Villa de Paz Golf Course

A view of the 18th hole at Villa de Paz Golf Course

Villa de Paz Golf Course was voted the top cheap 18-hole course in the Valley of the Sun, according to the Arizona Republic - an honor for a course dating to the early '70s, some of west Phoenix's oldest 18 holes. The parkland course challenges top golfers, though it's not so difficult that beginners will wish they'd golfed elsewhere. After a 2002 remodel, the par-71 course measures 6,700 yards and offers water on 10 holes.

If Phoenix in summertime intimidates, fear not: at Villa de Paz Golf Course, shade abounds, due to mature trees lining several fairways. Shoot for birdies or eagles, do so, but wisely. Reward has risk. Shooting sharply is especially required on holes like the fourth, a par-4 450-yarder with a severe right dogleg. Hitters dig the seventh, eighth and 15th, par-4s that can be nailed from the tee. The 18th mixes distance and skill. The par-4 470-yarder doglegs right and requires a carry over a lake to reach the three-tiered green.

Fancy a warm-up before the Villa de Paz Golf Course? Use the handy practice area, with its range, two-tiered hitting zones and highlighted target areas at different yardages so you can check your length - and the wind.

Par, yardages and course ratings