Any question that Scottsdale is the capital of modern U.S. golf might have been put to rest with the latest edition of Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” list.

Six golf courses in the Scottsdale-Phoenix area made the list, by far the most of any single city region. California and South Carolina are the only states with more golf courses in that top 100 than Arizona, with 10 and seven respectively, but those courses are scattered throughout the states; the six Arizona golf courses on the list are within driving distance of each other.

In fact, you could easily play Scottsdale’s studly six on a single trip.

“To me it’s just another indication of how great the golf is here,” said frequent Scottsdale visitor Eric Dixon. “That’s why I keep coming back. You hear a lot about other spots on the West Coast these days – like Chambers Bay. A lot of my buddies want to make a Chambers Bay trip and we probably will.

“But that’s one course. I keep telling them it’s not the same thing we’re used to in Scottsdale. You can get spoiled as a golfer going here.”

Part of that is because the very best golf courses in Scottsdale have not lost a step. Troon North’s Monument and Pinnacle golf courses are as much regulars on this list as James Gandolfini was at the Emmys during the height of the Sopranos. For 10 straight years, both Monument and Pinnacle have been in the magazine’s Top 100.

The difference this time is that after a two-year overhaul by original designer Tom Weiskopf, Pinnacle’s moved ahead of its attention-stealing sister course. Pinnacle is now tops in Arizona, 21st overall in America, up from 59th in 2006. Monument was 21 in 2006, but it’s still in the Top 50 now, coming in at 45th.

Troon North is no longer the only two-course Top 100 facility in greater Scottsdale. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – the house-free, buzzed-over club on Native American Indian land that debuted its first golf course in 2001 and came out with its second in 2006 – now has the recognition that many in-the-know Arizona golfers long felt it deserved.

The Scott Miller-designed original course (now named Cholla) comes in at No. 35 in America, while the new, walking friendly, more open Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw brainchild Sagauro Course debuts at 44.

“The competition’s so intense in Arizona golf that if you stand up to the quality of the other top courses around here, you know you’re going to be among the best in the country,” said We-Ko-Pa Director of Golf Operations Derek Crawford. “As a new facility, we knew the standards were very high.”

Grayhawk Golf Club’s Talon Course and The Boulders Club’s South Course, both built in the 1990s like Troon North, helped set those standards. Grayhawk’s Talon ranks 87th and Boulders South 90th, rounding out Arizona’s selections in the Top 100.

Tucson – Scottsdale’s more desert-natural rival two hours away – did not place a single golf course in the list. But some think that could change with the 2009 opening of the new Jack Nicklaus course at Dove Mountain, which will host the World Match Play Championship in February.

What clearly has not changed is Arizona’s importance in the golf world – especially Scottsdale.

“People talk about the new restaurants and clubs or whatever in Scottsdale so much now that you can almost forget the golf is still pretty damn spectacular,” Dixon said.

Unless you actually go play it. One round at one of Scottsdale’s studly six is an undisputable reminder.

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Lots to do this fall in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is ready to wine and dine visitors preparing to make the trek to the Southwest this fall with these upcoming culinary events.

Kicking off the festivities is Arizona Restaurant Week, debuting Sept. 20-26. The event gives patrons the chance to experience Arizona’s finest fare at a variety of quality restaurants for a special rate. Nearly 100 restaurants, including some of Scottsdale’s best such as Digestif, Sol y Sombra, Roka Akor, Olive & Ivy, and Taggia, will offer a three-course menu for $29 per person or $58 per couple, excluding drinks, tax and tip. .

On Oct. 7 and 8, travelers can savor fresh, straight-from-the-farm food at the latest installment of Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar’s dinner series, Locavore 4: Cultivation. Locavore is a term used to describe a person who only eats locally produced food, and every bite and sip of Tapino’s five-course dinner will come from an Arizona farmer, food producer, rancher or wine maker. For $65 a person, diners experience Chef James Porter’s globally-inspired creations while supporting local businesses. Locavore 5: The Hearth, will take place Dec. 1 and 2.

Savor Scottsdale, a group dedicated to increasing local pride and national recognition for the city’s culinary scene, is adding to the fall festivities with EATS³ Oct. 23-25. The event focuses on the three S’s – sizzle, sip and swizzle – and will showcase Scottsdale’s finest with a cocktail-infused ArtWalk, exclusive in-gallery dinners by famed Scottsdale chefs, a national Iron Bartender competition, a Grand Tasting featuring the finest chefs and wine makers, and the signature BBQ & Bubbles Finale. Among the event’s slated 40 chefs and special guests are Emmy award-winning Chef Ming Tsai and winner of Bravo’s Top Chef, Stephanie Izard. Arizona chefs will include James Beard award winners Nobuo Fukuda, Chris Bianco and Robert McGrath, and Iron Chef winning chefs Beau MacMillan and Mark Tarbell. Patrons may purchase tickets to individual events or buy the $500 Ultimate Savor Scottsdale Pass.

VISITORS EXPLORE THEIR ARTISTIC SIDE WITH NEW PUBLIC EXHIBITS
Since its inception in 1985, the Scottsdale Public Art Program has worked to bring new and creative artwork to the streets. The downtown area will soon be home to three new interactive exhibits that will allow visitors to take part in Scottsdale’s unique arts community.

Art lovers can enjoy beautiful fall evenings by taking a stroll downtown and experiencing a stunning light show at the Scottsdale Waterfront. Beginning in October, the collection’s new Night Lights exhibit, a premier music and interactive, light-based art installation, will be on display. Launching the attraction will be Tucson artist Mary Lucking whose light installation will grace the Waterfront every third Thursday from October through December, using the water of the nearby Arizona Canal as a canvas. Visitors can give the light show their own artistic touch by speaking into a microphone set up at the exhibit, which then triggers and changes the patterns projected onto the water.

