Las Sendas, Mesa AZ. Positive Changes

drake47 · November 27, 2009

This week I played the Las Sendas course in Mesa AZ. for the first time in over a year, it's always been a nice and very challenging course but it did always have some service issues. There are new owners and they are making some great changes. First the course is in incredible condition and the greens are great (very quick though).They are currently working on new cart paths through the whole course, on-course washrooms and they have all brand new carts. They are also overhauling the whole clubhouse and adding a new restaurant. Check it out if your in the area.

fore_life · November 27, 2009

do you mind stating the current green fees? Ive heard that it has the toughest front 9 in AZ

drake47 · November 27, 2009

We called and asked for the best rate for 8 golfers and they said 50 bucks, pretty good deal, but I think rack rate is 99 but you can usually get on for around 70 (maybe cheaper on a weekday and check Golf Now). The front nine is tough but fair, small fast greens, the course is not bad once you get used to the speed of the greens. I played it again today and it is definately easier after you've been around once.

Rohlio · November 27, 2009

I used to play Las Sendas often in the late 90's. It is a tough track, but the real trick is to be willing to hit less than driver off the tee often and have played it enough to know the lines of play, since many are basically blind shots. I have never seen a real aggressive player put up a good score on the front nine.

Good to hear the management is getting it up to snuff. It is too good a course to be ignored forever.

puttnforthe8 · November 29, 2009

Las Sendas is one of the hardest courses in AZ. There is almost zero forgiveness and never a break. It is an amazing test of golf that I truly enjoy.

I think the back may be harder than the front...hell you start out with a monstrously on par 4 on 10, with the wind almost always into you. The green is protected on every side for your 2nd shot. An then you head to 11, a seemingly inoccuous short par 3, until you find out that the green is elevated the same distance as the distance to the green.

Using less driver off the tee doesn't help from the tips! But I agree knowing the lines is KEY! and probably the most important part off the tee.

That is great that the new ownership is looking at improvements because the service was mediocre most days. Especially from the golf staff. The bar was not bad.

6t4gt0 · November 29, 2009

Played it years ago, hate blind shots so wasn't too impressed, will only go back if I hear they change the routing of some of the holes.

drake47 · November 30, 2009

Once you've played it, the holes with the blind shots become the most enjoyable holes on the course. I'd also like to say the view of the entire city on the 18th tee is amazing.

teejaywhy · November 30, 2009

I played Las Sendas three or four times back in the 90's when it first opened. I remember it as a tremendously demanding course with little room for error. Not one of my favorites but I should give it another try to see how it compares with my other valley favorites.

As for the dislike of blind shots, I really think that they can (properly done) add some fun quirk to a golf hole. I really don't recall the blind shots at Las Sendas, unless you are talking about the par 5 with the green benched up on the side of the hill? Blind for a go in two only, but not if played as a three shotter, I didn't like the hole because the green is VERY shallow, even with wedge in hand, a slight miss is ugly.

A funny story though, my boss invited me out to play and I was running late and when I checked in, they took one look at my jean shorts and said no way (don't know what I was thinking - what a dumba$$...), so I became the proud owner of a $60 pair of shorts that day :russian_roulette:

drake47 · February 10, 2010

I just wanted to update this, there are two new restaurants open at Las Sendas (one finer dining and one lounge w/ an incredible patio with an awesome view of the valley). They hired a new, very talented executive chef and the food is great. They have added a valet service and have even purchased two limos which can be booked to pick you up and drop you off (so you can have a few). They have also all but completed the cart paths, on course washrooms and on course snack shacks. The course is in great shape and I think they slowed the greens down a bit (but not much). Anyway, try it again if you have played it in the past or try it for the first time, much improved service, new facilities and a great challenging golf course.

drake47 · February 17, 2010

I'm starting to feel a bit like a cheerleader here, but I just wanted to let you guys know whats going on at Las Sendas. For those who are wondering, I recieve all the info on the course from one of the new major investors in the course so this is legit. I have recently been informed that Las Sendas will be the future home of AZ's first Official Taylor Made Fitting Center and will be the site of a Nicklaus Golf Academy. I will try to continue to let you guys know about new developments at the course.

fore_life · February 18, 2010

when is it going private?

drake47 · February 23, 2010

Good guess, they are planning on going private as soon as they have enough memberships sold, they are ahead of schedule. But I have heard sometime in the next 5 years.