Scot-Free in Scottsdale
Arizona Has Its Share of World-Class Courses to Help You Make a Clean Getaway
BY RYAN BYERS
Located less than 20 miles from downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale is known as the Beverly Hills of Arizona as well as one of the golf Meccas of the United States. With nearly 100 courses within approximately 40 miles from the center of Scottsdale, it is hard to choose where to tee it up. There are a few courses in Scottsdale in particular that stand out from the rest due to their natural, breathtaking surroundings as well as spectacular layouts.
Troon North Golf Club in North Scottsdale is highly regarded as 36 of the best holes Arizona has to offer. Designed by esteemed golf course designer Tom Weiskopf, the Troon North Monument and Pinnacle golf courses wrap around the northern slopes of the landmark Pinnacle Peak, creating unmatched natural desert scenery. The postcard-like views are just one of the perks of playing Troon North Golf Club.
Many of the tee boxes, set like pedestals perched above the fairways, create elevation changes. The lush and very green rolling fairways weave between the rough and rugged desert landscape. The impeccably manicured greens offer subtle breaks and are surrounded by numerous strategically placed sand bunkers, creating a great challenge to even the best of golfers. The 407-yard par-4 18th is the signature hole on the Pinnacle Course, which features a tee shot directly at Pinnacle Peak and requires a 250-yard carry over a monstrous fairway- wide bunker. This is just one example of the precision required from these courses. Troon North’s Monument and Pinnacle courses consistently rank at the top of every avid golfer’s must-play list. troonnorthgolf.com
Named “North America’s Leading Golf Resort” by the World Travel Awards, The Phoenician has been ranked among the “Top 75 Golf Resorts in America” by Golf Digest. With such lofty accolades, it’s no wonder that The Phoenician is a perennial favorite of Arizona duffers. The Phoenician features a 27-hole championship golf course that is contoured out of the beauty of the spectacular Sonoran Desert in Scottsdale. Designed by famed golf course designer Ted Robinson, Sr., The Phoenician offers its guests three diverse nine holes with unique design and landscape. The names of the three nines are aptly titled Canyon, Desert, and Oasis. The scorecard lists the courses as less than 6,100 yards, a misleading statistic. Once you hit the links, a quaint variety of holes, perfect conditions, and terrific scenery will relegate the lack of course distance to a footnote. The Desert Course features dramatic elevation changes and great views, while the Canyon, which is located on the southern slope of Camelback Mountain, offers sweeping views of the valley. With its lush tropical scenery as well as Arizona’s only sandisland green, The Phoenician golf experience is one that you will want to revisit. thephoenician.com/golf
After conquering the desert’s finest courses, it’s time to unwind, relax, and receive some well-deserved pampering. What better place to do so than the 5-star Four Seasons Resort at Troon North. Located just a short drive from Troon North golf facility high in the Sonoran Desert (in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak), this Southwesternstyle resort blends flawlessly with the surrounding desert environment. With 210 large guest rooms (including 22 suites), the luxury you have come to expect at a Four Seasons resort comes in ample supply, as well as unmatched amenities including a fireplace, luxurious bathroom, flat-screen televisions, and Internet access.
With outstanding dining options, there is no reason to leave the resort to dine. If it is a light meal you are in search of, there is the casual poolside Saguaro Blossom Restaurant. Talavera
is a modern take on the classic steakhouse. With dramatic views of the deserts and the valley, not to mention the spectacular dishes, Talavera is a must try. Adjacent to Talavera restaurant, Onyx Bar & Lounge features a menu of Southwestern-inspired small plates and fresh, handcrafted cocktails.
You are guaranteed to relax in the 12,000 square foot Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. At the conclusion of your round of golf, there is the perfectly tailored Golfers Massage designed to relax the exact muscles you put to work on the course. With an extensive menu of facial, massage, and body treatment options, you are assured to walk out of the spa fully rejuvenated.
Considering the Four Seasons Resort at Troon North has two of the top golf courses in the state, fabulous shopping, dining, as well as many activities and services that will leave you feeling spoiled, there is no better time to experience Scottsdale than the present.
