Club

Scottsdale, Arizona

AZ #39 Dye #46

Established

1990

Architect

Perry Dye (original), Casey O'Callaghan (listed), Pete Dye (listed)

Access

Private

Par

Par 72

Length

5,119 – 6,841 yds

The verdict

A True Scottsdale Member's Gem

Ancala offers a robust, honest test of desert golf with a focus on strategy and shotmaking, not resort flash. Its blend of demanding par 4s, risk-reward par 5s, and natural desert environment make every round a serious but enjoyable adventure.

Course DNA

Difficulty

Scenery

Conditioning

Shot Variety

Walkability

Green Complexity

Wow Factor

Design Quality

Don't miss

Watch for coyotes and javelina roaming near dusk—they often cross fairways and add unmistakable Sonoran flair to your round.

At a glance

Quick facts

Course Rating (Gold/Pro)

73.5

Slope (Gold/Pro)

145

Acres of Turf

Under 80

Lake Feature

Shared by holes 9 & 18

Water Conservation Pioneer

First Dye desert course with strict water limits

Clubhouse Renovation

Over $2 million in 2018

Native Plant Integration

Extensive desert landscaping

The design

The architecture

Ancala Country Club is a masterwork of desert golf adaptation, thoughtfully laid out by Perry Dye to maximize strategy while respecting the rugged beauty and water constraints of its high Sonoran setting. The course weaves tightly among arroyos and native desert flora, yielding bold visual tension, while Dye’s penchant for risk-reward options shines across its stout par 4s and dramatic par 5s. Undulating greens and well-placed bunkers demand precise shotmaking, but Ancala’s memorable stretches test decision-making more than pure power, offering a rewarding challenge for shotmakers and tactical players alike.

Perry Dye’s vision turned the Sonoran landscape’s limitations into architectural opportunity, creating a desert course where water conservation and bold strategy are inextricably linked.

Defining features

Firm, fast, limited turf corridors
Dramatic native washes and arroyos in play
Distinctive Dye bunkering and green shaping
Risk-reward holes—especially par 5s and long par 4s
Extensive native desert landscaping
Finale with a shared lake between 9 and 18

Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 2

The Long Haul Test

PAR

YARDAGE

466

A beastly par 4 that forces every player to brace for a big swing early, the second is Ancala's most intimidating tee shot. Precision and power are both at a premium—the elevated landing zone and native desert carries offer little room for error.

Play it smart

A controlled drive into the right section of the fairway sets up a challenging approach—take your medicine if you find trouble, as the green is well-defended.

Where it bites

Miss left and you face native desert or a long carry over scrub; over-cooking the drive often brings the arroyo or sage into play.

Course management

Shots to think about

Nervous on the tough par-4 2nd

Aim for the fat of the fairway—par is a win; don't challenge the left desert.

Lining up the hero shot on 7

Scout the wind and your lie before going for the green; failing short punishes you far less than missing right or deep.

Teeing up on the daunting 17th

Club down and play to the front; missing short is safer than missing long or left.

Chasing birdie on 15, the short par 4

Driver may be too bold—play for position and leave a full wedge for the best chance.

Approaching into the closing 18th

Favour the left side of the green; risking the pin yields little reward with water lurking.

Caught in the desert rough

Don't get greedy—chip or punch back to fairway rather than compounding mistakes.

On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Firm desert fairways and pure, well-kept greens; expect some bounce and run if dry.

Pace

Controlled, steady member pace with rare logjams unless a tournament is running.

Vibe

Upscale but relaxed private club energy; a strong local camaraderie, not a stuffy mood.

Dress code

Traditional country-club attire expected (collared shirts, tailored shorts/pants).

Before you tee off

Your game plan

Mind Your Irrigation Lines

Some manicured and wild desert edges are firm and can kick balls dramatically—expect unpredictable bounces near fairways.

Dial In Long Irons

Five par 3s and long approach shots mean you’ll need confidence from 175+ yards.

Bring Sun Protection

No wall-to-wall shade—high desert sun exposure is nearly constant, even outside summer months.

The lore

How it came to be

1990
Ancala Country Club opens, designed by Perry Dye
2018
Major clubhouse and amenity renovation ($2M+)
2022
Host club for Four Peaks Rotary Charity Golf Tournament

Stories & legends

What makes it special

Sustainability

A Water-Smart Golf Pioneer

Ancala was the first desert course designed by Dye McGarey with strict limitations on irrigated turf, pushing the team to embrace a true desert aesthetic long before it became the Phoenix standard.

Strategy

Risk and Reward in the Desert

Hole 7 is the quintessential Dye par 5: at over 550 yards, it dares the bold with a reachable green for the longest hitters, but punishes poor decisions with deep desert traps and awkward lies.

Community

Where Charity Finds Its Home

Ancala isn’t just for members—its tournament calendar is packed with fundraising events and local charities, and the club has quietly become a staple host for annual community outings.

Scenery

Desert Drama at Dusk

Late-afternoon rounds at Ancala are legendary for their views, as McDowell Mountain shadows creep over firm fairways and the golden light turns the desert landscape into a glowing amphitheater.

For the group chat

Fun facts

Ancala's lake between holes 9 and 18 was refreshed in the 2018 renovation.

The course was a trend-setter for native desert planting and minimal turf long before it became a Valley standard.

Frequent sightings of javelina, coyotes, and desert hare add wildlife interest.

The club regularly hosts major local charity and chamber tournaments.

Build the trip

If you’re plotting a Scottsdale desert golf adventure

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip

TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course

Public

Experience the raucous stadium feel of a PGA Tour test and the iconic 16th hole.

Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor)

Public

Modern architecture, excellent conditions, annual host of elite collegiate events.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Saguaro)

Resort

Pure desert golf with no homes, endless vistas, and dramatic shaping.

Troon North Golf Club (Monument)

Resort

Play among massive boulders on one of Arizona’s most photographed courses.

Papago Golf Club

Municipal

Superb value, walker-friendly, a beautiful city course with a championship pedigree.

Book your stay in the Shea Blvd/Scottsdale Rd corridor or Old Town Scottsdale for easy access to all major Scottsdale-area courses, top dining, and legendary nightlife.

Course DNA

If You Like Ancala Country Club

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

Strong DNA Match6.8

The Golf Club at South River

Edgewater, Maryland

Why it matches: If Ancala Country Club is your kind of course, The Golf Club at South River is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.

Strong DNA Match7.1

Country Club of Ocala

Ocala, Florida

Why it matches: If Ancala Country Club is your kind of course, Country Club of Ocala is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.

Strong DNA Match7.5

Country Club of Louisiana

Baton Rouge, Louisiana