Best Golf Course: Desert Hills

The fairways at Desert Hills Golf Course dip and rise as they hug the rolling terrain of the area.

The topography makes for a challenging round of the golf, and that's one of the attractions of the city of Yuma's course at 1245 W. Desert Hills Drive. Or at least that's the belief of Becky Chavez, the city's parks and recreation director, and Damon Chango, parks and golf course manager.

There are other factors for its popularity, they add, such as the creatively decorated and designed clubhouse, the fully equipped pro show, the driving range and putting greens, even the full-service restaurant.

Whatever golfers like about Desert Hills, it's clear that it's a favorite of theirs, judging by results of Yuma Sun's annual poll of readers' favorite businesses, entertainment venues and attractions. Respondents in the Yuma's Best poll picked Desert Hills Golf Course as the area's best course.

“What makes it unique from a lot of the other golf courses are the rolling hills,” said Chavez. “Hence the name. And it's a beautiful course as well.”

Developed about three decades ago, the par-72 course hosts about 53,000 rounds of golf annually, adds Chango. Aside from the fairways and the driving range, golfers can choose from three different putting greens to sharpen their technique and a sand bunker where they can practice chipping.

The restaurant is the Putter Inn, and there's also a bar.

Desert Hills also offers a variety of teaching programs and clinics to golfers of all age, taught by golf pro Rich Walton.

The course is open for play seven days a week from sunup to sundown, throughout the year, Chango said. The only day it is closed is Christmas, he added.

For more information, call 344-GOLF or 373-5220, or visit www.deserthillsgc.com.