Amazing Sonoran Desert surroundings. World-class facilities. Outstanding après golf attractions. And atmospheric conditions that even help make your ball fly a little further. Ready for some winter play? It’s tee time in Arizona.
GOLF HEAVEN
It seems that just about everywhere you go these days you’re likely to find golf courses. While there are beautiful links in many locations, Arizona’s courses – set against such dramatic backdrops as the lush Sonoran Desert and Sedona’s mystical red rock country – are unique in the world. Yet these natural attributes are just the beginning of Arizona’s allure and popularity as one of the world’s most desirable golf destinations.
How big is golf here? Consider this: in its 2006 list of the Top 100 golf resorts in North America, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Ireland and Scotland, Condé Nast Traveler included more Greater Phoenix-area resort courses than any other metro area. It’s little wonder Phoenix-Scottsdale is often regarded as the Golf Capital of the World.
Flanking the region’s staggering collection of high-quality courses are world-class resorts and spas, warm and intriguing Southwest culture, top-tier restaurants and a bevy of other attractions.
Like the idea of a climate-controlled cart and driving range? You’ll find innovations like these at the Kierland Golf Club at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, where you’ll also find golfers gliding around on two-wheeled Segways.
With more than 20 years of golf industry experience under his belt, Ian Dawson, a 37-year-veteran golfer, is likely Canada’s most senior golf travel specialist. The Toronto-based managing director of Merit Travel’s golf division calls Arizona one of his top two places in the world to golf.
“The Sonoran Desert is a magical place – the wildlife, cacti and fragrances of the desert. They’re different than anything you would find in Canada,” says Dawson. “Plus, you get to experience Native American and Southwest cultures.”
He says his favourite time to play in Arizona is just before dusk, as the sun is dropping. “The wind quietens. The temperature cools. The indigenous wildlife comes out – the coyotes, the roadrunners. You see a lot of things that you wouldn’t otherwise ever get to see.”
Claude Falardeau, western Canada sales manager for Merit Golf Vacations is also fond of Arizona’s desert courses. He notes the region’s target-style golf is challenging. “You have a tee box, then natural desert, then fairway. You need to be more accurate because you’re aiming for a target.”
Another plus, he says is that Arizona’s warm, dry climate makes a golf ball travel further. “It’s so fun. You feel good about it.”
Among Dawson’s favourite desertstyle courses in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area are marquee properties such as Troon North, Whirlwind, We-Ko-Pa and Grayhawk’s Raptor and Talon courses, which afford spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains.
Just outside of Phoenix in Apache Junction, Dawson says Gold Canyon Golf Resort’s Dinosaur Mountain and Sidewinder courses are “magnificent.” In Tucson, he enjoys Starr Pass, the courses at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, and La Paloma Golf Club at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, which he describes as “an exceptional 27 holes in a groomed desert setting.”
Dawson has good taste. Virtually all of his favourites are award winners. For example, in 2005, a Travel + Leisure magazine survey named Troon North’s Monument course the “Best Resort Course in the Southwest.”
If you want to be among the first to test some new turf, the award-winning We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, located in the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation just east of Scottsdale, opened its second 18-hole course a month ago. Named “Saguaro,” this Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw-designed course is already turning heads.
Of course, enjoying such premier courses comes at a price. Dawson suggests that golfers who are mindful of their budgets punctuate play at highend natural desert courses by enjoying others with more traditional design with a mixture of parkland and groomed desert. “They can be a little less expensive,” he notes.
For those who love to watch the pros in action, Arizona boasts three 2007 PGA tournaments including the FBR Open at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium course (pro golf’s most well-attended event), Fry’s Electronics at Grayhawk, and Accenture Match Play at The Gallery at Dove Mountain.
Falardeau notes Arizona’s extensive and well maintained road system is another advantage. “It’s so easy to commute from one course to another. These kinds of little details add up to a great golf experience.”
Dawson offers this advice: “If you go to Arizona, open your senses to the environment around you and take the time to experience the desert, the history and culture. Opening my mind to what this area has to offer – beyond the golf – is what has made it so special to me.”
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Associations and Partners also appearing in this report:
Arizona National Golf Club (formerly the Raven)
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