The Boulders Golf Resort is located in an area of Carefree, Arizona that is littered with boulders of all shapes and sizes. Many of them form massive piles that appear as if they could tumble down upon any unsuspecting golfer.

The South Course at The Boulders was designed by Jay Morrish. Not an overly long golf course, measuring slightly over 6,800 yards, this track will challenge the golfer right off the tee. Picking the right spots in the fairway is the key to taming this layout.

Starting right from the first tee, the terrain of this course becomes apparent. The tee shot must be accurately placed in a fairway that becomes restricted by two outcroppings of boulders. The fairway slopes to the right so be sure to aim a little left.

Take a moment to appreciate the experience you have just embarked upon. The view into this small, well-guarded green is a great photo opportunity. Sitting behind this green is a big jumble of rocks, evoking to the golfer's mind a great giant watching over all that goes on below. This hole plays slightly downhill, so be sure to use a little less club.

The Boulders Golf Club is located on grounds that include a full service resort. Several lodging options are available, from the spacious Casitas to the lavish Haciendas. Just don't expect the standard hotel room if you book here. This five-star resort has taken the "home away from home" mantra to a whole new level. All of this is just feet from two world-class golf courses.

As you continue your journey around the South Course, it will become apparent that this golf course is no push-over. The par-4 8th hole is the last challenge on the front nine. Take a moment to view this hole from the back tee. This tee is set atop one of the massive boulders that permeate the property. The down-hill tee shot is to a fairly wide-open fairway. The best target is the lone sandtrap that guards the left side of this hole. Play the ball left-to-right in order to get the best angle into this green. There is a small waste bunker that crosses the fairway about 30 yards from the green, but it should be easy to fly this. Take some extra club as the ground in front of this green is banked. Any ball hit into this bank will stop.

As you head to the back nine the bunkers become more of a factor. The par-5 11th hole is a beast even without all the bunkers. This hole is unreachable for almost every golfer, measuring 601 yards. Jay Morrish has made the second shot on this hole much tougher by adding a sneaky pot bunker in the middle of the landing area. The best play is to lay up to about 100 yards from the green.

All the features come together on the 18th hole. It is fitting that this long par-5 should have all the hazards you have encountered throughout the course. This hole has length, water, bunkers and a rock formation next to the green. No matter how you play this hole, the scenic beauty will make you want to come back for more.

The staff and conditions of the golf course are excellent. Keeping desert golf courses in good shape is a task fit for only the bravest of men. The Boulders Resort is an excellent place for groups or a family outing. Don't miss the chance to find yourself between a boulder and a sandtrap.

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