Affordable Golfing for Seniors at Snakehole Golf Club

Snakehole Golf Club, located just east of Phoenix, Arizona, offers a unique and relaxed golfing experience for a select group of individuals. Unlike the bustling and crowded golf courses during the peak Arizona golf season, Snakehole provides an exclusive membership opportunity to residents of Countryside RV Resort, a mobile-home park for seniors in Apache Junction. With its modest nine-hole course nestled in the desert landscape, Snakehole offers a low-key and enjoyable environment for golfing enthusiasts.

Membership and Course

Snakehole Golf Club is specifically tailored for seniors, with most members belonging to the Matlock generation. To become a member, one must reside in Countryside RV Resort and pay an annual golf due of $30, granting unlimited access to the course. Currently, there are 55 members out of the 500-plus lot-holders at Countryside. The course layout, established in 1979, maintains its original design by Con Olson. It features Astroturf tee boxes, hardpan fairways, and sand greens, providing a unique and challenging golfing experience.

Unconventional Greens and Maintenance

Unlike traditional golf courses with manicured putting surfaces, Snakehole Golf Club opts for sand greens. These sand greens consist of a mixture of fine sand sourced from home-and-garden stores and leftover cooking oil gathered from the local American Legion. Golfers are equipped with a “green groomer,” which enables them to smoothen the greens by eliminating ball marks and footprints after putting out. Maintenance mainly involves uprooting desert grasses in the fairways and is easily managed with the use of an ATV and harrow.

League Play and Golfing Experience

Snakehole Golf Club hosts league play on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, which are the busiest times for the club. League play involves four-person teams competing in friendly best-ball competitions with low stakes. While adhering to the basic rules of golf, Snakehole offers certain allowances, such as free relief when a ball settles under a bush. Although rattlesnakes and other snakes are not a common sight on the property, the club occasionally encounters wildlife such as coyotes, roadrunners, and quail. The overall atmosphere at Snakehole fosters camaraderie, friendly competition, and a shared love for the game of golf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for membership at Snakehole Golf Club?

Membership at Snakehole Golf Club is exclusive to residents of Countryside RV Resort in Apache Junction, Arizona.

What is the cost of annual golf dues?

The annual golf dues for membership at Snakehole Golf Club are $30.

What are the unique features of Snakehole Golf Club?

Snakehole Golf Club stands out due to its sand greens, Astroturf tee boxes, and hardpan fairways. It provides a distinctive golfing experience compared to traditional courses.

Does Snakehole Golf Club have league play?

Yes, Snakehole Golf Club organizes league play on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, allowing members to participate in low-stake best-ball competitions.

What is the maintenance process for the course?

Maintenance at Snakehole Golf Club primarily involves uprooting desert grasses in the fairways, which is accomplished using an ATV and harrow. The greens, made of sand, are smoothed using a “green groomer” tool to erase ball marks and footprints.