^{in partnership with}

Big Game

Are you the ultra competitor?

Feed your competitiveness and greatness with Big Game – the platform and community that champions the relentless pursuit in every facet of your life. Big Game

The 500 Club

Playing The 500 Club in Glendale, AZ, for the first time was a treat, and no, not because I broke any course records. Coming off a two-week break, I limped to a 71.

Nestled in the Adobe Dam Regional Park, The 500 Club delivers an ideal desert golf experience without the punishing difficulty often associated with target golf in Arizona. Our Saturday morning foursome wrapped up in a brisk 4 hours and 15 minutes—a minor miracle.

Difficulty

The 500 Club strikes a nice balance. Its generous fairways offer room to recover from occasional misses (we won’t talk about my tee shot on 1), but don’t let your guard down. The strategically placed bunkers and quick greens keep you on your toes. The front 9 gives you some scoring opportunities if you’re dialed in from inside 120 yards.

Course Conditions: The fairways were lush and the bunkers? Perfectly maintained. Unlike other courses in the Valley, these bunkers reward a well-executed shot.

Layout: Each hole feels distinct, with a thoughtful mix of long par 4s, reachable par 5s, and par 3s that’ll test your iron game. The lack of homes lining the fairways adds to the peaceful vibe, and the surrounding vistas are postcard-worthy.

Value: The 500 Club delivers solid bang for your buck for weekend morning rates. It’s not the cheapest track in the area, but the pristine conditions and fun layout make it worth the splurge.

Room for Improvement

Not much to nitpick here, but if I’m being picky, a little more signage around the course won’t hurt—especially for first-timers navigating the layout. And while the greens were a joy to putt on, they’re firm enough to reject any less-than-perfect iron shots!

Pro Tip

For good reason, the 12th hole—a downhill par 4 surrounded by desert- is the signature hole. Take one club less and trust the elevation drop. Otherwise, you’ll be hunting for your ball with the quails.

Futures Course

The Futures Course at The 500 Club is a par-28 gem designed for golfers of all skill levels. With lush fairways, links-style design, and wildlife-filled scenery, it offers year-round play, junior programs, and beginner clinics.

Why You Should Play

If you’re looking for a well-maintained course with a scenic layout that’s as challenging as fun, The 500 Club should be on your list. It’s a perfect choice for a competitive round with your buddies.

While my game wasn’t anything to write home about this time, the course more than made up for it. Get out to The 500 Club—it’s one you’ll want to replay.

A Review of Every Golf Course I’ve Played in Arizona 

Resident Rate

_{please support our partner!}

PGA Tour Schedule

Why isn’t the Phoenix Open an elevated event?

The season now features five international stops, including a new event in Singapore. The FedExCup playoffs tighten to three events, while Pebble Beach replaces Torrey Pines as the U.S. Open host. It’s tradition meets innovation. PGA Tour

Need To Know

Comcast's decision to spin off Golf Channel into a new entity, temporarily known as SpinCo, marks a pivotal moment for professional golf broadcasting. This decision raises key questions about the future of golf coverage. Will the PGA Tour seize the opportunity to centralize its media operations by acquiring Golf Channel? Golfweek

• GHIN Rewind showcases your 2024 golf journey and activity. This personalized year-in-review highlights your achievements, milestones, and memorable moments from the season. USGA

In The Know

The countdown to TPC Scottsdale has begun! This year introduces a new entrance near the 18th tee, wider walkways, and digital ticketing for specific days. Snag your tickets now to experience “The People’s Open” firsthand. AZ Central

• Rory McIlroy believes TGL’s new tech-infused golf league has one advantage over the breakaway LIV Golf circuit. In the indoor made-for-TV matches, some of the best PGA Tour players will compete in a colossal simulator and innovative short-game complex. Bunkered

Big Game

Join our Founders Club for $150

• A Lifetime Premium Membership (a $99/year value)

• (4) Basic 1-year Memberships (a $29/year value)

• Early access to new releases

• Private access to our Facebook Community

• Free Big Game merchandise (a $50 value)

• Annual product and trip drawing entries

_{*Limited to 1,000 Founders Club memberships}

• Partner to grow your brand with 1,300 members

• Shop Bad Birdie. Use code TERENCE15

• Develop a Scratch Attitude. Use code SCRATCH

• Shop WellPutt. Use code AFF15_TERENCE

• Donate to give back to the game you love