Mountainbrook, Apache Creek in Phoenix area

The Phoenix area has long been a playground for golfers who like to venture out of town for some golf. From the terrific weather to the endless amount of golf courses, there is plenty to like about playing golf in the Valley of the Sun.

Steve Dallas, a former professional at Sahalee Country Club, found his way to the Arizona years ago and owns two courses always worth the time when making the Arizona trip.

Mountainbrook Golf Course in Gold Canyon, east of downtown Phoenix, is a place with challenging holes and some terrific views along the way.

There are a variety of holes with challenging shots off the tee as well as undulating greens. The golf course design puts a premium on club selection and offers a challenge for all skill levels. Golfers can choose from multiple teeing areas allowing the course to be played as short as 5,100 yards or as long as 6,700 yards.

What makes this course special are the dramatic views of the desert hills and massive Superstition Mountains that frame the course and clubhouse.

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lf Advisor Recognized Mountain Brook Golf Club as one of the Most Improved Golf Courses in the Nation.

The other course that Dallas owns and operates is Apache Creek in Apache Junction. The course opened in 1994. In this short time, it has become quite popular with the locals and out of town golfers.

Apache Creek is a turf-style desert course with transitional areas framing the fairways, making accurate tee shots an absolute must if you want to see negative numbers on your scorecard.

The small-to-medium sized greens can be a bit feisty with your approach shots. The one hole that grabs your attention is the sixth hole, a par-3 with an island green for the target.