Scottsdale, the Go-To Destination for Golfers in the Southwest

With close to 200 high caliber desert courses designed by renown architects like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Scott Miller, along with 314 days of sunshine annually and average temperatures of 70 degrees, Scottsdale, Arizona, is the go-to place for avid golfers. Your only dilemma is deciding which of the many tracks to play.

Desert golf offers new challenges: carries over vast sandy washes, a prickly, sandy, stony desert terrain flanking fairways and Jumping cholla cactus- especially nasty if you get too close.

The landscape reveals a stark contrast between lush watered fairways and greens and earthy desert punctuated by tall saguaro cacti, massive rock outcroppings, backdrops of rugged mountains, huge bunkers, pillows of sage, and green-hued Palo Verde trees.

Perky roadrunners skitter across fairways while coyotes play in the rocks, even bunkers, their cries at night piercing the clear starry skies.

Fairways typically provide generous landing areas, but stray off-course, and you could be applying the "Get Out of Jail Free" card - the desert rule allows you to play it like a lateral with a stroke penalty.

In Arizona we're talking target golf. Trouble often comes on your second shot as you approach the greens closely guarded by bunkers, swales, waste areas, ravines and rocks.

But for the most part it's all about stunning vistas; mornings and evenings which can be cool, even cold and days warming up into the 80s. It's about rolling terrain and steep elevations where you're hitting from cliff tops into canyons like you find at Gold Mountain's Dinosaur course.

Scottsdale has huge resorts with major spas, plenty of places to eat and wait until you try their super margaritas and mojitos.

In the high desert, your ball flies 10-15% further in the desert. Who said you couldn't drive 350 yards!

Top Tracks

Superstition Mountain
On the eastern edge of Phoenix, Superstition Mountain creates a dramatic backdrop for two stunning courses, Prospector and Lost Gold. Playing out of a magnificent clubhouse appointed with native American art and artifacts including a 500 year old wooden door, the entrance to the wine room, Superstition Mountain is a semi-private golf club with all the amenities of a private club. Centerpiece of an upscale gated golf community, one of the two courses is made available exclusively to members on an alternating schedule.

Prospector, the first course to open (1998), has been the venue for the LPGA Safeway International (2004 to 2008) and was selected by Golfweek magazine as one of the "Top 100 Residential Courses," Designed by Jack and Gary Nicklaus, it's the more open, walker-friendly of the two tracks with easy distances between greens and tees. Estate homes are set back along fairways. Landing areas are generous. The challenge to reach the greens is another matter. Bunkers, waste areas, desert and walls of rock guard the greens which once reached, are fast and undulating.

Lost Gold was completed in 1999 and is coveted as the one to play by the low handicap players. Designed by Jack Nicklaus with son, Jack Jr. (1999), Lost Gold is a links-style course requiring strategic shots to smaller greens. It was the site of the 2002 Senior Slam.

Prospector
5 tees: 7,225 - 5,223 yard
73.4/135 - 70.2/121

Lost Gold
5 Tees: 7,351 - 5,373 yards
74.0/140 - 70.6/131

Green fees: $50 - $70 (summer); $110 - $150 (rest of year) including carts)

8000 E Club Village Drive, Superstition Mountain , AZ 85118
480.983.3200; 480.983.1411; 877-983-3200


Southern Dunes Golf Club
South of Phoenix in Maricopa, Arizona - that's the city where tough Sheriff Joe Arpaio installed his prisoners in tents, issued pink boxers and cut off all cable except the Disney Channel and the weather - there is this wide, sweeping golf course where nature is celebrated, Southern Dunes. Originally built as a private men's-only course, Southern Dunes has been expanded with the addition of forward tees, to welcome both sexes.

It's a splendid Troon-managed track designed by Fred Couples/Schmidt-Curley with an open, natural feeling and a lot of tall, wavy grasses and mounds. For example on the second hole, you are hitting over deep, grass-fringed bunkers which guard the green and hole #17, is a blind par 3, hiding behind grass-fringed mounds. Indeed all the par 3s are well protected so a precise shot is required to reach the putting surfaces.

Like most desert courses there isn't much water here, but on the 18th ,hole, the fairway plays around a large pond on the right. The attractive clubhouse is rendered in southwestern style with stone, beams and an outdoor patio with a fire pit.

5 Tees
7,517 - 5,102 yards
76.2/138 - 71.7/124
Green fees: From $45 including cart

48456 West Highway 238, Maricopa, AZ 85139; 480-367-8949

We-Ko-Pa
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club in Fountain Hills has two exceptional layouts, Cholla (2002) and Saguaro(2006). Both known for fine conditioning and memorable holes are favorites among elite golfers. The land is owned by the Yavapai Indian Nation, who also own the water rights, so even in the desert, fairways are liberally watered, lush, green, perfect.

