Falcon Dunes GC on Luke AFB is an 18-hole, Par 71 track that is in the same league as the other fine courses in the area. This beautiful course makes good use of the desert landscape. Picture rolling green fairways framed by natural vegetation. The course is a blast to play. I wasn’t severely punished when I hit a bad shot. The course challenges you to hit a variety of shots. 

This is a GREAT track
Falcon Dunes was designed by Gary Panks and opened in 1998. It's a very well-paced track that plays 6,600 yards from the tips. 

Note: the tees here are named after USAF fighters, not colors. You can play from Falcon, Eagle, Phantom, or Starfighter tees. Nobody can give you shade for playing from the “ladies” tees.

The layout and pacing of the course is fun. It's interesting to have two Par-5s in a row followed by a Par 3 (Holes 9, 10, 11). Making me work so they don’t call me Double Bogey Bob.

The signature hole is a beauty. Hole 14 is a 400-yard Par-4. The elevated tee box gives a great view of what lies ahead. There’s a nice, big pond to navigate around and a greenside bunker to make things interesting.

The course’s pacing calls for both power and finesse. Hole 16 is a 607-yard Par 5, followed immediately by a 131-yard Par 3.

The views are spectacular

Take a deep breath, before this course takes your breath away. Colors so saturated and skies so blue. The fairways and greens are nicely framed by the various browns in the surrounding environment. Majestic mountains seem close enough to hit with a well-struck hybrid. But the real show is in the sky above. 

The Sound of Freedom
Welcome to the best free airshow around. You’re golfing just north of the runway. It’s pretty dang cool to watch the F-16s and F-35s stationed at Luke AFB doing their maneuvers. Definite goosebumps territory if you’re at all patriotic.

All the Other Good Stuff
Falcon Dunes shows up with all the other good stuff associated you want in a golfing experience.

As I entered the beautiful clubhouse, I found the staff to be super friendly. The Pro Shop is well-stocked, the driving range is turf, and the grill has some of the best breakfast burritos I’ve ever tasted. 

I had the opportunity to chat with Ron Heraty, PGA, General Manager of this fine facility. He shared info I hadn’t heard about the course. When Falcon Dunes was built, they transformed flat desert land into a rolling course with elevation changes by bringing in 700,000 cubic yards of dirt. I can’t wrap my mind around how many trucks that would take, but the end result is spectacular. Ron pointed out that the elevation changes are what separates Falcon Dunes from other courses in the area.

Conclusion
If you’re ever in Arizona, you've GOT TO play Falcon Dunes! LIfetime awesome memories are guaranteed.

Facility Facts
• Gary Panks designed links course.
•  Opened in 1998
• Par 71 - Length 6601 yards - Slope 125 - Rating 70.5