Greg Tokash, Palo Verde Country Club
Desmond Dakin, Cottonwood Country Club
Desmond Dakin and Greg Tokash
Q. What differentiates Cottonwood and Palo Verde golf courses from other golf complexes in the area?
A. Cottonwood and Palo Verde are extraordinary golf courses. Over the past few years conditions at both of our golf courses have evolved at a rapid rate. Mr. Bill Todd, our golf course superintendent, and his golf course maintenance staff have put their hearts and souls into producing a wonderful product which is now a jewel in the crown of Sun Lakes. However, our golf members make Cottonwood and Palo Verde an extra special place to play. They are friendly, enthusiastic and extra proud of their golf courses.
Q. Who can become a member or play at Cottonwood and Palo Verde golf courses?
A. All Sun Lakes residents can join Cottonwood or Palo Verde and reserve a tee time to play and play. Unfortunately, some residents of Sun Lakes Country Club and IronOaks are under the assumption that they are unable to play Cottonwood or Palo Verde. All Sun Lakes homeowners are most welcome and are treated accordingly. We are a private course and non-resident play is not available. Members and residents are our ultimate priority.
Q. What is the main priority of the golf shops?
A. The golf shops service and care for all members, residents and their guests, whatever their needs are. Our Pro Shop staff are highly competent and knowledgeable in all aspects of the golf industry, but our main attribute is our customer relations. We absolutely pride ourselves on the quality of service provided to every person that visits our Pro Shops. You will certainly be smiling by the time you leave our shops.
Q. What practice facilities are available at Cottonwood and Palo Verde golf courses?
A. Cottonwood has a full size driving range with target greens and a large sheltered practice bunker for short, mid-range and long sand shots. Cottonwood also has a large, well-designed practice putting green and a small chipping and bunker area. Palo Verde has recently added a delightful short game complex which will be used for all of our putting and short game clinics this coming season.
Q. How many annual members do you have at Cottonwood and Palo Verde?
A. We have approximately 900 Cottonwood Palo Verde, combo and 25 play card members; 25 play card members have full annual membership privileges.
Q. As you have close to 900 members, is it difficult getting a tee time in high season?
A. Cottonwood and Palo Verde annual members work with the Chelsea Reservation System and we have surprisingly few issues with members getting their tee times as required.
Q. Are annual memberships expensive?
A. Annual membership fees are very reasonable. Annual membership fees are listed on our CottonwoodPaloVerde.com website. The value of the membership relative to the product is unrivaled.
Q. What is the pace of play at both courses?
A. Both courses are very proud of our pace of play. Cottonwood aims and achieves around four hours per round during season and Palo Verde three to three and one/half hours per round.
Q. What varieties of merchandise do you have available at Cottonwood and Palo Verde shops?
A. Cottonwood and Palo Verde are extraordinarily well equipped. We have an extensive program of demo equipment, clubs and range finders. We have accounts with all major manufacturers and a wide variety of clothing companies. If we do not have a product in stock, we will be able to special order most items. It is a fallacy that small golf shops cannot compete with large retail golf stores. Our prices are extremely competitive and we can beat or price match our competitors’ prices in most categories. Come and check our products and prices.
Q. What makes Cottonwood and Palo Verde golf so successful?
A. An innovative, supportive and flexible homeowner’s association, terrific management, a great product and wonderful members.