Sun City Lakes Golf

Lakes East at Sun City Lakes Golf occupies a distinctive position within the Sun City community northwest of Phoenix, part of the extensive network of golf facilities that have defined this active adult retirement destination since the 1960s. Designed by Tripp Davis and opened in the early 2000s, the course represents a more contemporary approach to desert golf than some of the community's earlier layouts, incorporating modern design principles while remaining accessible to the predominantly senior membership. The routing takes advantage of the relatively flat Sonoran Desert terrain, with water features playing a prominent role in the design—a characteristic reflected in both the course name and strategic layout. Davis, known for his work across the Southwest, created a player-friendly design that balances challenge with playability, featuring generous landing areas offset by strategically placed hazards. The lakes themselves serve both aesthetic and strategic purposes, coming into play on multiple holes and providing visual definition in the desert landscape. Sun City's golf culture centers on year-round play and social interaction, with courses designed to accommodate the pace and preferences of an active senior community. The facilities typically emphasize walkability, reasonable length from appropriate tees, and well-maintained conditions suited to Arizona's climate. Lakes East functions as one of several courses available to residents and their guests, contributing to the community's reputation as a golf-centered retirement destination where the game remains central to daily life and social connection.