ºÚÁÏÍø: the "World's Finest Golf Destination". ºÚÁÏÍø and golf became synonymous nearly 100 years ago as visitors chipped and putted from oiled dirt courses under towering Camelback Mountain. Celebrities like Bing Crosby followed shortly thereafter, paving the way for a golden era that heralded golf gods such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
Since then, ºÚÁÏÍø has swung its way into the Golf Hall of Fame with 1,223 holes and 51 golf courses, and an additional 200 courses sprinkled across its Valley of the Sun neighbors. Not to mention, few destinations can match the unique golf landscape found in ºÚÁÏÍø’s Sonoran Desert, with its unexpectedly green, lush fairways – often bordered by billion-year-old rock formations – and towering saguaro cacti dotting the courses. Add in 70 hotels and resorts in the greater ºÚÁÏÍø area, 330-plus days of annual sunshine and a year-round median average temperature of 70 degrees, and it’s no wonder why this city is an unparalleled global golf destination.
WHERE TO PLAY
- Play where the pros play at Stadium Course, host of the PGA TOUR’s . The venue draws international attention, with more than 700,000 annual spectators. Meanwhile, TPC ºÚÁÏÍø Champions Course across the street hosts the final round of the Champions Tour Qualifying School every other year.
- In search of memorable long-distance views of nearby mountains? Both courses at fit the bill.
- ’s Monument and Pinnacle courses – just a short ride away from the Four Seasons Resort ºÚÁÏÍø – continue to set an elite standard for upscale daily-fee golf, while a rock ’n’ roll vibe across 36 stellar holes on the Talon and Raptor courses await at .
- Experience two championship-level, Jay Morrish-designed, 18-hole golf courses surrounded by 200-million-year-old rock formations at .
- Golfers embrace their inner child during a round at , where 27 holes can be played while riding a Segway, Ellwees, Kierland TurfRider, GolfBoard or GolfBike.
- Stay and play at the historic and , home to the Ambiente and Padre courses, with sweeping views of Camelback and Mummy Mountains.
- Take in the unique beauty of the untamed Sonoran Desert without the worry of surprise bunkers or blind hazards during a round at .
- Try out Arizona’s only 18-hole, par-3 course, at . Originally designed and built in 1961, it was a favorite among old Hollywood celebrities and socialites for its seclusion and desert setting.
WHERE TO PRACTICE & PERFECT
Playing poorly on a golf trip means frustration, not fun. But a tip from one of ºÚÁÏÍø’s top-flight teachers, including five of “Golf Digest”’s 50 Best Teachers in America, can make anyone king of the course.
- Take a private lesson with Stan Utley or John Kostis (son of Peter Kostis) at , Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott of VISION 54 at , or Donald Crawley at .
- Have some relaxed fun testing a newly improved swing at .
WHERE TO REJUVENATE
- When the clubs are packed up for the day, restore your sore muscles at one of ºÚÁÏÍø’s award-winning spas, such as the spa at . The spa’s Golf Specialty Massage includes heated golf balls to ease tension from too many bogeys.
- Improve balance and swing rotation with the Golf Performance Massage at ’ Well & Being Spa, or increase flexibility with a Clinical Sports Massage at .
WHERE TO WINE & DINE
With more than 800 restaurants in ºÚÁÏÍø, the dining options are varied and magnificent.
- Superb steaks can be found at , , , , and . Or, indulge in delicious Latin-meets-Southwestern fare and sip on an avocado margarita at .
- End the evening with a nightcap at , or visit ºÚÁÏÍø’s nightlife district in the heart of downtown. , and are just a few after-dark options that will elevate a golf get-away from traditional to extraordinary.