A second all-new piece, Bell’e Art, will transform the bell tower adjacent to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts into an outdoor gallery. The first exhibition, on view Sept. 8 through Dec. 3, will feature New York-based artist Béatrice Coron’s series of papercuts inspired by Scottsdale landmarks, lifestyle, history and more. Coron’s piece will feature 24 iconic Scottsdale scenes hand cut on black and white Tyvek, a lightweight waterproof paper, suspended from the top of the tower. Each cutout image will serve as a window that invites passersby to peek through, invoking memories and dreams of Scottsdale and the Southwest. Visitors inspired by Coron’s piece will have the chance to create their own works of art when she hosts a workshop, Sharp Arts: The International Papercutting Scene, at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library on Nov. 1.

Crocheters get out your hooks and take part in Scottsdale Public Art’s crocheted exhibit at the Civic Center Library. In April 2009, the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Project, a globally touring exhibit of a crocheted coral reef ecosystem, will be on display at the library before heading to its next stop at the Smithsonian. The 2,000-square-foot reef has already made its rounds from London to Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. Visitors eager to learn the art of crocheting can take part in organized workshops.

GOLF INITIATIVES PRESERVE NATURAL SONORAN DESERT SURROUNDINGS
Golf operators in Scottsdale are making strides to preserve the city’s Sonoran Desert surroundings through modern technology, innovative practices and a commitment to environmental stewardship. The golf industry’s efforts not only ensure a protected environment for generations of future visitors, but also help put Scottsdale on the forefront of eco-friendly golf destinations.

Water Use – Because Scottsdale is in a desert environment, conservation and efficient use of water is always top-of-mind for the city’s golf industry. Nearly 75 percent of Scottsdale’s golf courses use sophisticated computerized irrigation systems and weather monitoring stations to maximize the efficiency of their water use. These systems apply the minimum amount of water required to maintain the health of individual plants in addition to minimizing evaporation and maximizing transpiration.
Maintenance – Scottsdale golf courses also have modified their regular maintenance practices to increase the sustainability of their properties. Efforts include using organic fertilizer rather than petroleum-based fertilizer, switching gas-powered equipment from two-stroke engines to four-stroke in order to reduce emissions, and frequent testing of soil conditions to ensure proper application using the minimum amount of product to ensure the plants’ health.
Environmental Stewards – Scottsdale golf properties like Sanctuary Golf Course at West World, TPC

Scottsdale and Camelback Golf Club continue to look for new eco-friendly opportunities to ensure that golf maintains its overall positive impact on the city and state. The courses have all achieved, or are achieving, certification in the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program, a program that requires golf facilities to protect the Earth by enhancing precious natural areas and wildlife habitats. In addition, Scottsdale-based Troon Golf Management has made the commitment to have its entire portfolio of 190 golf properties worldwide certified through the Audubon initiative.

TURNDOWN IS AN EXPERIENCE WITH SCOTTSDALE’S UNIQUE AMENITIES
Scottsdale’s resorts are committed to providing a luxurious, unforgettable experience for their guests. Beginning at the moment of check-in, guests are welcomed by hospitable service and world-class amenities that extend to the tiniest of details. Even Scottsdale’s turndown programs go above and beyond, greeting guests with more than just folded over sheets and pillow mints. The following is just a sampling of Scottsdale’s unique turndown amenities.

The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North looks to the stars for its turndown amenity that includes a constellation chart calibrated to the Arizona night sky. Every Friday evening, the property plays host to astronomer Richard Allen who leads stargazing sessions using state-of-the-art telescopes and charts. Guests can bring their constellation chart to the free session and navigate the nighttime sky alongside Allen, discovering different celestial bodies like Jupiter, Saturn and Mars depending on the time of year. 

Turndown service at FireSky Resort & Spa relays the property’s theme of earth, air, fire and water to guests with each day of the week corresponding to a particular element. The program is filled with unique turndown items such as Fire Balls candy, organic sweet chocolate, and bottles of bubbles. Each amenity is accompanied by a turndown card tailored to the specific theme. 

Guests at The Boulders Resort can enjoy a mini Golden Door Spa experience at turndown with the resort’s complimentary skin care amenities. Each new day brings a different sample like the Botanical Body Oil, which is a potent remedy for dry, sun-damaged skin, or the lavender cream that promotes the grown of new skin cells and whose scent can be helpful with headaches and nervous tension.

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Phoenix offers indulgent relaxation

It is an early morning, cold and dark, as we drive to our prearranged pick up spot. We meet the vans as the sun’s earliest rays peek over the mountains. Thirty minutes later, we arrive and see a group of young men scurrying around a huge basket. Flames are shooting upward while a balloon lies on the ground like a wilted flower. Its stunning red, orange, yellow and blue panels begin to lift. We climb into the basket and with the slightest of nudges, we are aloft.

Hot air ballooning in Phoenix is sheer delight. Our basket holds nearly a dozen of us – sleepily rubbing our eyes as we drift higher and higher. The sudden blasts of flames embrace us and take us upward just as the sun’s rays warm us with light. The sunrise is spectacular.

The desert flows beneath us like a quilt marked with jack rabbits, deer, cacti, cows and grassy inclines. For 90 minutes we dip and soar; our amiable captain, Patrick Stevens, points out interesting landmarks and discusses the physics of our flight. His crew scurries in a truck to meet us some 45 minutes later; we see them waiting expectantly for our landing – which again, is little more than a gentle bump.

