Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/80982
Just west of Phoenix, Quintero sits in the stunning High Sonoran Desert in the Hieroglyphic Mountains and really can be considered a "hidden gem" off the beaten path. It literally is tucked away from the highway just west of Lake Pleasant on Carefree Highway, nestled in the desert landscape. A high-end private golf club built in 2000, the new owners of Quintero opened up this desert masterpiece to the public in November of 2011. Since then, locals and out-of-towners have been coming out to the course in droves. "The reaction we received when we went public was immediate; people couldn't get out here fast enough," says Tom Wilcox, PGA Master Professional and General Manager at Quintero Golf Club. "People kept telling us how excited they were to finally get a chance to play the course and that it far exceeded their expectations. Feedback like that was great to hear as we made the transition." While Quintero hadn't been recognized much by the general public during its private days, golf critics have given the course rave reviews since its inception. The course has been ranked on Golfweek's Top-100 Modern Courses list for nine straight years, while Golf Digest has listed Quintero in its "Best in Arizona" every year since 2003. "The conditioning of the course is second to none thanks to Director of Agronomy, Trevor Cooke, and Troon Golf. Our bent grass greens roll fast and smooth," Wilcox continues. The course sits at elevations between 1,986 and 2,670 feet. The entire property is surrounded by Federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, creating a feeling of seclusion and privacy while offering unparalleled views of the Sonoran Desert. The frequent sightings of wildlife range from deer to wild burrows to bobcats, along with rumors of the occasional mountain lion sighting. Yet Quintero is only 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor Airport, and 35 minutes from golf-crazy Scottsdale, so while it has the feel of seclusion, it remains easily accessible from all areas of the Valley. The 18-hole layout, named the Founders Course, was designed by acclaimed golf course architect Rees Jones and plays to 7,208 yards from the championship tees. The layout is challenging but fair from the tips, and with up to 11 sets of tee combinations, the course can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels, with the forward tees measuring 5,043 yards. Unlike most golf courses that cater mainly to the male golfer, Quintero offers multiple tee areas to its women players as well. This allows the ladies a chance to enjoy some variety on the golf course as opposed to just playing from a standard set of forward tees seen on most golf courses. "Our goal is to offer the best golf experience imaginable, while continuing to help grow the game," Wilcox confirms. "The female golfer is a rising demographic in golf and their participation in the sport is important in growing the game. We have made a concerted effort to make sure that Quintero is a female friendly golf facility." Quintero features a number of exceptional golf holes, but its signature holes are hands down the dramatic Par-3's. These spectacular holes feature elevated tee boxes that present vertical drops of 60 to 110 feet on three of the four holes, and allow for some of the most impressive views on the golf course. "By far the Par-3's are the most recognizable and the most talked about on the golf course, and they really have a lot of wow factor," concludes Wilcox. "There are some courses in the Valley that may have a signature elevated par-3, but the fact that we have three 68 at Quintero is quite unique to the area and something you would think could only be found in the northern parts of the state." Plans originally called for an extravagant clubhouse when Quintero was a private club, but with the struggles in the economy, those plans were scrapped. Quintero still houses a fully-stocked pro shop and grille with both indoor and outdoor dining areas, plus a larger banquet-type facility that hosts larger tournaments, corporate outings and even weddings. If you are looking for an extended trip, Quintero offers special Stay and Play Packages in their plush Executive Retreats. These fully-furnished sanctuaries range anywhere from 1,800 to 2,400 square feet and come with a pool, barbecue and entertainment areas. There is easy access to a multitude of hiking, biking and walking trails providing guests the opportunity to explore the beautiful desert surroundings while not playing golf. The club does have a couple of new amenities... a newly-constructed pergola with refrigerator, barbecue and seating areas overlooking the practice range and a newly developed 6,500 square foot putting green. While the club is open to the public, there are attractive membership programs that are available and will no doubt be highly valued as the club continues to move forward. Now that the secret is out, Quintero Golf Club is one of the top "Must Play's" in Arizona. Check it out for yourself on your next golf vacation to the Valley of the Sun. You won't be disappointed. To book a tee time or to learn more about Quintero's exclusive Stay and Play packages visit quinterogolf.com or call (928) 501-1500. 2012 ARIZONA UPDATE ALL IMAGES COURTESY FACILITY EXCEPT WHERE ALL IMAGES COURTESY FACILITY EXCEPT WHERE NOTED