There are no homes, no out-of-bounds, no commercial development. Just golf plain and pure with spectacular mountain views. With mountains and saguaro ever in view, nature is front and center

Cholla, the older of the two spectacular tracks, is more modern, more of a target-shooters track. Designed by Scott Miller, there are several elevated tees and greens and numerous carries over arroyos and desert creating thoughtful risk and reward decisions.

Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Saguaro was named "The Best New Course You Can Play" in the United States by Golf Magazine. Saguaro is more traditional, more links style and a bit shorter. Greens and tees are not far apart and the course flows over the land, making this the easier of the two to walk.

Cholla
5 tees: 7,225 - to 5,289 yards
73.0/136 - 69.9/126

Saguaro
5 Tees
6,966 - 5,061 yards
72.4/138 - 68.4/112

18200 East Toh Vee Circle, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264; 866-660-7700; 480-836-9000

Other notable tracks

Gold Canyon Resort
Out of town about 40 minutes, is Gold Canyon Golf Resort, where the craggy Dinosaur and Sidewinder courses hunker in the foothills of Superstition Mountain. What the courses lack in length, they make up for in dramatic elevations and panoramic views. Bring your camera.

The Boulders
In Carefree, the Boulders with its rounded red rocks balanced topsy turvy atop each other Fred Flintstone-style create a unique golfing landscape. Giant saguaro, some pock-marked from direct hits, dot the landscape. One sits boldly in a bunker. The Boulders is a class act where the a hint of fragrant burning curly juniper lingers in the air.

TPC Scottsdale
Tee up where the pros play at the TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course where you can experience the services of a Forecaddie. Be sure to check out the plaques inside the clubhouse and learn about the top moments in the Open's history. Ask your caddie to point out Tiger's "loose impediment," a rock that took help from the fans to move.

Troon North Golf Club
When Troon North Golf Club's two courses, Pinnacle and Monument, reopened after being drastically modified under the direction of Tom Weiskopf, the "new" courses achieved high accolades. The fairways wind through the rocky hills offering dramatic vistas all around.

The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain
Located in the rugged McDowell Mountains of Fountain Hills, this Scott Miller design incorporates the area's box canyons, desert and elevation changes creating one great golf course. Enjoy stunning views of the valley and mountains.

Grayhawk Golf Club
Talon and Raptor, two spectacular tracks, have hosted numerous high caliber events since they opened in 1994 and 1995. Designed by David Graham and Gary Panks, Talon is built around deep box canyons and dense stands of desert trees. Revealing breathtaking views of the nearby McDowell Mountains, Talon's large multi-tiered greens run fast and true.

Well bunkered rolling fairways, large greens sitting above bunkers and collections area and wide washes are features of Tom Fazio's highly touted Raptor. The par 5 finishing hole is a beauty with water threatening along the right and a left-to-right sloping fairway.

Off-Course Breaks

Hot Spas
Try the Golfers' Massage at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North which incorporates stretching and therapeutic massage techniques to relieve stress and tensions; relax in the rooftop pool and chill out with the two hour rejuvenation Havasupai Body Oasis at Willow Stream - The Spa at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess; combat dehydration at Agave spa with Agave Enchantmen at The Westin Kierland Resort; or book a Turquoise Body Wrap at the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders Resort.

The Adobe Clay Purification Treatment at The Spa at Camelback Inn is inspired by Native American
healing rituals while The Phoenician's stunning, marble-lined Centre for Well-Being offers an intense hydrating and regenerating Desert Serenity Scrub, Wrap.

Those on a budget might try the South West Institute of Healing where for about $45, you get an hour's massage.

Custom Fit
Get custom fitted for clubs at the high-tech facility at Hot Stix Golf.

Other diversions
Go hot air ballooning, horseback riding, hiking, jeep and hummer tours, rafting, tubing and shopping at Kierland Commons. Sedona with its fiery red cliffs, is a must-do day trip.

Lodging

Check into Xona Resorts Suites in North Scottsdale where newly renovated rooms and suites have been rendered in rich desert colors. You get a large kitchen, sitting room and one bedroom or more. (the multi-bedroom suites are particularly adaptable for golfing groups). Enjoy four pools, three jacuzzis, Fitness Center, Asada Desert Grille and the indoor/outdoor Orange Iguana with its cozy fireplace to warm cool desert nights.

