Marching out to the golf course in the summer heat is a rite of passage for East Valley golfers. But you don’t have to suffer for a relaxing game of golf.
Temperature-savvy East Valley golfers have been driving north to the White Mountains for years. It’s about 20 to 30 degrees cooler, and green fees are reasonable.
“Everybody comes here (to the White Mountains),” says Brian Zongker, pro at the Pinetop Lakes Golf & Country Club. “We have an influx of players who have second homes or time-share condominiums and are escaping the heat.”
Just drive north to the White Mountains and you’ll find great deals from now until September. Here are three golf courses popular with East Valley residents in the summer:
PINE MEADOWS COUNTRY CLUB
2509 Country Club Drive,
Overgaard
Amenities: Nine-hole golf course, driving range, putting green, restaurant, pro shop and equipment rentals. Green fees: 18 holes, $38 per person Saturday and Sunday; $35 per person Monday through Friday. Cost includes cart rental. Tee times: Three days in advance. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Restaurant open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Dress code: Golf attire. Information: (928) 535-4220 or www.pinemeadowscc.com. Getting there: Take state Route 87 to Payson and state Route 260 to Heber. Turn left on Mogollon and then right on Country Club Drive.
PINETOP LAKES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB,
4643 Buck Springs Road,
Pinetop
Amenities: Top-ranked executive golf course, full-service restaurant, beverage service on the course, snack bar, three tennis courts, 16-station practice range, putting and chipping practice course. Green fees: 18 holes, $58 per person Saturdays and $54 Sundays through Fridays. Cost includes a cart. Tee times: Three days in advance. Hours: 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. Dress code: Golf attire. Information: (928) 369-4531 or www.pinetoplakesgolf.com. Getting there: Take U.S. 60 east to Show Low. Follow Deuce of Clubs to White Mountain Road and turn left on Buck Springs Road.
ALPINE COUNTRY CLUB
Amenities: 18-hole course, cart rental, restaurant featuring live music, pro shop and clubs rental. Green fees: 18 holes, $20 per person plus $10 cart rental. Tee times: Reservations are not required — the waiting time is usually no longer than 10 minutes. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. Dress code: Casual. Information: (928) 339-4944 Getting there: Take U.S. 60 to Springerville and then state Route 191 to Alpine. Follow the signs to the country club.