We climb out to see an enormous feast: fresh fruit, champagne, warm chocolate-filled croissants, cheeses, coffee. Tables are laden and elegantly swathed in damask tablecloths. The sun beams overhead and beckons the tall, stately saguaro cacti to cast their shadows.

Phoenix in winter is lovely. The days are perfect – sunny but comfortable; the nights are brisk. The city sprawls over the mountains and valleys; a magnificent row of matching palm trees welcome us to the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. Our casita looks upon the lazy river which winds through the resort; golfers tee off while the smack of tennis balls can be heard from our patio. The Westin is a bustling, upscale place. We wander downstairs to Deseo and watch with enchantment as the bartender makes cocktails by a process he calls “muddling.” Beautiful hand blown glasses are filled with our choice of fresh fruit and mint. I choose mango and raspberries. He adds rum and ice and a stick of sugar cane. Delightful! The restaurant is filled with the lively and passionate art of Nelson Garcia-Miranda. The food is artsy and modern. Do not miss the chocolate cigar dessert. Impressive.

There are many great places to stay in this historic city. If you are looking for a romantic weekend, we recommend the Hermosa Inn. Situated on six acres, with the Camelback Mountains as backdrop, the Inn originally opened in 1936, with a complete restoration in 1994. Cowboy artist Lon Megargee crafted an art studio which, over the years, became an expansive ranch and inn. No two rooms are alike, with each more charming than the rest. Luxurious Southwestern architecture includes adobe bricks, vaulted ceilings, beehive fireplaces and hand-painted Mexican tile. Lon’s, the Hermosa’s award-winning restaurant, is a favorite with Phoenix residents. We had a cocktail on a private patio in front of a blazing fire – the deep night sky shone with diamond-like stars. We decided then and there we would come back to the Hermosa one day. Delightful meals feature vegetables and spices grown in the resort’s garden. Every bite we had was outstanding.

Probably nothing can beat the elegance and history of Phoenix’s Biltmore Hotel. Every U.S. president since Hoover has stayed here; the Reagans honeymooned under the hundreds of orange trees as did Gable and Lombard. (Gable lost his gold wedding ring on the golf course until an employee found it.) Irving Berlin wrote “White Christmas” here in 1939 and Marilyn Monroe said the Catalina pool was her favorite in all the world. Don’t miss the breathtaking gold leaf ceiling in the lobby, second only to the Taj Mahal’s, or the Aztec Room – an astonishingly beautiful ballroom where celebrities have danced, sung and enjoyed themselves. John and Cindy McCain were married here. The Hollywood celebrities, the gorgeous black and white photographs from yesteryear, the art deco design inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright – the Biltmore is a treasure.

Choosing where to play golf in Phoenix, with more than 200 courses, is almost as hard as choosing where to stay. No wonder the National Golf Federation describes Phoenix as “The Golf Capital of the World.” Consistently rated among the area’s top courses are the Westin Kierland, the Phoenician, Troon North, Eagle Mountain and Grayhawk. These courses are excellent, challenging and well maintained.
Many of the courses are public or offer daily fees. The world’s best golfers have played here and many have designed courses here: look for names like Robert Trent Jones Jr., Homer Flint, Tom Weiskopf, Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Nash. Nearly all have partnered with area hotels for golf packages. The metro area has more courses listed in USA Today’s Top 100 than any other golf destination.

Phoenix offers another once-in-a-lifetime experience – Bob Bondurant’s School of High Performance Driving. If you are a thrill seeker or desire to race with the pros, Bondurant’s will put you behind the wheel of classics like the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe and Corvette ZO6, Cadillac CTS and CTS-V or the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP. The school features a 60-acre racing facility and the racing courses range from four hours to four days. A one-day intro course is $1,375; the four-day anti-kidnapping course is $5,925. They do offer last-minute specials, so be sure to sign up for e-mail alerts.

Phoenix offers many delights – more we recommend: Taliesin West – the home of master architect Frank Lloyd Wright, now a school of architecture; The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa featuring Rawhide, a replica of an 1880’s town; Downtown Scottsdale – newly completed upscale restoration of Scottsdale’s ancient Indian canal system booming with shops, restaurants, hip nightclubs and trendy stores. Also worth a visit: the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum and the Phoenix Zoo.

Where to stay: So many great choices! The Westin Kierland has a country club feel with first-class amenities, dining and recreation and a  fabulous shopping center, the Kierland Commons, within walking distance. The Biltmore is a must for those who love history and beautiful art deco while the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass  is situated on  Native American land and owned by the Pima tribe. Wild horses are often seen in the distance.  The Hermosa Inn, quiet with lush tropical patios, is an elegant ranch-house boutique hotel. The Phoenician, in nearby Scottsdale,  is a world-class destination resort with an art collection worth millions.

