Sometimes a full 18 just isn’t in the cards. These exceptional facilities offer abbreviated rounds to fit any golfer’s timetable.

We’ve all been there. Upon reaching the turn, you hit the proverbial wall and realize that heat exhaustion and fatigue might make it difficult to continue on for nine more holes. In the Valley of the Sun, where numerous golfers are rushed to emergency rooms for heat-related ailments each year, it is especially important to listen to one’s body to determine if playing an additional nine in 100-plus degree heat is the proper course of action. But with the full 18 already paid for, what is one to do? Request a refund for the un-played holes? Talk about an uncomfortable conversation with the club manager. Quit the round and take the financial hit? Or trudge forward for what will likely be nine less-than-enjoyable and potentially health-hazardous holes?

The solution for a satisfying and safe golf experience during Arizona’s scorching summers is to take each round nine holes at a time. There are several clubs and resorts around the state that offer 9-hole rates on some stellar tracks. Most of these offerings come from 27-hole facilities that have the leverage to accommodate players strictly desiring to play nine holes.

At the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, a nine-hole round on one of the resort’s three top-rated nine-hole tracks (The Desert, The Oasis and The Canyon), will run patrons around $35 for the twilight/9-hole rate from Monday through Thursday. The rate hikes up a bit on weekends to $40 for 9-hole play during twilight hours Friday through Sunday.

To learn more:
www.thephoenician.com/golf

Starfire at Scottsdale Country Club is a friendly 27-hole facility with superb access to the Loop 101 in North Scottsdale. The central location makes it incredibly easy to swing by for a quick nine ($20 per nine through mid-September) and then jet out for the rest of the day’s appointments.

To learn more:
www.starfiregolfclub.com

Well-known for providing an oasis-like golf experience due to its abundance of H2O, Ocotillo Golf Resort in Chandler currently has a 9-hole promotion worth taking advantage of. The Nine and Dine, as the club call it, combines golf and grub in one rate. To qualify for the offering, rounds must be played after 3:30 p.m. and following play golfers can enjoy the specialty of the day from Tuesday through Saturday. Offerings range from fish fry, prime rib, surf and turf and even an Italian buffet depending on the day of the week.

To learn more:
www.ocotillogolf.com

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain has some of the freshest fairways in Arizona. While the facility and service are punctuated by luxury brand ownership, anyone can budget a 9-hole round on the club’s Nicklaus-designed courses. Nine holes played prior to 2 p.m. command $40 green fees every day of the week with all you can play after 2 p.m. for $45.

When the shortened round is complete, if you are still feeling up for more, these facilities will surely assist in accommodating a back nine if the tee sheet permits.

To learn more:
www.theresidencesdovemountain.com