When luxury homebuilder Toll Brothers began working on its development in Surprise, Arizona, it wanted to provide the community with a unique, unparalleled golf experience. And, with Sterling Grove Golf & Country Club, it has delivered a stand-out course — which is saying something in a state that boasts more than 300 courses.

Lying just east of the White Tank Mountains — about 40 minutes away from Phoenix — Sterling Grove was envisioned as a nod to some of the most classic golf course designs. And, while most Arizona courses showcase the state’s unique topography, the legendary Nicklaus Design team took a different approach.

“The course is intended to be a departure from the typical Arizona desert-style golf,” says Ryan Stemsrud, general manager of Sterling Grove. “[It] is inspired by the golden age of golf course architecture, mixing a hybrid parkland-style design with desert vistas.” He added that Toll Brothers wanted to create an agricultural-themed golf experience as a tribute to the land on which the new development stands, which formerly was a farm. To do that, Stemsrud said, the design team added touches that are seen throughout: grove-lined fairways, agriculturally inspired water features and even agriculturally themed club buildings. The property was designed with an abundance of water, gardens and groves, and the White Tank Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the par-72 course.

A BRAND-NEW PLAYGROUND

When the course opened in February 2021, it was widely celebrated for being the first golf course to open for private play in Arizona since 2016. Stemsrud says providing the West Valley with such a high-end experience was important for the surrounding Toll Brothers development, as it showcases the outdoor, resort-style living of the property. But the course provides an exciting opportunity for non-resident golfers, too, who want to experience a new experience.

“Players love the sixth hole,” Stemsrud says, explaining that it’s a drivable par four with water and waterfalls on the left side and has a backdrop of palm trees and the clubhouse. As a new course, the greens are fast, and the course also has the signature features that golfers expect from a Nicklaus course, such as undulating greens, large fairways and ample bunkers. And while it can be challenging, it is designed to appeal to novice and experienced golfers alike.

“It has wide fairways, thrilling greens, and no cacti,” Stemsrud says. “There is only one forced carry from the forward tees of about 30 yards, so beginners can play the course as well.”

He adds that undulating greens aren’t typically found in courses built in the Arizona desert, which might come as a surprise to players when they first encounter the course. To add to the enjoyment, he says that many greens have several tiers and there are larges swales between sections of the greens.

The state-of-the-art practice facilities are designed to help players of all skill levels improve their game. The double-sided two-tier driving range is complete with target greens and has multiple bunkers around each green. There’s also an expansive putting green and putting course to help golfers hone their short game.

LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE

The first-class golf course is just part of the vision that is unfolding in the shadow of White Tank mountains; in January, the Clubhouse will open, and Sterling Grove will introduce new features including three swimming pools, a hot tub, bocce ball, a movement studio and a fitness center and spa. It also has nine pickleball courts and five tennis courts. “Pickleball is extremely popular, and we expect to see our swimming pools and fitness center very active as well,” Stemsrud says.

Also coming soon is Copper + Rye, Sterling Grove’s signature restaurant that promises a “thoughtfully curated menu of locally inspired dishes and seasonal ingredients.” The menu will include updated versions of classic dishes, unique craft cocktails, rotating local beers and a wine list that was carefully chosen to pair well with every dish.

Offering a complete luxury experience, Sterling Grove has earned high praise and, for now, is open to the public. That, however, will change in the future, as Stemsrud explains the plan is for the golf course to be fully private by 2025 — so put this one on your bucket list and plan your vacations accordingly.

“As Sterling Grove establishes its membership, we are open to limited daily-fee public preview play,” he says. Non-members are invited to book tee times online and can do so up to 30 days in advance.

sterlinggroveclub.com