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ASU Karsten Golf Course

Daryl Crawford, Director of Golf

1125 E. Rio Salado Parkway

Tempe, AZ 85281

Phone: 480-921-8070

Fax: 480-784-4836

The ASU Karsten Golf Course, Home of Champions, provides an incredible championship golf setting, conveniently located just 10 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport. Rated “FOUR STAR” by Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play”, this Pete Dye, Scottish links design with rolling hills and railroad ties boasts exceptional playing conditions, and impeccable service from highly trained and genuinely friendly personnel. Our 21,000 square-foot Sun Angel Clubhouse is home to the award winning Trophy Room Restaurant, and one of America’s “Best 100 Golf Shops.” The PING Learning Center houses the latest and greatest from PING, as well as an outstanding group of instructors. All are available to accommodate each golfer’s distinctive needs, before and at the conclusion of their round. Advance tee time 14 days by phone, 30 days over the web.

http://www.asukarsten.com/

The Boulders Golf Club

34631 N. Tom Darlington Road

Carefree, AZ 85377

Toll-Free: 800-553-1717

Phone: 480-488-9009

Semi-private courses – call for tee time availability. Two 18-hole championship golf courses, designed by Jay Morrish, considered some of the most demanding in the Southwest, known for their rugged beauty and breathtaking panoramas.

http://www.theboulders.com/

Camelback Golf Club

7847 N. Mockingbird Lane

Scottsdale, AZ 85253

Toll-Free: 800-242-2635

Phone: 480-596-7050

Fax: 480-596-7025

Camelback Golf Club features thirty-six holes of championship golf in a parkland setting that promises a demanding and dynamic adventure. The 6,903-yard, par 72 Arthur Hills-designed Padre Course features multiple lakes, towering trees, subtle landforms and strategic bunkering to sharpen your game. The 7,014-yard, par 72 Indian Bend Course offers lush palm- and eucalyptus-lined fairways, secluded bunkers, gently rolling terrain, and mountain vistas. The 36,000 square-foot pueblo-styled Clubhouse offers golfers an expansive golf shop, The Grill, meeting and banquet space, and the finest amenities in the Valley.

http://www.camelbackgolf.com/

Desert Canyon Golf Club

Dave Hosey, Head Golf Professional

10440 Indian Wells Drive

Fountain Hills, AZ 85268-6240

Phone: 480-837-1173

Fax: 480-837-1346

Desert Canyon Golf Club – a prime golf experience and one of Arizona’s top golf facilities. Desert Canyon Golf Club features a challenging yet playable golf course. The course winds its way through wonderful desert terrain up and down the natural arroyos and canyons that occur in the Sonoran Desert. Fairways, though open, play tight and prove challenging with strategically placed doglegs. Each hole of the par 71 course plays to a backdrop of pristine sky and views of some of Arizona’s most beautiful mountains. Desert Canyon Golf Club was voted No. 1 public golf course in Fountain Hills for 2005 and 2006.

http://www.desertcanyongolf.com/

Gainey Ranch Golf Club

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa

at Gainey Ranch

Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Phone: 480-444-1234 x5700

Fax: 480-483-5514

Located at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa, the Gainey Ranch Golf Club is a private golf facility, exclusively available to Hyatt guests and golf club members. Designed by Benz & Poellot to provide challenging, yet scenic play, the 3 resort-style layouts provide a refreshing break from the Valley’s desert scene. The Lake Course challenges golfers with strategically placed ponds, waterfalls & streams; the Arroyo Course takes its name from the natural washes that meander through the community; and the Dunes Course is more characteristic of a Scottish links-style course, with sand dunes and natural hazards. Each day, golfers have the opportunity to play 18 of our 27 holes, based on a daily rotation.

http://www.scottsdale.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

Kierland Golf Club

15636 N. Clubgate Drive

Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Phone: 480-922-9283

Fax: 480-922-0185

This Troon-managed course, designed by Scott Miller, features 27 holes with more than 300 bunkers, cool lakes, dry washes and stands of desert trees, offering a complementary collection of nines – each with its own flavor and strategy, but all equally enjoyable and challenging. The Kierland golf experience includes a multi-faceted approach with 27 holes of desert golf that feature the ultimate in luxury with air-conditioned golf carts, cool covered driving range, traditional golf instruction, innovative FORE-MAX golf training fitness program, nutrition and ProFit custom clubfitting. Players can try the latest in golf travel technology and opt for a Segway golf transporter.

http://www.kierlandgolf.com/

Legend Trail Golf Club

Rick Williams, General Manager

9462 E. Legendary Lane

Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Phone: 480-488-7434

Fax: 480-488-6968

Golf course architect Rees Jones, “the U.S. Open Doctor,” says, “Players will encounter a facility created to provide a fair and enjoyable experience for the average and beginning golfer, yet also capable of presenting a formidable test for the game’s more accomplished players.” The exquisitely manicured par 72 course meanders through the Sonoran Desert landscape and features breathtaking, panoramic vistas, including some of the area’s well-known landmarks such as Pinnacle Peak. A round will provide players of all skill levels with numerous diverse and unique shot-making situations. Listed among the top 100 facilities by Golf Magazine. Ranked among Arizona’s best overall courses, #7 of Arizona’s best public courses, and awarded 4 stars for “Places to Play 2002″ by Golf Digest Magazine.

http://www.legendtrailgc.com/

Las Sendas Golf Club

Craig Carmody, Director of Golf Operations

7555 E. Eagle Crest Drive

Mesa, AZ 85207

Phone: 480-396-4000

Fax: 480-396-9000

Ranked #1 public golf course in Arizona! Located in the desert uplands of the East Valley, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. masterpiece. The undulating greens will challenge the best of putters with speed and deception. The crystal clear air will provide you with many photo opportunities of downtown Phoenix, which can be viewed from multiple tee boxes. After your round, relax on the veranda outside the award-winning Grille at Las Sendas and enjoy a famous Arizona sunset. Las Sendas isa mere 20 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport and really accessible from all parts of the valley. Rated 4 Stars by Golf Digest, 2001. Ranked in 12 US most challenging by Zagat Survey, 2006.

