Valley of the Sun
The Valley of the Sun -- made up of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa
and a slew of other rapidly growing cities -- is arguably the
capital of the American southwest. With close to 200 courses,
the Valley can make a legitimate claim to being the most golf-rich
region in the United States. Each year millions of golfers from
sun-starved winter climates make their way to this sun-splashed
golfing pantheon to test their mettle on desert courses that yield
more lost balls than birdies.
Scottsdale is at the epicenter of the Valley's golf map, and traveling
golfers will be delighted to find one of the most impressive arrays
of resort courses in the world. Troon
North, Grayhawk,
Wildfire,
Kierland
and the Boulders
provide championship golf and luxury accommodations, while properties
like We-Ko-Pa,
Sun Ridge Canyon and Eagle
Mountain stand alone as must-play courses.
To the south and west, Phoenix is home to some of Arizona's most
venerable, traditional resorts, including the
Camelback Inn and the Arizona Biltmore. Golfers on a budget
will also find a solid (and surprisingly challenging) lineup of
municipal tracks. The
Aguila Golf Course in south Phoenix is designed by renowned
Arizona architect Gary Panks, and Superstition Springs Golf Club
(Mesa) is popular with the locals.
The West Valley, including the cities of Glendale, Peoria and
Goodyear, is home to an admirable collection of quality layouts
that don't receive nearly the press as their eastern cousins.
Notable designers include Jack
Nicklaus II (Estrella Mountain Ranch), Hale Irwin (Palm
Valley) and Robert Trent Jones Sr. (Wigwam
Resort) and Jr. (Dove Valley Ranch). Golfers still can find
a round for under $50 in the West Valley, even in the peak winter
season.
The East Valley also serves up some quality golf on the cheap,
albeit slightly more publicized. In terms of population, the city
of Mesa has quietly crept up to the 43rd largest city in America
at 400,000 strong, and Chandler isn’t far behind. Facilities like
Ocotillo,
Las
Sendas and Gold
Canyon have put upscale golf on the East Valley map to stay.
Scottsdale, Phoenix, East Valley and West -- whatever your druthers,
an amazing golf adventure awaits. A little suntan lotion, a good
golf cap and an appreciation for incredible golf course architecture
are all you need to have a memorable golf vacation it out in the
desert.
Phoenix
Scottsdale (Fountain Hills, Carefree and Cave Creek)
East Valley (Mesa, Chandler, Apache Junction)
West Valley (Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear)
|
