Apache Stronghold
One of Tom Doak's earliest American designs, a bold high desert course on the San Carlos Apache Reservation east of Phoenix, long admired by architecture enthusiasts and closed to play since 2021.
Photo: Tyler Spross via Google.
The verdict
Apache Stronghold holds a special place in modern golf architecture as one of Tom Doak's first solo American designs, opened in 1999 on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in the high desert east of Phoenix. Routed across rolling, scrub covered terrain at around 3,200 feet, it played firm, fast and natural, a links minded course in the Arizona uplands that earned a national reputation and a place on Golfweek's best in state lists.
Honesty matters here: the course closed in 2021. The San Carlos Apache Gaming Enterprise permanently closed it in November 2021, citing rising operational costs, falling revenue and substantial capital needs, and at the time of writing it remains closed with its future undecided. We profile it for the record and for the traveling golfer mapping a wider Arizona trip, but Apache Stronghold cannot currently be played, so always confirm the latest status before planning around it.
Apache Stronghold Golf Club at a glance
- Opened
- 1999
- Designer
- Tom Doak
- Type
- High desert
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- 7,519 yards
- Status
- Closed since 2021
Designer and status verified June 2026: Apache Stronghold was designed by Tom Doak and opened in 1999, playing 7,519 yards to a par 72 with a course rating of 74.6 and a slope of 145 at about 3,200 feet elevation. The San Carlos Apache Gaming Enterprise permanently closed the course in November 2021, and it remains closed at the time of writing. There are no current green fees; always confirm the latest status directly before planning around it.
The course that was
Doak's routing made the most of a big, open site, with wide fairways, bold contours and greens that asked players to use the ground rather than fly everything to the flag. The high desert setting gave it a windswept, exposed character closer to a links than a typical target course, and the firm turf rewarded the creative shotmaker.
At full stretch it was a stern test, more than 7,500 yards with a slope of 145, yet the width and the running ground kept it playable and endlessly interesting for better players. The elevation made summers milder than Phoenix and the views across the reservation gave the round a remote, frontier feel that admirers still talk about.
For students of design it remains a significant early Doak, a glimpse of the minimalist philosophy that would later shape courses like Pacific Dunes and Ballyneal. Whether it returns to play is up to the San Carlos Apache Tribe; for now it stands as one of Arizona's lost courses.
Status and access
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Permanently closed to public play since November 2021; the future of the property is undecided by the San Carlos Apache Tribe |
| Former design | Tom Doak, opened 1999, par 72, about 7,519 yards, rating 74.6, slope 145 |
| Green fee | No current green fees; the course is closed, so confirm the latest status before planning |
| Location | On the San Carlos Apache Reservation, near Globe, about 90 miles east of Phoenix |
| Setting | High desert at about 3,200 feet, with milder summers than the Phoenix valley floor |
| Planning note | Build an Arizona trip around the open desert courses near Phoenix and Tucson, and check back on any reopening |
Status verified June 2026 from the San Carlos Apache Gaming Enterprise closure announcement and leading course databases; should the tribe reopen or repurpose the property, confirm the latest details directly before planning.
Where to stay nearby
With the golf closed, there is no reason to base a trip at San Carlos for play right now, though the Apache Gold Casino Resort nearby continues to operate. Golfers drawn to this corner of Arizona generally build their trips around the open courses of the Phoenix and Tucson corridors instead.
If a high desert, naturally routed style appeals, open courses elsewhere in Arizona scratch the same itch, from the long, links inspired Ak-Chin Southern Dunes south of Phoenix to the bold mountain golf at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain near Tucson.
Looking for a base nearby? See our recommended hotels and resorts.
Build an Arizona golf trip
We plan Arizona golf trips around the best of the open desert courses near Phoenix and Tucson, and we keep an eye on the status of lost gems like Apache Stronghold. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Apache Stronghold questions
Is Apache Stronghold Golf Club open?
No. The San Carlos Apache Gaming Enterprise permanently closed the course in November 2021, and it remains closed at the time of writing, with its future undecided. Always confirm the latest status before planning.
Who designed Apache Stronghold?
It was designed by Tom Doak, one of his earliest solo American projects, and opened in 1999 on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. It played to a par 72 of about 7,519 yards, with a rating of 74.6 and a slope of 145.
Why did Apache Stronghold close?
The owners cited rising operational costs, falling revenue and substantial capital needs when they closed the 22 year old course in 2021. The tribe has said it is weighing options for the property.
Can you still play Apache Stronghold?
Not currently. The course is closed. We profile it for the record; build an Arizona trip around the open desert courses near Phoenix and Tucson and check back on any reopening.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Tee time windows, course access changes and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year and closed status verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.