http://www.lassendas.com/

McCormick Ranch Golf Club

Stuart E. Kirk, General Manager

7505 E. McCormick Parkway

Scottsdale, AZ 85258-3429

Phone: 480-948-0260

Fax: 480-998-9300

McCormick Ranch Golf Club, in the heart of Scottsdale, is a public 36-hole facility with restaurant, lounge, banquet areas, pro shop and practice facilities. McCormick Ranch Golf Club is open every day of the year and able to accomodate 600 players per day. Surrounded by a collection of Scottsdale’s most prominent Resorts, the Club features breathtaking Southwestern scenery, immaculate course conditions, and gracious attention given by its service-oriented personnel. McCormick Ranch Golf Club plays host to hundreds of social occasions each year, from spectacular weddings to fun-filled golf tournament parties. McCormick’s staff can help plan any type of event.

http://www.mccormickranchgolf.com/

Mountain Shadows Golf Club

5517 E. Lincoln Drive

Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Phone: 480-905-8999

Fax: 480-905-3151

Golfers can test their skills on Mountain Shadow’s highly acclaimed 18-hole, par 56 executive golf course. Playing a demanding 3,081 yards, the course winds through 70 acres of spectacular scenery at the base of Camelback Mountain. Water plays a major role on the back nine, featuring a creek and small lake, which are home to majestic black swans and other colorful waterfowl.

Ocotillo Golf Resort

Mike Friend, Director of Sales

3751 S. Clubhouse Drive

Chandler, AZ 85248-4200

Toll-Free: 888-624-8899

Phone: 480-917-6660

Fax: 480-786-0401

Managed by Troon Golf, Ocotillo Golf Resort adheres to the highest standards of course conditions, customer service and amenities, creating a country club experience at what has become known as one of the nation’s finest daily-fee facilities. The landscape throughout the 27 Hole Ted Robinson design is full of soothing rich greens and deep blues. Using many of his well-known trademarks in the creation of this masterpiece, Ocotillo is a panorama of cascading waterfalls, palm trees, gently rolling fairways and brightly colored flowerbeds that have been blended into a remarkable golfer’s paradise. This truly superb 27 hole championship facility, is now located only minutes from most of the Valley’s prominent resorts and hotels via the newly opened 101 Price Freeway.

http://www.ocotillogolf.com/

Orange Tree Golf Resort

10601 N. 56th Street

Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Toll-Free: 800-228-0386

Phone: 480-948-3730

Fax: 480-443-2110

Mature, tree-lined and challenging for players of all skill levels-you will experience 6775 lush yards of traditional golf. Facilities include a well-appointed golf shop, extensive practice facility, and PGA instruction. Meeting space, custom catering, and two dining outlets overlooking our signature 18th hole are available to meet any individual or group needs. Come experience our fun, friendly service and atmosphere.

http://www.orangetreegolfresort.com/

The Phoenician Golf Club

6000 E. Camelback Road

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Toll-Free: 800-888-8234

Phone: 480-423-2449

Fax: 480-423-2475

The Phoenician’s 27-hole golf course offers the challenge and diversity golfers long for, plus the beauty and tranquility that makes the game even more enjoyable. Twenty-seven holes have been grouped into three distinctive nines – the Oasis Nine, the Desert Nine and the Canyon Nine – each aptly named for capturing the many profiles of the resort’s acreage, and offering several 18-hole combinations.

http://thephoenician.com/pages/golf/index.html

Rancho Manana Golf Club

5734 E. Rancho Manana Boulevard

Cave Creek, AZ 85331

Phone: 480-488-0398

Fax: 480-488-4252

Located in the high Sonoran Desert, in historic Cave Creek, Arizona, Rancho Mañana Golf Club boasts some of the state’s most breathtaking views and challenging holes of golf. The course has continually ranked among Golf Digest’s “Places To Play” and is regarded as one of Arizona’s most scenic golf courses. The par 70 layout features dramatic elevation changes, unspoiled desert terrain, and abundant wildlife. Ranch Mañana is an experience that truly represents the uniqueness of golf in the Arizona desert. Tee times may be made directly on the website up to 30 days in advance at www.ranchomanana.com or call 480-488-0398.

http://www.ranchomanana.com/

Raven Golf Club at South Mountain

3636 E. Baseline Road

Phoenix, AZ 85040-7214

Phone: 602-243-3636

Fax: 602-232-9925

Since its opening in 1995, The Raven Golf Club at South Mountain has experienced international acclaim for its dedication to quality golf, service and group outings. Its 7,078-yard, par-72 design, created by former US Open and PGA champion David Graham and golf architect Gary Panks, features plush, rolling fairways framed by over 7,000 mature pine trees. Just minutes from Sky Harbor Airport, you can be from runway to fairway in minutes.

http://www.theravensouthmountain.com/

Raven Golf Club at Verrado

4242 N. Golf Drive

Buckeye, AZ 85326

Phone: 623-388-3000

Fax: 623-388-3030

The Raven Golf Club at Verrado is a spectacular new daily-fee golf course tucked in the foothills of the White Tank Mountains west of Phoenix, and the centerpiece of the 8,800-acre Verrado master-planned community being developed by DMB of Scottsdale.

