The kilted bagpiper heralds us to the 18th green with a resounding golf melody. His silhouette looms in the foreground of the bold sunset, a fire pit blazing beside him. It takes our breath away and we are grateful to be here. Not in Scotland, but warm Scottsdale Arizona’s Kierland Golf Club. The three nines- Acacia, Ironwood, and Mesquite can even be played with segway golf carts. Wide generous fairways are mounted like half-pipe snowboard runs without the flips. Slightly left or right projections off the tee box rebound back into the fairway, but an errant shot will find the dividing desert. For correction, nationally acclaimed Mike and Sandy LaBauve will help develop a repeatable impact no matter how you swing. Sandy says, “Just focus on getting the ball down the fairway” – amazing simplicity that actually works. The majestic Westin Kierland Resort is lit like a holiday. Scotch tasting continues the Scottish theme, but for dining, the latin Deseo will astound you. Few places make you say WOW after dinner. This is one of those few.
Sunny and warm, with around 300 courses to play and 1000s of places to stay, Arizona is a perfect remedy for mid winter blues. For the premier and simple vacation, book at a stay/play /spa destination. Pick the Boulders Resort for an upscale desert retreat. Stay in a spacious casita and watch the golf and roadrunners from the veranda. The Jay Morrish designed North Course has lots of forced carries over desert washes, embellished by a multitude of cacti along the foothills of Black Mountain. The South course has giant outcroppings of rock which formulate the namesake of this gem of the Grand Canyon state. The Golden Door Spa is one of the best in the world with fitness classes, including Tai Chi, taught by Willie (practicing over 50 years) who says we are all beginners. He is the real deal. The new hot and cold rock massage is both relaxing and invigorating. Starting at $849, a ”golfcation” includes accommodations, golf, a custom fitting by Hot Stix and unlimited use of the spa’s facilities. Or for $895, buy an entry to the Waste Management Scottsdale Open, a two-person team event for low-handicap players competing Jan. 13-15, 2012 on 3 of Scottsdale’s top rated courses: the Monument Course at Troon North Golf Club, Raptor Course at Grayhawk Golf Club, and Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale – the same course the pros play during the legendary Waste Management Phoenix Open, two weeks later. The Fairmont Princess’ luxurious accommodations are convenient for this event with another amazing spa, the Willow Stream. Next door, the newly named Zona Hotel. Suites are spacious yet moderately priced.
To follow in the LPGA footsteps, The Palmer and Faldo signature courses at Wildfire Golf Club capture the spirit of the great southwest. Rugged natural terrain with massive bunkering and contoured green complexities emphasize strategy over power, a challenging test for pros and amateurs alike. The JW Marriot Desert Ridge Resort and Spa is impressive throughout with floral arrangements, fruit infused water dispensers and top rated spa services next to the sanctuary pool, lined with thick tall palms and aptly named. Choose the Wigwam Golf and Country Club to enjoy a park like setting with 3 championship courses, rich in history, newly remodeled, and close to sporting outlets. Yes, there is a teepee next to the driving range. If you gotta gamble on the go, make reservations at We-Ko-Pa where the quality of golf is no gamble at all. Grand indeed for the whole “family is The Grand Arizona at South Mountain with 6 heated pools. Bring a tan back to make your friends jealous. Close to the Arizona Mills outlet mall featuring a giant aquarium, theater, restaurants and Game Zone, the par 3 finishing hole reveals the spectacular valley panorama. Try the pulled pork nachos after the round.
Staying at a Ritz Carlton could be a bucket list item and for golfers, Dove Mountain is the site, home to the Accenture Match Play world championships. Fly into Tucson or drive a couple hours from Phoenix. Also in top contention nearby is the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador, the largest golf resort in southern Arizona, picturesque Lowe’s Resort at Ventana Canyon and another JW Marriott, Starr Pass with Arnold Palmer Signature Golf. See a comprehensive listing of Arizona courses at arizonagolfauthority.com or for daily deals go to arizonagolf.com . Get in the zone in Arizona and get your game on.
About Alice and Danny Scott
Alice and Danny are the founders of Butthead Covers, Inc., now writing about golf, business and leisure, while coaching others to launch their businesses and live the American Dream.
Related posts:
