Encanto Golf Course

Encanto GC made the transition from overseeding well. Tee boxes could use some TLC, as most were uneven and with sparse grass. Fairways were fair-to-good. Sand traps could use some extra raking to break up the surface tension. Rough was thick and tall. Greens most-definitely were the crowning touch: smooth, rolled true and fast, making it a joy to putt. Pace of play was a bit slow (4:15), with numerous times of waiting. Value was very good, with a Hot Deal tee time.

How does Encanto ask for a review a week before we play??????????

Encanto 18 used to be an affordable golf course for anyone to play regardless of skill level. No frills, nothing fancy, just a nice long and flat muni. While the course has stayed the same, its pricing has not. As one of the few courses truly located in central Phoenix, demand for its services is up and that is reflected in its cost. Summer rates were over $40 to ride and in “winter” those rates are another $20 over that. There are many cheaper and more picturesque courses you can play in the Phoenix area if you’re willing to drive. And drive I will because Encanto just isn’t worth the price of admission any more.

The course was dry and scalped, being readied for it’s annual overseeding. Though cut short, the grass carpet still allowed the ball to be lofted above the dirt surface, typically providing for a reasonable lie. The greens were firm and had fair speeds. Sand traps had good amounts of sand, though some were more plentiful (making it that much more complicated to exit with this inconsistency). The rough was indeed sparse. Overall pace of play was good (under 4 hours), as was value. I’ll give it another 3-4 weeks before considering to return, allowing for the new grass to mature.

Love the course. I play it about once a year these days. The front nine was very nice and comfortable temperature wise. The starter put me with a single, but that single was only playing nine holes. So on the back nine, I was waiting on a foursome for nine holes and it was 105 degrees in the shade when I finished.

The layout is very flat and a bit monotonous but very user friendly. I enjoyed it overall. Pace of play was pretty good ... under 4 hours ... some waiting but nothing too excessive. Good value for money.

This course is in exceptionally good shape for any time of year, let alone after a scorching summer. Our pace was slowed by the four in front of us who may have been more interested in watching YouTube clips than keeping their cart off the green. Marshal was aware of their shenanigans, but only commented to us that they wouldn’t get away with having their carts so close (at least twice we watched them drive between the trap and the pin!) once the new GPS carts arrive next week. Do your job and inform the ones damaging the course and holding up play, not the three behind them!

The beverage cart came around when I was on the 4th hole and didn’t need anything. Then I never saw it again.