If you want a perfectly manicured course then you can’t complain about, Talking Stick is it. It is a very nice golf experience. My only problem with the course was that it felt like it could be anywhere. There was very little real integration with the desert scenery, and the only thing that reminded me I was in Phoenix was the heat.
The facilities are immaculate. There is a fantastic driving range and putting green, plus the clubhouse is top-notch. I recommend you take the time to grab some food and/or drinks in the clubhouse while you are there.
Regarding the play, there are some very challenging holes. If you decide to play from the back tees there are some very long holes. But I liked the challenge and felt that the course was fair. If you hit a good shot, you were generally rewarded. I particularly liked a couple of the longer par threes that required a long iron or a short wood. The par fives were also fun in that you had to really hit it a long way to reach them in two. Be prepared to use every club in your bag, including your sand wedge (the sand traps caused me a little trouble).
Considering I wanted a desert course, I wasn’t that impressed with the course . . . and it is not the cheapest course in the Phoenix area. But I don’t want to discourage anyone from going here. It is a nice place to play as long as you know what to expect.