City: Tempe, AZ

Category: Golf

Telephone: (480) 921-8070

Address: 1125 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.

Description: Karsten, opened in 1989, was designed by Pete Dye to accommodate players of all skill levels. Dye molded land near the Salt River into a stunning Scottish-style links course, with rolling hills, plenty of bunkers, and water. The 6,200-yard, par-72 course is adjacent to Tempe’s Town Lake, a project that reclaimed part of the river bottom for use as an urban lake. Views of the man-made lake add beauty to the surroundings, which already provide a great view of ASU’s Sun Devil Stadium leaning against “A” Mountain. With water lining the left-hand side, bunkers on the right-hand side, and water on the approach, the 18th hole has a lot of character.Karsten serves as the practice facility for ASU’s men’s and women’s golf teams and hosts NCAA and other regional championships. The amenities include a learning center, clubhouse and golf shop, driving range and practice area, private dining room, lessons, and the Trophy Room restaurant. In addition, the staff stresses service, treating players well in the fashion of the best resort courses. The PING Learning Center offers private, technologically advanced instruction, club fittings, and other coaching.Greens fees on a weekend in high season, golf cart included, are about $110 for non-residents. Residents can expect to pay about $15 less. In the summer, that rate drops to about $40. Students and faculty are eligible for discounts.