Gary Panks

Grayhawk Golf Club - Talon

Scottsdale, AZ

The Cove, the flagship course at The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Missouri, is a masterpiece designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. His design philosophy, characterized by strategic bunkering and challenging green complexes, is evident throughout this 18-hole, par-71 championship layout. Jones Sr. masterfully integrated the course into the undulating terrain of the Ozarks, creating a visually stunning and strategically demanding experience. The course is renowned for its 72 bunkers, rolling hills, and challenging water features, all contributing to its "Witch's Cove" moniker, hinting at the enchanting yet formidable nature of the course. Hole 4 is often cited as a signature hole, offering a memorable and photogenic challenge. With striking lake views and a design that tests every club in the bag, The Cove has solidified its reputation as a premier golf destination in the Lake of the Ozarks region. It's a course that promises a rewarding and unforgettable round for those seeking a true championship test amidst a beautiful natural setting.

Twin Warriors Golf Club

Bernalillo, NM

Gary Panks design at Santa Ana Pueblo with Sandia Mountain views

Raven Golf Club at South Mountain

Phoenix, AZ

Graham & Panks's 7,078-yard South Mountain showcase — lush Bermuda fairways against Phoenix's native desert backdrop.

Whirlwind Golf Club - Cattail Course

Chandler, AZ

Consistently ranked among Arizona's premier public golf experiences, the Cattail Course at Whirlwind Golf Club offers a captivating desert golf journey. Designed by the renowned Gary Panks, who opened the course in 2002, the layout masterfully integrates into the ancient, native landscape, presenting a true test of golf amidst stunning natural beauty. Panks' philosophy shines through in the course's gradual elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers, and multi-tiered greens, demanding precision and thoughtful shot-making. The terrain features deep canyons and pristine lakes, creating a visually dramatic and challenging environment. The gorgeous 7th hole, a memorable Par 5 with a generous green, exemplifies the course's blend of beauty and strategic play. Overall, the Cattail provides a challenging yet fair playing experience, with doglegs and elevated greens serving as its primary defenses. Recognized as Arizona's Best Public Golf Course for 2026 by GolfPass, this 7,218-yard, par-72 gem is ideal for destination golfers seeking a world-class desert golf challenge and locals looking for a consistently excellent round.

Wickenburg Ranch Golf Club

Wickenburg, AZ

Willow Creek Golf Course in West Des Moines, Iowa, offers a versatile and engaging golfing experience across its 27 holes, often played as combinations of its Red, White, and Blue nines. While specific architect details are somewhat varied across sources, the course is known for its well-maintained conditions and diverse layouts that cater to a wide range of skill levels. The design incorporates varying terrain, large undulating greens, and water hazards, particularly on the Blue Course, which demands precision and strategic shot-making. The White Course, in contrast, offers a more open feel. Willow Creek has a history of hosting local tournaments, including high school championships, highlighting its role as a community golf hub. Its commitment to providing a quality public golf experience, coupled with its scenic setting and varied challenges, makes it a popular choice for golfers in the Des Moines area. Whether seeking a challenging round or a more relaxed outing, Willow Creek offers a well-rounded and enjoyable golf experience.

Sedona Golf Resort

Sedona, AZ

Sedona Golf Resort integrates into the high desert landscape, offering views of the area's prominent red rock formations on most holes.

Elephant Rocks Golf Club

Williams, AZ

Raven Golf Club - Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ

Amazing value overall. Course is in incredible condition and facilities are awesome. Included range balls with tee time is great too

Whirlwind Golf Club - Devil's Claw Course

Chandler, AZ

Whirlwind Golf Club's Devil's Claw Course is the second of two Gary Panks designs at Wild Horse Pass on the Gila River Indian Reservation. The 7,029-yard, par-72 layout begins on Greasy Mountain and winds through arroyos and native desert vegetation. Split fairways, stacked stone riverbeds, and 30-foot tall saguaro cacti in play give this course its distinctive character. A companion to the Cattail, the Devil's Claw offers a slightly more intimate desert experience.

Grandover Resort (East)

Greensboro, NC

Grandover Resort (West)

Greensboro, NC

Saddlebrooke Ranch Golf Club

Oracle, AZ

Saddlebrooke Ranch Golf Club is a Gary Panks design in Oracle, Arizona, north of Tucson in the Sonoran Desert foothills. The 7,100-yard, par-72 layout winds through the high desert with dramatic views of the Santa Catalina and Tortolita Mountains. Part of the Saddlebrooke Ranch active adult community, the course offers semi-private access with public tee times available. A popular destination for Tucson-area golfers seeking a challenging desert layout with outstanding mountain scenery.

Legacy Golf Resort

Phoenix, AZ

South Mountain Golf Club

Draper, UT

Utah's dramatic topography is influenced by the Rocky Mountains' Uinata, and Wasatch Ranges featuring massive mountain peaks and valleys, canyons, lakes, unique rock formations, and vast forested regions. The Basin and Ridge area includes the Great Salt Lake west through the Great Salt Lake Desert to the Bonneville Salt Flats then extending south to "Utah's Dixie" in the lower southwestern corner where the high plateaus and deep canyons and valleys of Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Zion Canyon are located. Sand Hollow Resort, Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club, and the Ledges in St. George are the best public access golf courses you can play in the southwest while Valley View, Thanksgiving Point Golf Club, Hobble Creek, and Soldier Hollow are the top golf courses around Salt Lake City/Provo area. This guide to the best public golf courses in Utah finds such hidden gems in unique settings such as the Hideout near the Four Corners, the Moab Golf Club near the Arches

Silver Creek Golf Club

Show Low, AZ

Coyote Wash Golf Course

Wellton, AZ

Antelope Hills Golf Courses

Prescott, AZ

Antelope Hills Golf Course

Prescott, AZ

Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia

Sun City West, AZ

Desert Hills Golf Course

Yuma, AZ

Poston Butte Golf Club

Florence, AZ