Scottsdale Golf
This won't be a comprehensive course guide of where
to play when you are in Arizona. This section is comprised of a
few favorite places to play, and courses that we would highly recommend
to anyone visiting Arizona. Consider it, a local golfer's guide.
There are so many nice courses in Arizona, and many wonderful ones
that we have never played. So, please do not be upset if we did
not mention one of your favorites...these just happen to be some
of our current favorites... especially, since we live nearby. We
like to play the best...and below are a few of the best.
There are ten courses listed here that we love to
play. This means that we only missed mentioning a few hundred other
ones. Nice local courses that we don't play, for no particular reason,
are Eagle Mountain, Orange Tree, Biltmore, McCormick Ranch, Stone
Creek and Camelback. If we had more time and money, we would play
there too. There are so many great courses, though the ones below
are definitely courses you should play if visiting the Scottsdale
area.
Talking
Stick
One our favorites is Talking Stick, on the Salt
River Indian Reservation (in Scottsdale). Two Bill Coore & Ben
Crenshaw 18's - the North Course, and the South Course. There are
no homes along the golf course and the views are as panoramic as
anything in the Valley. Range horses roam along the barb wire fences
that run the parameter. Watch out for radar on the "reservation"...drive
the speed limit! It's not uncommon to see wild horses, and a coyote
or two, while playing this course. Very playable for any level golfer,
and managed by Troon Golf, so "top-notch" courses. We
prefer the South Course, as it has more trees and more scenic than
the North Course.
Troon
North
Troon North golf courses are some of the best. Both the
Monument Course and the Pinnacle Course were designed by Tom Weiskopf
and Jay Morrish. Both challenging golf courses (prepare for fast
greens), and beautiful scenery from North Scottsdale. The condition
is always outstanding. We think the Pinnacle is the best (again,
at least the most scenic). On the Pinnacle Golf Course you can really
sense the elevation, which is about 2600 feet above sea level. Both
are wonderful golf courses! Oh, and make sure you bring your wallet.
The
Boulders
The Boulders is in Carefree, just north of on the Scottsdale- Carefree
border. Two great golf courses. When the prices are down in the
summer, we get to play. It's beautiful high desert. Each golf hole
is memorable. You will never hear anything but great reviews. Can't
go wrong here. Again....wallet, please. Worth every penny though.
Legend
Trail Golf Club
Another beauty. This golf course is just north of Troon North.
Rees Jones designed, 18 great holes. Very scenic. The course condition
is always excellent. Another outstanding Troon Golf managed course.
SunRidge
Canyon Golf Club
Just east of Scottsdale, in Fountain Hills, is SunRidge Canyon.
Less pricey in the summer. Spectacular views, and the course is
beautiful . A real treat to play.
We-Ko-Pa
Golf Club
This golf course is located just passed Scottsdale's eastern
border, and in the Fountain Hills area on the reservation. It's
called We-Ko-Pa (wee-KO-paa). One of the most scenic and playable
course in Arizona. From Scottsdale, you travel east on Shea Road
to B-line Highway, and then just a couple miles north of Fountain
Hills. If you visit Arizona, make sure you play this one. Great
views, though ask if you can drive a cart on the course. It's hilly,
and it can be a slow round if cart path only.
Fire
Rock Golf Club
FireRock is truly a spectacular course. It may be private
now, though was open to the public for some time. It's right near
SunRidge Canyon, Eagle Mountain, and not far from We-Ko-Pa in Fountain
Hills, just east of Scottsdale.
Kierland
Golf Club
Another enjoyable course (27 holes) is Kierland Golf Club,
in Scottsdale. Designed by Scott Miller. Right in the heart of North
Scottsdale. Right in the center of North Scottsdale Kierland Commons
retail shops and wonderful restaurants. Lots to do. Nicely laid
out golf courses (27 holes actually), and don't worry...you are
not hitting over desert if that makes you a little nervous. It is
more of a Midwestern course in that sense, rolling hills and space.
If you are visiting Scottsdale, this is a great area to stay - The
Westin at Kierland, The Princess Hotel, and others. Another course
managed by Troon Golf and where Troon Golf is headquartered.
TPC
Scottsdale Golf Course
Surrounded by the majestic McDowell Mountains, TPC Scottsdale, a
PGA TOUR Facility, embodies the standards of excellence in golf
operations world wide. The Stadium Course, designed by the team
of Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, is a masterful blend of challenge
and playability for the enjoyment of all levels of golfers, professional
and amateur alike.
Grayhawk
Golf Club
One of Arizona’s most celebrated daily-fee golf clubs, mostly
because of Grayhawk’s two exceptional 18-hole golf courses
– Talon and Raptor. Both have earned numerous awards and accolades
over the years.
Papago
Golf Course
The last one we will list for now is
Papago. It is not in Scottsdale, rather Tempe, Arizona, not too
far from Scottsdale. If you want to see how good you think you are,
go play the tips of this beautiful scenic public and very inexpensive
7068-yard course. People love this course like the Bleacher Bums
love Wrigley Field in Chicago. The only thing we don't like is the
slow golf, which is not uncommon. When you think your golf game
is improving, go out to "Pappy" and play from the "tips".
A great test of golf. Challenging and beautiful...a real Arizona
golf gem! Make sure you have an auto-dialer to get through to the
clubhouse.
Some other recommended courses....Ocotillo (Chandler),
Whirlwind (Chandler), The Legacy (South Phoenix), and The Raven
(South Phoenix), FireRock (Fountain Hills), Gold Canyon Dinosaur
GC (Mesa), Apache Trail (San Carlos), and TPC Scottsdale.
|
