Pinetop Lakes G & Cc

The high desert mountain terrain at 7,000 feet elevation creates a deceptively challenging layout where thin air sends drives soaring past familiar yardage markers into towering ponderosa pines. Water hazards punctuate six holes through this rolling landscape, but it's the dramatic elevation changes and forced carries over natural arroyos that separate pretenders from players. Arizona's mountain golf rarely gets more authentic than this hidden gem where summer escapes from Phoenix heat reveal why serious golfers make the two-hour pilgrimage.