PLAYROUND COURSE GUIDE

How to Play Elephant Rocks Golf Course

Course strategy, tee-specific yardages and a hole-by-hole game plan for Elephant Rocks Golf Course in Williams, AZ.

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Elephant Rocks Golf Course golf course

Elephant Rocks Golf Course

Williams, AZ
Blue tees · 6,695 yards
COURSE OVERVIEW

About Elephant Rocks Golf Course

Located at 7,000 feet elevation near Bill Williams Mountain in Williams, Arizona, Elephant Rocks Golf Course is a historic 18-hole municipal layout originally established in the 1920s and re-designed by Gary Panks in 1990 and 2000. The course provides a unique mountain layout divided into two distinct environments: narrow, tree-lined forested corridors winding through towering Ponderosa pines on the opening and closing stretches, contrasted by a wide-open meadow section through the middle of the round with expansive views of surrounding peaks.

COURSE STRATEGY

How to play Elephant Rocks Golf Course

Off the tee

Tee shots demand two completely different mindsets across the round. Conservative, narrow target driving is required on the pine-forested holes (1-5 and 15-18) where missed fairways lead into dense tree stands, while the open meadow stretch (holes 6-14) allows more aggressive driving but exposes ball flight to high-altitude crosswinds.

Elevation & terrain

Situated near 7,000 feet above sea level, thin mountain air provides extra distance on full shots. The course features dramatic elevation drops—most notably a 150-foot tee drop on Hole 6 and a 100-foot plunge on the signature par-3 18th hole—requiring significant club selection adjustments.

Approach play

Approaches play into fast Poa annua and bentgrass greens guarded by strategic bunkers and gentle contours. Controlling distance is crucial due to mountain elevation shifts and swirling winds across the meadow holes.

Around the greens

Green complexes feature smooth, well-conditioned putting surfaces bordered by sticky rough and sand traps. Missed green approaches require crisp chipping out of native grass fringes to save par.

Best way to play it

Enjoy the extra elevation carry distance while taking conservative lines through the tight Ponderosa pine holes on the front five and back four. Take advantage of the open meadow stretch mid-round to score, keeping wind direction in mind throughout.

Key takeaways

  • Located at 7,000 feet elevation, offering cooler temperatures and noticeably increased ball flight distance.
  • Features two distinct course styles: dense Ponderosa pine forest corridors (holes 1-5 and 15-18) and open meadow/links-style terrain (holes 6-14).
  • Highlights dramatic elevation changes, including a 150-foot drop on Hole 6 and a 100-foot drop on the signature par-3 18th hole.
  • Architectural design by Gary Panks (1990 & 2000) blending modern championship features with a historic 1932 stone clubhouse.
YOUR GAME PLAN

Hole-by-hole game plan

Hole
Par
Yards
HCP
Strategy
1
4
351
11
Select a club off the tee that prioritizes control over distance to stay in the narrow fairway corridor between the trees.
Your 240 yd driver · ~111 yards remaining by raw distance.
2
4
276
17
Favor accuracy off the tee to keep your ball in the short grass, leaving a short wedge approach into the green complex.
Your 240 yd driver · ~36 yards remaining by raw distance. Favor position and approach angle over extra tee-shot distance.
3
3
180
13
Take enough club to clear the front fringe, factoring in the slight elevation boost from the mountain air.
4
4
455
1
Aim for the center of the fairway off the tee to leave a manageable long-iron approach up to an elevated green.
Your 240 yd driver · ~215 yards remaining by raw distance.
5
4
317
15
Use a conservative tee shot to secure fairway position before the course transitions into open terrain.
Your 240 yd driver · ~77 yards remaining by raw distance. Favor position and approach angle over extra tee-shot distance.
6
4
407
5
Club down off the elevated tee box to account for the dramatic 150-foot elevation drop, aiming middle-fairway for a short approach.
Your 240 yd driver · ~167 yards remaining by raw distance.
7
4
416
3
Focus on fairway target alignment, adjusting approach shot distance for high-country meadow winds.
Your 240 yd driver · ~176 yards remaining by raw distance.
8
5
543
7
Drive aggressively into the broad fairway and position your lay-up shot away from greenside bunkers.
Your 240 yd driver · ~303 yards remaining by raw distance. Plan this primarily as a three-shot hole.
9
4
358
9
Target the middle of the fairway off the tee to leave a clear approach to a receptive green complex.
Your 240 yd driver · ~118 yards remaining by raw distance.
10
5
504
10
Take advantage of the elevated tee to gain distance down the fairway, managing your second shot placement into the green.
Your 240 yd driver · ~264 yards remaining by raw distance. Plan this primarily as a three-shot hole.
11
4
454
6
Drive into the wide fairway landing area and account for wind direction on your approach to the green.
Your 240 yd driver · ~214 yards remaining by raw distance.
12
3
157
16
Select a short iron or wedge based on wind conditions, aiming for the center of the green complex.
13
5
520
14
Favor the left side of the fairway off the tee to stay clear of the water hazard, positioning your layup shot to clear the treed valley.
Your 240 yd driver · ~280 yards remaining by raw distance. Plan this primarily as a three-shot hole.
14
3
212
12
Hit a controlled mid-to-long iron toward the center of the green, taking extra club if playing into a meadow breeze.
15
4
364
8
Focus on fairway positioning off the tee, keeping shots clear of tree lines and greenside bunkering.
Your 240 yd driver · ~124 yards remaining by raw distance.
16
4
404
2
Favor the right-center of the fairway off the tee to prevent tree blockage on the dogleg corner, adding extra club on your uphill approach shot.
Your 240 yd driver · ~164 yards remaining by raw distance.
17
5
565
4
Work your ball down the sloping fairway contour on your tee shot and layup, setting up a straight approach into the green.
Your 240 yd driver · ~325 yards remaining by raw distance. Plan this primarily as a three-shot hole.
18
3
212
18
Club down significantly—typically 1 to 2 clubs less—to account for the massive 100-foot drop, aiming directly at the center of the green.

Course information and strategy are provided for planning purposes. Yardages, course setup, hazards and playing conditions can change. Always confirm current course information before your round.