Crafted by renowned designer John Fought and past British Open Champion Tom Lehman, The Raven Golf Club is a must-play for those seeking the very best golf the Sonoran Desert has to offer. From jaw-dropping views and rugged natural beauty to exceptional conditioning and the finest guest service in the business, The Raven at Verrado has it all.

http://www.ravenatverrado.com/

Sanctuary Golf Course at WestWorld

10690 E. Sheena Drive

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Phone: 480-502-8200

Fax: 480-502-8260

Nestled in the majestic foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona, Sanctuary Golf Course at Westworld provides a natural alternative to ordinary golf. Its eco-sensitive layout takes advantage of natural terrain and vegetation and works under Audubon International Institute guidelines. This 6,624-yard, par-71 course features wetlands and cattails mixed with cactus and mesquite in a desert-golf oasis.

http://www.sanctuarygolf.com/

TPC Scottsdale

17020 N. Hayden Road

Scottsdale, AZ 85255-6000

Toll-Free: 888-211-6593

Phone: 480-585-4334

Fax: 480-585-3151

TPC Scottsdale is home to the PGA TOUR’s FBR Open, the “Greatest Show on Grass” and the largest attended golf event in the world. Stadium course: 18 holes, Par 71 7,216 yds. Champions course: 18 holes, will open in November 2007. Top 100 golf shop, award-winning Stadium course. Advance tee time for the Stadium course is 90 days, for the Champions course 7 days. The Grill Restaurant is the #1 steak and seafood venue in Arizona. For information or reservations, call (480) 585-4334.

http://www.tpc.com/scottsdale/

Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia

Brad Hodges, Director of Sales & Marketing

12575 W. Golf Club Drive

Peoria, AZ 85383

Phone: 623-328-5100

Fax: 623-328-5101

Blue gramma, weeping love and sand drop grasses. These are the tall, golden native grasses that constitute the rough areas of the course like a sweeping wheat field. The native grasses are green in the summer and gold in the winter, ensuring the high plains course sets a striking scene year round. Gary Panks and his team created an exceptional landscape that is as pleasant to the eye as it is dramatic for the golfer. With more than 70 pronounced and transitional bunkers that feed gently into the courses’ fairways and native areas, Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia highly rewards careful planning and precise execution by the golfer. There are five different tee boxes to choose from on this unique 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course. Tees range from 5,573 yards from the forward tees to 7,259 yards from the tournament tees, allowing golfers of every level to enjoy the Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia

http://www.trilogygolfclub.com/

Arizona Resorts/ Arizona Travel Deals / Arizona Golf / Spas in AZ

Four Seasons Resort at Troon North

Experience luxury combined with value this summer with seasonal rates starting at $149 per night.  In January 2008, this AAA Five-Diamond Resort completed a multi-million dollar “desert chic” makeover, including full-scale enhancements to all 210 casita guest rooms and suites, a transformation of the lobby and debut of the new signature Talavera restaurant and Onyx Bar & Lounge. Rates are valid June 1 – Aug. 31, 2008, and are based on availability. For reservations call 480-513-5039 or 888-207-9696

Four Seasons Troon Spa Scottsdale

Four Season Golf

Arizona Shopping

Arizona Travel

Best Golf In AZ

Scottsdale AZ Day Spas / Phoenix AZ Day Spas / Arizona Spas

It’s a dry heat: Arizona in summer

Visiting Arizona in the off-season makes more sense than you might think — once you get past the 37 C t

Sure, it’s too hot to hike in the desert at noon. But it’s a good chance to take a spa or shopping vacation without the crowds, and stay in a luxury resort at dramatically reduced room rates.

When it’s hot, you can still go for spa treatments, try sunrise or sunset golfing, and make reservations for fine dining. You can take an air-conditioned rental car to an air-conditioned shopping area. You can take a Hummer tour of the desert at night — with night vision goggles. And of course, nightlife happens when the sun goes down.

If you stay in a resort like the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, you can spend the heat of the day poolside, enjoying Evian spritzes and chilled towels in the shade of a cabana.
“June is possibly the best month to visit,” says Kim Cole, director of public relations at the Four Seasons. “Rates drop so significantly.”

A luxury, one-bedroom casita with private plunge pool that rents for $1,800 a night in high season drops to $900 in the summer (June 1 to Sept. 6). If that’s a bit jaw-dropping, how about a standard casita, $595 in high season, dropping to $225 in summer.

Families on a tight budget might want to go a little more basic. The Comfort Inn Scottsdale, for example, offers a family fun package that starts at $79 per night and includes in-room pizza, complimentary breakfasts and shuttle service to nearby attractions such as theatres, shopping, bowling and the CrackerJax family fun park.

The all-pervasive air conditioning in Scottsdale means you can enjoy any indoor activity in comfort. Shopping centres, stores in shaded outdoor shopping areas, luxury spas, restaurants, the Su Vino Winery, museums (check out the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, the Phoenix Art Museum or the Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park) — just get to them in your air-conditioned car.

Take an early morning walk through the Desert Botanical Garden at night, when the Garden offers after-dark Flashlight Tours.

You can even rock climb — indoor, at AZ on the Rocks.
As for those daytime hikes? No reason you can’t still fit them in.
“You just have to be willing to get up at the crack of dawn,” says Laura McMurchie, vice-president of communications at the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau. “You can do jeep tours, (hot air) balloon tours, golfing, all of it. You just have to be willing to adjust your schedule a bit.”

If you go

Where to Stay: For summer packages at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (including desert romance, unlimited golf, summer spa and shopping packages)

Special Offer from Starwood Hotels & Resorts:
$239 & up — Family Package at Arizona Resorts w/$100 Credit*
Arizona
Travel dates: Through Dec. 30
We found a resort package from Starwood that’s perfect for family vacations to Arizona. Book the Family Fun Package for stays through Dec. 30, and receive a $100 daily resort credit, FREE meals for kids under 5, half off meals for kids 6-12 and a ton of other incentives! The rates vary throughout the travel period, but all of the valuable extras are what makes this a great deal.

The Phoenician: $279-$499 per night (Best rates available July & Aug.)

