
Whirlwind Golf Club
Two Gary Panks-designed desert golf courses offering stunning mountain views and championship play.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better pace of play

Whirlwind Golf Club
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better pace of play

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Two Gary Panks-designed desert golf courses offering stunning mountain views and championship play.
"A fantastic challenge with stunning mountain views and pristine course conditions."

🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular courses fill up fast! Secure your spot online, especially for weekend play .
💧 Stay Hydrated
Arizona sun is intense. Bring plenty of water or grab a Birdie Boost on the cart .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cattail Course
Whirlwind Golf Club
A challenging 18-hole masterpiece by Gary Panks, blending desert hazards with wide fairways.

Devil's Claw Course
Whirlwind Golf Club
Gary Panks' other 18-hole gem, offering a unique Southwest golf experience amidst natural desert beauty.

LPGA Ford Championship Venue
Whirlwind Golf Club
Experience the thrill of a course that hosts professional LPGA tournaments, like the Ford Championship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tee Times in Advance
Prepare for Desert Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular courses fill up fast! Secure your spot online, especially for weekend play.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Arizona sun is intense. Bring plenty of water or grab a Birdie Boost on the cart.
⛰️ Enjoy Mountain Views
The Sierra Estrella Mountains offer stunning backdrops on both courses.
👍 Friendly Staff
Many visitors praise the welcoming and helpful nature of the staff.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular courses fill up fast! Secure your spot online, especially for weekend play.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Arizona sun is intense. Bring plenty of water or grab a Birdie Boost on the cart.
⛰️ Enjoy Mountain Views
The Sierra Estrella Mountains offer stunning backdrops on both courses.
👍 Friendly Staff
Many visitors praise the welcoming and helpful nature of the staff.
🚗 Consider Cart Amenities
Carts can be surprisingly nice and sometimes offer convenient refreshments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Whirlwind Golf Club is widely praised for its beautifully maintained courses, stunning desert scenery, and friendly staff. Golfers enjoy the challenge of both the Cattail and Devil's Claw courses, with many highlighting the pristine greens and picturesque mountain views. However, some visitors have encountered issues with slow pace of play and inconsistent course marshal experiences.
"Had an amazing day at Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass! Played the Cattail course, and it was a fantastic challenge—wide fairways but enough desert hazards to keep you honest. The views of the Sierra Estrella Mountains are stunning, and the course was in pristine shape, from the tee boxes to the fast, true greens. The staff were super friendly, and the practice facility is top-notch—huge range and two big putting greens to warm up.
The Sivlik Grill was a great spot to unwind after the round; the food was solid, and the patio vibe was perfect for soaking in the scenery. Only minor downside was the pace of play got a bit slow around the turn, but it didn’t ruin the experience. Just a short drive from Phoenix, this place feels like a hidden gem. Can’t wait to come back and tackle Devil’s Claw next time!"
Dustin Southway
"Pace of play was terrible. Took 2 1/2 hours to play 9 holes, no sign of a course ranger. We called the clubhouse but they didn’t send out anyone. Had to replay front 9 to get 18 in before dark. Not worth the $200 green fee."
Cormac McGann
"Played Cattail for my son's birthday. The course was in good shape with a friendly staff. The greens putted true and were in excellent shape. Played during the weekday with around a 3.5 hour round. Need to go back and play the other 18 now. The carts were nicer than my truck."
Robert Yamamoto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Whirlwind Golf Club is located at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona. It's a relatively short drive from Phoenix, making it accessible for day trips or as part of a larger Arizona golf itinerary. Check GPS for the most direct route from your starting point.
Yes, ample parking is available for golfers at the club. You can typically park close to the clubhouse and practice facilities.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally available in the Phoenix metropolitan area and can be used to reach Whirlwind Golf Club. It's advisable to check availability in the specific area.
The Cattail and Devil's Claw courses are part of the same complex. Golf carts are available for use on each course, and the clubhouse serves both. If you plan to play both in one day, you'll likely transition through the main clubhouse area.
The club is part of the Wild Horse Pass complex, which may have associated resorts or hotels. Additionally, Chandler and the greater Phoenix area offer a wide range of hotel options for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees can vary significantly based on the course, time of day, day of the week, and season. Some reviews mention rates around $200, especially for peak times. It's best to check the official Whirlwind Golf Club website or GolfNow for current rates and to book tee times.
Absolutely. Whirlwind Golf Club is a popular destination, and booking tee times in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend play or during peak golf season.
The golf courses typically open early in the morning and close at dusk. The clubhouse and pro shop hours may vary, so it's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Keep an eye on the Whirlwind Golf Club website and platforms like GolfNow for potential deals, packages, or twilight rates that can offer savings.
While walking might be an option, golf carts are commonly used and often included or available for rent. Some reviews highlight the quality of the carts.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Both courses were designed by Gary Panks. Cattail is known for its challenging layout with desert hazards and wide fairways, while Devil's Claw offers a distinct Southwest golf experience, blending seamlessly into the natural desert landscape.
