Rolling Hills Golf Course

Rolling Hills Golf Course sits in Tempe, Arizona, designed by Milton Coggins and opened in the mid-twentieth century during a period of significant golf course development in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The course occupies relatively flat desert terrain typical of the Salt River Valley, with the routing shaped by the natural topography and the irrigation infrastructure that allowed golf to flourish in this arid climate. Coggins, a regional architect active primarily in the Southwest, created a layout that reflects the practical design sensibilities of its era, emphasizing playability for a broad membership base. The course features tree-lined fairways that provide definition and shade, a characteristic of many Arizona municipal and daily-fee courses established before desert-style golf became the dominant aesthetic in the region. Bermuda grass covers fairways and greens, well-suited to the intense summer heat. Water hazards appear on several holes, adding strategic interest and visual variety to the otherwise level landscape. The design incorporates modest elevation changes and bunkering that frame approach shots without overwhelming recreational players. Rolling Hills serves as a community course accessible to Tempe residents and visitors, maintaining a straightforward character that prioritizes pace of play and affordability. Its location within the city limits makes it a convenient option for golfers seeking a traditional parkland experience in the Valley of the Sun, distinct from the more dramatic desert courses found in surrounding areas.