Special Offer from Starwood Hotels & Resorts:
$239 & up — Family Package at Arizona Resorts w/$100 Credit*
Arizona
Travel dates: Through Dec. 30
We found a resort package from Starwood that’s perfect for family vacations to Arizona. Book the Family Fun Package for stays through Dec. 30, and receive a $100 daily resort credit, FREE meals for kids under 5, half off meals for kids 6-12 and a ton of other incentives! The rates vary throughout the travel period, but all of the valuable extras are what makes this a great deal.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa: $254-$349 per night (Best rates available July & Aug.)

Special Offer from Starwood Hotels & Resorts:
$239 & up — Family Package at Arizona Resorts w/$100 Credit*
Arizona
Travel dates: Through Dec. 30
We found a resort package from Starwood that’s perfect for family vacations to Arizona. Book the Family Fun Package for stays through Dec. 30, and receive a $100 daily resort credit, FREE meals for kids under 5, half off meals for kids 6-12 and a ton of other incentives! The rates vary throughout the travel period, but all of the valuable extras are what makes this a great deal.

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass $269-$499 per night (Best rates available July & Aug.)
Special Offer from Starwood Hotels & Resorts:
$239 & up — Family Package at Arizona Resorts w/$100 Credit*
Arizona
Travel dates: Through Dec. 30
We found a resort package from Starwood that’s perfect for family vacations to Arizona. Book the Family Fun Package for stays through Dec. 30, and receive a $100 daily resort credit, FREE meals for kids under 5, half off meals for kids 6-12 and a ton of other incentives! The rates vary throughout the travel period, but all of the valuable extras are what makes this a great deal.

The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa: $239-$349 per night (Best rates available July & Aug.)
A Traveler’s Dozen: 12 Sizzling Summer Deals
Everything the Frugal Traveler Needs — Steals and Deals on Hotels, Spas, Meals & More
Location! Location! Location! It just makes sense that some of this year’s hottest summer specials are in destinations where prices drop dramatically when the temperatures climb. So, if you’re searching for some red hot deals at first-class resorts, check out this list of summer sizzlers where you can vacation like a rock star on a school teacher’s salary.

PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE
The Valley of the Sun is the perfect summer destination if you want a five-star experience for a fraction of the usual price. The Phoenix/Scottsdale area is known for some of the top resorts in the country, and the summer months bring some sensational specials.

OK, sure it’s hot here in the summer, it’s the desert, but remember, it’s a “dry” heat and 100 degrees in Arizona with very little humidity can feel better than 80 degrees in Florida where there’s so much moisture in the air, you’re soaking wet as soon as you walk out the door.
Traditionally a winter hotspot, the Phoenix/Scottsdale area goes all out to attract summer visitors, offering everything from dining deals to resort prices that, in some cases, are slashed by more than 75 percent.

Some other award-wining resorts to check out that are also offering summer savings include:
•Royal Palms Hotel
•The Phoenician
•Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Gainey Ranch
•JW Marriot Desert Ridge
•The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
•The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
•Camelback Inn

Arizona Resorts/ Arizona Travel Deals / Arizona Golf / Spas in AZ

Four Seasons provides luxury in the desert

Arriving at the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona., feels exactly the way it’s supposed to — like reaching an oasis in the desert.

We drive up to the giant lobby doors at dusk, and are treated to a view of the Sonoran desert at sunset past the lobby’s massive glass walls.

Entering this space, if you are a fan of beautiful design, is almost as breathtaking as viewing the incredible scenery outside its windows.

A $17-million renovation has transformed the resort into an oasis of “desert chic.” It’s rustic yet modern, very much in keeping with its natural desert setting. The buildings are arranged in one- and two-storey adobe-style casitas.

The lobby features massive wrought-iron chandeliers, log beams, stone floors and lounging couches of buttery leather piled high with bright, textured pillows. The accessories, from oversize, hand-carved and painted candlesticks to contemporary artwork, reflect the southwest.

Arriving after a harried flight, rental car experience and quick sightseeing tour, it feels like the vacation can finally begin as discreet staff whisk our bags away, hand us a glass of the hotel’s signature prickly pear lemonade and present a map of the resort’s endless amenities.

Here are the locations of the resort’s pools and restaurants. You may want to enjoy a nightcap on the deck of the new Onyx Bar & Lounge, right here. We see you have a reservation for Martinis and Manicures at the spa tomorrow . . . you’ll find it right here. Your private casita is here (don’t worry, we’ll drive you there in a golf cart in just a moment). The guided stargazing tour begins at 8 p.m. on this patio. Let us know if we can do anything else for you.

Ah, five-diamond resorts. It all bodes well for a relaxing weekend.

When we follow the porter into our suite, the real level of luxury becomes clear. As with all of the resort’s 210 guestrooms and 22 suites, this one has been given a complete makeover.

The color palette, like that of the lobby, reflects a desert in full bloom — bright, yet earthy tones like poppy, tan, rust and sunflower. It’s all very tactile; custom hand-hewn furnishings, yarn art from the Huichol Indians in Mexico. The suite has dark hardwood flooring; hand-painted sinks from Mexico in the bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling sliding patio doors that open to a private, walled terrace.

That terrace turns out to be the place we spend most of our time; it features terrycloth covered chaise lounges, a clay kiva fireplace and its own plunge pool.

It takes us a day to realize the suite also features an outdoor “garden shower.” Just off the main ensuite is a small door that opens to an open-air enclosure. Hidden from view, yet open to the light breezes and sunshine, it is a glorious place to rinse off the dust and sweat of a morning hike.

