Greater Phoenix CVBOnce upon a time in the early 20th century, when duffers came to southern Arizona for the warm winter sun, they encountered dirt fairways and oiled sand greens. In mid-century, as golf grew more popular and course designers more skilled, the Sonoran Desert began to bloom with Midwestern-style rolling greens flanked by ponds and trees. Then, in the 1980s, restrictions on water use led to the creation of challenging target courses, with thin ribbons of fairway threading through untamed – and unirrigated – desert terrain.
Today, oiled sand excepted, Arizona offers layouts of every configuration at more than 300 courses, making the state one of the world’s premier golf destinations. Two thirds of the courses are in Greater Phoenix, with many of the rest concentrated in and around Tucson. With a steady influx of golf schools, golf shops, golf vacation packagers, and gated golf communities, the state’s high tee-off profile continues to rise. And deep discounts on green fees in summer, as well as air-conditioned carts, mean golf is never out of season in Arizona.
Golf For All Seasons
Ken EasleyWhether you’re a pro or just learning how to perfect your swing, hit the links in Mesa for some of the best golf in the Southwest. Arizona’s third-largest city (after Phoenix and Tucson) is home to world-renowned golf featuring breathtaking views of sweeping vistas set against the natural beauty of rugged mountains and the blue western skies. Top Course Designers have all had their chance at designing this East Valley golf destination from Gary Panks and Robert Trent Jones, Jr. to Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye. And, with near perfect weather it’s possible to enjoy the sport all season long. More than 40 golf courses are within a half-hour drive of downtown Mesa, offering a variety of options from challenging desert golf to traditional links play. Few realize that Las Sendas Golf Club at the north end of the city is primarily Canadian owned. Two years ago, former NHL player Wayne McBean along with his brother Lloyd (who hails from Calgary) purchased the golf club. Home to Mesa’s only prime steakhouse, Bogey’s, the views from the patio alone are worth a visit. The Canadian flag is on display year-gound for Mesa residents and the part-time Canadian players that return south each winter.
Counting The Birdies
The Country Inn & Suites by Carlson MesaConveniently located near many of the state’s beautiful, championship golf courses, The Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Mesa offers Golf Getaway Packages for individuals or groups, starting at just $99 per person. Let the Country inn & Suites by your “home away from home” while you enjoy overnight accommodations in either a standard or suite room, including breakfast each morning, complimentary newspaper, Wi-Fi, fitness centre and 24-hour complimentary coffee and fresh backed cookies. We are happy to provide transportation to several courses, just minutes from the hotel.
Golf All Around
Chaparral Suites ScottsdaleGet ready to hit the links when you stay at Chaparral Suites Scottsdale. Situated near many championship golf courses, staff can book tee times at more than 30 different local courses. The concierge is more than happy to help you plan your golf outing in Scottsdale, Arizona – from course selection to fees. Chaparral Suites is a 312 all-suite property that offers value pricing with full-service amenities. In the heart of Scottsdale, enjoy beautiful surroundings, state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding service. Complimentary amenities include full cooked-to-order breakfast, evening reception, individual airport shuttle 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and in-room wired and wireless Internet. Great shopping and restaurants nearby.
The Awards Keep Coming
Radisson Fort McDowell Resort hosts We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, the preferred golf experience in the Valley of the Sun. With two award-winning courses, We-Ko-Pa has quickly become recognized as the flagship for Arizona desert golf. The Cholla course, a 7,225-year layout and was named one of the Best Resort Courses 2011 by Golfweek and by Golf Magazine’s Best You Can Play in 2010. The Saguaro Course boasts awards from Best You Can Play by both publications. In addition, We-Ko-Pa is distinguished as Golfweek’s Number 1 Public Access Course in Arizona in 2011 and 3rd Best Casino Course nationally. Choose from a number of spectacular golf packages including The Stroke of Luck Golf Package for Two. This package includes a $75 resort credit per room/night that may be used throughout the resort, fee free greens, cart and practice balls for two persons, at one of the three championship courses.
Golf & So Much More
The Country Inn & Suites by Carlson – Deer Valley is home base for exploring the many sights of North Phoenix. There are several championship golf courses surrounding the hotel including the 500 Club, Dove Valley and Coyote Lakes. Let us set up your tee times for you and after an amazing game of golf head off to explore Desert Ridge Marketplace, Anthem Outlets, Peoria Sports Complex and the University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the two-time NFC West Division Champions, the Arizona Cardinals. At the end of the day, rest up in and executive room or suite.
Ye Olde Faire
Take a trip back in time to the wildly popular Arizona Renaissance Festival. Find yourself in another time and place with an agreeable rabble of knights, rogues, royalty and craftsmen, all roaming throughout a charm-filled village with 200 quaint shops, 12 stages of non-stop entertainment, an arena for full-contact armoured jousting, kitchens, pubs and people powered games and rides. A most special event is The Pleasure Feast – a five-course medieval feast with live music and comedy entertainment, all you can eat and drink, plus festival souvenir. The annual faire begins at 10 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday through April 1.
Best Views
The Red Agave Adventure Resort offers an intimate setting of two-storey chalets and studios with incredible views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, two of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations. Hiking and biking trails are easily accessible just beyond the landscaped courtyard leading into the Coconino National Forest. The Red Agave is only minutes away from three world class golf courses. Enjoy days of adventure and nights of peaceful relaxation around the evening campfire. The Red Agave Resort was recently rated as #2 on Trip Advisor’s 10 Best Views from your hotel bed.