Whirlwind Golf Club
Scottsdale, USA
Overview
Located 20 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix, Arizona, Whirlwind Golf Club offers two 18-hole courses designed by Gary Panks: Cattail and Devil's Claw. The two courses boast a desert-style layout and feature rolling fairways, natural desert terrain, and expansive bunkers.
The club consistently ranks among the top courses in Arizona and has a history of hosting the PGA's Nationwide Tour.
On-site, golfers can enjoy the excellent practice facilities including a driving range, putting green, and chipping area. Additionally, Whirlwind Golf Club features a modern clubhouse with a pro shop, locker rooms, and the Sivlik Grill for on-site dining.
Golf Courses
The two courses on-site were both designed by Gary Panks to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, this unique golf venue was also home to the PGA’s Nationwide Insurance Tour, Gila River Golf Classic for five years. Winners include Ben Crane, David Branshaw, Lucas Glover, Chris Nallen and David McKenzie.
Devil's Claw Par: 72 | Length: 7,029 yards
It masterfully weaves through the native Sonoran Desert, with rolling fairways, multi-tiered greens, and strategically placed bunkers and waste areas that reward precision .
What truly sets this course apart is its rich cultural narrative and expansive views across four mountain ranges, including South Mountain and the Superstitions.
Cattail Par: 72 | Length: 7,334 yards
Set within the same sweeping desert landscape, Cattail features broad fairways, subtly undulating greens, and strategic routing that incorporates natural plantings and terrain to deliver both beauty and thoughtful challenge .
Restaurant & Bars
The Sivlik Grill is available on-site and offers Southwestern and American cuisine open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The patio area provides scenic views of the course and desert landscape, making it a perfect spot to relax post-round.
Did You Know
Whirlwind Golf Club is deeply connected to the Gila River Indian Community, and the course names, as well as many of its design elements, honour the Pima and Maricopa tribes. Each hole is named after native legends, adding a unique cultural touch to the golfing experience.
Location
Whirlwind Golf Club is situated within the Gila River Indian Community and just 7 miles from Chandler, Arizona.
The closest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - just 16 miles northwest of the club.
Golf courses at Whirlwind Golf Club
Cattail
With its deep valleys and sparkling lakes, Whirlwind Golf Club's Cattail Course, created by Gary Panks, presents a distinctive challenge. Opened in 2002, this 18-hole, par-72 course stretches up to 7,218 yards. It rewards strategic play with its broad fairways, sizable greens, and subtle undulations. Showcasing the natural splendor of the Gila River scenery, the course blends native plants with the surrounding desert terrain.
Devil's Claw
Gary Panks' Devil's Claw Course at Whirlwind Golf Club is a 7,029-yard, par-72 layout. It opened in 2000 and has tough bunkers, multiple-tiered greens, and progressive elevation changes. The course incorporates native plants that showcase the natural beauty of the Gila River environment, such as mesquite, saguaro, and palo verde trees. With breathtaking views of multiple mountain ranges, it is situated in Chandler, Arizona.