In-house golf specialists can arrange tee times from more than four dozen superb courses like Troon North, We-Ko-Pa, ASU Karsten, and Grayhawk. 888-222-1059;

Luxury & Romance

Among the top luxury properties are Marriott's Camelback Inn, The Phoenician, The Boulders, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, and The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Sweet Golf Deals

Xona Resort Suites' Grip It and Rip It Package includes suite accommodations, golf at the TPC Champions Course and breakfast starting at $129 per night. For traveling foursomes Xona's Ultimate Golf Package gives you three nights suite accommodations, four rounds of golf at great courses, breakfasts, and a 30 minute golf lesson. A typical package for eight golfers starts around $900 per person. Call 800-903-4057 to customize your own golf deal.

If you plan on being in Scottsdale for several weeks, look into purchasing a Troon Golf Card giving you up to 50% discount on 15 Troon area courses. 480.606.1000

Scottsdale Spring Stay and Play priced from $899 per player includes Sonoran Suites two bedroom condo accommodations for 4 nights and 3 rounds at Kierland, We Ko Pa and Rancho Manana. 888.786.7848; email cjansen@sonoransuites.com (Rate based on 4 players).

VIP Scottsdale's The Best 7 Days Of Your Life includes 7 nights/6 rounds of golf at We-Ko-Pa Cholla , Grayhawk Talon , Troon North Pinnacle , TPC Scottsdale Stadium , Eagle Mountain , and Boulders South from $2,099.

Superstition Mountain's Stay and Play packages at the Ranch House include overnight accommodations in a 4-bedroom/5.5 bath ranch, golf, and access to Club facilities including Sports Club, Pool and Spa. Rates are from $750 per night to $4,000 per week. (6 nights). 877-983-3200

Eats & Treats

You don't have to go far after your golf game to find some really good food as many clubhouses have excellent in-house grills, bars and restaurants typically overlooking the golf course. For example there is the Dynamite Grille at Troon North and the We-Ko-Pa Grill.

More than a dozen gourmet burgers and some innovative "bunless" burgers are on the menu at Relish Burger Bistro located above the golf clubhouse at The Phoenician. And wait until you see their selection of tequilas. We suggest you order a flight. Also try the Phoenician's sophisticated J&G Steakhouse or dine inside or out on the patio at Il Terrazzo where their American-Italian fare is exceptional. 800-888-8234)

Romantic
For that special romantic dinner, try the patio courtyard at T. Cook's restaurant in the Royal Palms, Phoenix. royalpalmshotel.com.

Pub
Four Peaks Grill & Tap, home of Kilt Lifter beer, is a great place to come for fun, burgers, sandwiches and pizza.((480) 991-1795; fourpeaks.com)

Western Grub
Ambush your friends at Reata Pass Steakhouse, a restored 1880s stagecoach stop (featured in "Bonanza") and now a kitschy, cowboy-themed chophouse. Next door is Greasewood Flat, a 120-year-old bunkhouse-turned-saloon that dishes out two-fisted burgers, cold beer and live Western music under the stars. Or ride on over to a former working stockyard, the historic Stockyards Restaurant and 1889 Saloon in Phoenix home to a massive mahogany bar and cut-glass chandelier. Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse at Wild Horse Pass, located on the Gila River
Indian Reservation, serves up a rib-sticking dinner along with a side of staged gunfights and gold panning, as well as stagecoach, burro or camel rides.

Downtown Scottsdale

Walk across the pedestrian-only bridge spanning the Arizona Canal to the Scottsdale Waterfront where you'll find an enormous shopping and dining complex. Try the wood-fired pizzeria Sauce or the hip Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace; Wildfish Seafood Grille and P.F. Chang's China Bistro.

Party into the night at Axis/Radius a two-clubs-in-one stop combo including chic, sophisticated Radius and the garden patio nightclub, Axis with VIP skyboxes and a huge floor where those boots were made for dancing.

Getting there

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has more than 1,200 flights daily. Large central rental car facility a shuttle ride away.

Best time to go

Summer can be sizzling hot so you'll need to play early or late in the day. The good news: green fees are typically discounted during these months. Spring and fall are great times to come while in the winter, mornings and evenings can be cold but days often warm into the 70s, even 80s.

Raves & Rants

Spectacular mountain and desert scenery; spectacular sunsets; year-round golf, low humidity; great chili and margaritas. More than 600 places to eat and drink.

Sizzling summers; pricier than some major golf destinations but packages make it affordable.

Nitty Gritty

ExperienceScottsdale.com
ScottsdaleCVB.com