If you’ve ever played a Phoenix area golf course, you may have experienced the “valley effect.” Simply put, the valley effect is a phenomenon in which golf balls roll toward surrounding areas of lower elevation. This means your ball will typically move toward downtown Phoenix, which sits at least 1,000 feet below nearby mountainous communities. Golf course architects are well aware of the valley effect and use it to create optical illusions and increase course difficulty.
Let’s explore a few tips for dealing with the valley effect.
The Valley Effect: Best Practices to Consider
What seems like a perfectly straight putt could actually break left or right due to the valley effect. Avoid frustration by incorporating these best practices into your next round.
Know Your Geography: Phoenix represents one of the largest and fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States. The metro area includes Mesa, Tempe, Glensdale, Scottsdale, Chandler, and other cities and towns—each with different elevations and geographies.
Keep Downtown Phoenix in Mind: Playing a course in Glendale, which sits northwest of downtown Phoenix, could have an opposite valley effect compared to a Chandler course. Keep this in mind, especially if you’re playing multiple courses within a short period of time.
Ask Experts for Guidance: Remember that each course’s valley effect will vary depending on multiple factors, such as proximity to the mountains and undulation of the terrain. Don’t be afraid to ask the starter for local tips prior to your round.
The Valley Effect at Las Sendas Golf Club
When playing Las Sendas Golf Club, you may notice that your shots roll toward Camelback Mountain, which is west of Las Sendas and north of downtown Phoenix. A perfect example occurs on our eleventh hole. At first glance, the green appears to slope from back to front (toward the northeast) due to the hole’s rising elevation. However, due to the valley effect, the green actually slopes toward the back right corner (to the west).
Book a Round at Las Sendas Golf Club
Looking for a fun, challenging golf course in the Phoenix Valley? Give Las Sendas Golf Club a try. Book a tee time online and explore what our club has to offer.