Pace of play can vary. Some visitors report quick rounds (around 3.5 hours) on weekdays, while others have experienced significant delays, especially on weekends or during busy periods. Course marshals are sometimes present to help manage flow.
Yes, Whirlwind Golf Club boasts excellent practice facilities, including a large driving range and putting greens, perfect for warming up before your round.
The courses are set in a landscaped desert environment with stunning views of the Sierra Estrella Mountains, offering a picturesque backdrop for your game.
While both courses offer challenges, they are generally playable for golfers of various skill levels. The wider fairways on Cattail can be forgiving, but desert hazards require strategic play. Beginners might find it beneficial to play with more experienced golfers or focus on enjoying the scenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Sivlik Grill is a popular spot at Whirlwind Golf Club, offering solid food and a great patio vibe for post-round relaxation and enjoying the scenery. It's a good place to grab a meal or drinks.
Yes, beverage carts are often available on the course, offering refreshments like Birdie Boost to keep you hydrated and energized during your game.
Specific dietary options can vary. It's recommended to check the current menu at the Sivlik Grill or inquire with the staff about vegetarian or vegan choices.
While the Sivlik Grill is primarily a sit-down dining experience, it's worth asking if they offer any to-go options for quick snacks or meals.
The Sivlik Grill is described as having a great patio vibe, perfect for soaking in the scenery after a round of golf. It's a relaxed setting to enjoy your meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The stunning desert landscape and mountain views provide numerous photo opportunities. The fairways, greens, and surrounding natural beauty offer picturesque backdrops. Many golfers capture shots of their drives or scenic holes.
During events like the LPGA Ford Championship, professional golfers may be practicing. While capturing the action is exciting, be mindful of event rules regarding photography and respect the players' privacy.
While specific 'iconic' holes aren't always highlighted, the overall desert aesthetic and the well-maintained courses themselves are visually appealing. The mountain vistas are a consistent photographic draw.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' often provides the most dramatic and flattering light for landscape and golf course photography, enhancing the desert colors.
Drone usage is typically restricted at golf courses for safety and privacy reasons. It's essential to check the club's policy on drones before attempting to fly one.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a tee time during a less busy period, like a weekday morning, to ensure a more relaxed pace and enjoyable experience for everyone. The Sivlik Grill offers a pleasant spot for a family meal after the game. While the courses are designed for golf, the scenic beauty and the novelty of playing in a desert landscape can be engaging for older children interested in the sport.
💰 Budget Travelers
Playing during off-peak hours, such as twilight rounds, can also lead to lower rates. While the $200 green fee mentioned in some reviews is on the higher end, exploring different booking options and times can help find more budget-friendly tee times. Consider playing just one course if budget is a primary concern.
🏌️ Avid Golfers
Take advantage of the excellent practice facilities, including the driving range and putting greens, to warm up properly. Be prepared for the desert conditions and the strategic demands of the courses. Reading up on course strategies or even considering a caddy if available can enhance your experience on these well-regarded layouts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Two Gary Panks Masterpieces: Cattail vs. Devil's Claw
Complementing Cattail is the Devil's Claw Course, which offers a unique Southwest golf experience. This course is designed to embrace the rugged beauty of the desert, providing a different set of challenges and visual appeal. While specific details on Devil's Claw are less frequently highlighted in social media clips compared to Cattail, it's equally praised for its integration with the landscape and its quality as a championship-level golf destination. Both courses are designed to be memorable and enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels, though they present distinct strategic considerations.
When choosing between the two, consider your playing style. Cattail might appeal to those who appreciate a blend of openness and hazard management, while Devil's Claw offers a more immersive desert golf adventure. Many visitors aim to play both to experience the full offering of Whirlwind Golf Club.
Playing Host to the Pros: The LPGA Ford Championship
For golf enthusiasts, experiencing a course that hosts such prestigious tournaments is a major draw. It offers a chance to play where the pros play, test your game against a layout designed for elite competition, and witness the skill involved in professional golf firsthand. The presence of the LPGA event highlights the immaculate conditioning and strategic design that Whirlwind Golf Club offers.
If you're planning a visit around the Ford Championship, expect a vibrant atmosphere and potentially larger crowds. However, even outside of tournament dates, the knowledge that you're playing on a professional tour venue adds an extra layer of excitement to the Whirlwind Golf Club experience.
Navigating Pace of Play and Course Marshall Experiences
One detailed review highlighted a particularly negative encounter with a course marshal who was perceived as aggressive and contradictory to instructions from the starter. This experience underscores the importance of clear communication between staff members and a consistent approach to managing player groups. While most reviews are positive, this aspect of the on-course experience can significantly impact a visitor's enjoyment.
To mitigate potential issues, consider booking tee times during less busy periods, such as weekday mornings. If you encounter slow play, politely inquire about the situation with the clubhouse or a visible staff member. Understanding that course marshals are there to ensure a good experience for all players, while also advocating for your own enjoyment, is key.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit