SUNBIRD GOLF RESORT

The desert winds whip across this mature Chandler layout where towering palm trees and strategic water features create an oasis that's tougher than it first appears. Ron Garl's routing maximizes elevation changes rare in the Valley, with the elevated 16th tee offering sweeping views of the Superstition Mountains while demanding a precise carry over desert wash. Smart greens complexes reward course management over brute force, making this a thinking player's desert test.