The Four Seasons backs onto a popular hiking area called Pinnacle Peak Park, meaning guests need only take a short stroll to the trailhead. The hike is moderate or strenuous, depending on how long you choose to continue, and the views are spectacular. We climbed at our own pace, stopping frequently to take many photos of the rocks and cactus against the improbably blue sky.

The resort, in co-ordination with the park, offers a range of nature-themed outings and spa treatments. Try the guided Desert Preservation Hike up Pinnacle Peak, followed by the 80-minute Healing Hiker Therapeutic Massage.

This is not a place to stay if you’re looking for wild nightlife. This is a place to stay if you want to be close to the rugged beauty of the desert but also be in the lap of luxury. You can venture into the desert, or view the beauty from poolside.

Or from the golf course. The Four Seasons is adjacent to the renowned Weiskopf and Morrish-designed courses of Troon North, and golf packages are one of its biggest draws.

There is also a 12,000-square-foot spa and fitness centre with 14 treatment rooms. The spa, like many in Arizona, features indigenous ingredients such as Sedona Red Clay.

We choose what seems like the perfect spa treatment for our girls’ weekend — martinis and manicures (or pedicures, as the preference may be).

Afterward, the ever-gracious staff at Talavera, the hotel’s signature restaurant, took our wet toenails and flip-flops in stride, and still gave us a good table. (There appear to be no bad tables at Talavera; it’s either a view of the floor-to ceiling windows and fireplace from inside, or outside on the deck with a view of the sunset over the desert.) The fresh menu reflects the southwest fusion style that is the hallmark of the modern Scottsdale culinary scene. We feasted on free-range chicken and Nebraska corn-fed beef, with creative sides like charred corn, potato mousseline and savory pumpkin soufflé, enjoying the presentation and service as much as the flavors.

The resort has a staff ratio of two staff per guest room, and the service — from the serving of poolside fruit kabobs to the golf bag storage and retrieval, to the twice-daily housekeeping service — reflects it. Not surprisingly, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale has been rated among the Top 50 Resorts in the U.S. and No. 1 Resort in Arizona by the 2007 Zagat Survey.

If you have time to explore, the Four Seasons is a perfect home base for outings to the Grand Canyon, the red rocks of Sedona or Lake Powell.

But once you’ve checked in, you may not want to tear yourself away.

If you go

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

- Rooms start at $565 during peak season, dropping to as low as $205 in the summer months. The resort has 22 private casitas suites, most featuring a patio with plunge pool. A one-bedroom suite starts at $950 in peak season, drops to $500 per night after June 1.

The Four Seasons offer vacation packages ranging from Golf Getaways to Summer Spa to Desert Romance.

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Arizona Resorts/ Arizona Travel Deals / Arizona Golf / Spas in AZ

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

A refreshing oasis awaits guests at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa when booking the Summer Escape Package:

Rates from $199 per night

Daily $50 Resort “FUN” Credit

Valid for stays between May 25, 2008 – September 14, 2008

Elevate the senses with the sounds of the “Scottish Bagpipes at Sunset” series, access to all four revitalizing pools, complete with 110-foot waterslide and lazy river, roast Arizona S’mores under the stars and watch poolside movies. Also explore the endless opportunities for young guests, like Kids in the Kitchen, campfire programs, visits from the Phoenix Zoo, Kids and Teens Club, and more! The Westin Kierland Resort is adjacent to the destination’s most premier, upscale outdoor shopping center, Kierland Commons.

To make your reservation click the Book Now link or call 866-716-8137 and ask for Rate Plan: ESCAPE.

Valley hotels lure locals with ‘Staycation’ deals

Arizona Resorts/ Arizona Travel Deals / Arizona Golf / Spas in AZ

With gas prices sneaking up, airfares soaring sky high and the economy sinking so low, planning a vacation this year may be the last thing on your to-do list.

Your vacation days do not have to go to waste if you turn the holiday into a ‘staycation’.

‘Staycation’ is the latest buzzword to pick up steam in a chilly economic environment.

Stephanie Heckathorne with the Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau said it’s the best way for Valley residents to still do something for their vacation and put money back into the local economy.

Online reports also point out that the U.S. dollar isn’t the value it used to be compared to other markets around the world. So you’ll get more for your money by staying in this country.

Phoenix area hotels are raising the stakes on a yearly tradition during the hospitality industry’s sunny and scorching off-season.

Many hotels are not only offering discounted rates for Arizona residents, but also throwing in many xtras.

Discounts off spa treatments, $50 credit at hotel dining rooms, even gas cards to help you get there.

But if you want to stay home and sleep in your own bed, Heckthorne suggests going to one of the top attractions around the valley.

Some attractions like The Heard Museum, First Fridays in Downtown Phoenix, or ASU Gammage are even partnering with hotels to give Valley residents a deal they just can’t refuse.

Find out more on Arizona hotel and resort deals.

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The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa

300 Wigwam Blvd

Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

Arizona Resorts/ Arizona Travel Deals / Arizona Golf / Spas in AZ

Unlimited Spring Golf Package Enjoy the ultimate spring golf experience at The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa. Where else but Arizona can you enjoy warm weather and sunshine as you play on one of three championship golf courses. This exclusive offer is available through June 1, 2008 and includes:

Superior guest room accommodations

Unlimited golf per player day on any of our three courses

Unlimited use of practice facilities and bag storage

Personalized assistance from our Golf Ambassador who will contact you after you reserve this package to book tee-times and customize your golf schedule.

Package rates vary by season and start at $299 single occupancy and $369 double occupancy per night.

To make your reservation click the button below or call 1-866-716-8136 and ask for Rate Plan GLFSPRS.

Find out more on Arizona hotel and resort deals.

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