I left Pine Meadows Country Club in Overgaard, AZ in my rearview mirror in search of Cobre Valle (not Valley) Country Club. The road (Highway 60) between these two towns is both fun and scary. The “fun” (unless you are pulling a 40ft motor home) are the hills, curves and scenery through the Salt River Canyon.
The “scary” are the drivers on the road. Tailgaters now filled my rearview mirror as I viewed all their facial contortions as they tried to run me off the road at 70 mph. Obviously they have no clue how to pass. This has to be one of the deadliest roads in Arizona as every two miles there is an Adopt a Highway sign that states, “In Loving Memory of…”. Come on folks – Get a Clue! Off my soapbox and back to try to find Cobre Valle.
So where exactly is Cobre Valle Country Club? 1) Apache Trail, Globe, AZ; 2) 4877 W Cypress Way, Miami, AZ; 3) E. Pinal Canyon Rd., Globe, AZ; 4) Apache Trail &I-60, Globe, AZ. During my research, I found all four addresses. And the winner is…5) Hwy 88 – Apache Trail, Globe, AZ. This address was taken from their scorecard and the fifth different one I have found. I’m not even sure this is correct since I turned into their club from Highway 188. To simplify, just turn on Hwy 188 from Hwy 60 and the course will be about a half mile on the left.
This par 36, 3224 yard course starts with a unique first hole – it has two greens. The one on the left plays as Hole #1; the one on the right plays as Hole #10. The rest of the holes have two separate tee boxes to offer the golfer a different angle to the green if you are playing 18. Men play from the white tees on the front nine and the blue on the back nine. Most 9-hole courses just alter the length but use the same tee box. It can be confusing the first time out, so keep your scorecard handy for easy reference.
The greens are difficult because they are bowl-shaped, similar to Pinehurst #2 – the comparison stops there. The fairways were firm and fast, so I received plenty of roll on my tee shots. Hole #7 – what’s up with the 246 yard par 3 from the blue tees? Maybe this course is more similar to Pinehurst #2 than I thought!
Par: As long as the fairway grass greens up during the summer season and you are not expecting Pinehurst, I would give Cobre Valle Country Club a try. Pair it with Apache Gold Casino/Golf and you can have a good couple of days in Globe (or is it Miami?).
For lodging I would recommend the Dream Manor Inn, which sits atop a hill overlooking the Sonoran Desert. Enjoy the sunsets from the many balconies or the unique bell tower. Carl and Rebecca are very friendly hosts. Carl is an avid golfer who enjoys playing with his guests. During my stay, he discussed building a par 3 hole on his property – I hope you get to play it.
Hwy 88 – Apache Trail, Globe, AZ 85502; 928-473-2542
