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With more than 300 days of sunshine each year – and 300 unique courses to choose from – an Arizona golf vacation is
the perfect cure for wintertime golf fever.

Stepping off the plane and into sunny Phoenix, it's hard to deny that Arizona is truly a journey of the senses. From its temperature – still topping 80 degrees, even in mid-November – to its clear sky punctuated only by mountain peaks and gently waving palm trees, there's nothing "autumn-like" about this desert paradise.

But there's more to the Grand Canyon State than the weather (though with the dark-and-dreary days of winter fast approaching, that sure can seem like enough). Instead, Arizona is truly full of treasures to discover – both on the course and off.

Starting in Greater Phoenix – a buzzing yet roomy metropolis filled with luxurious resorts and spas, shopping, dining, and some of the finest golf in the world – and continuing on through Tucson's lush desert hideaways, Sedona's red-rock-crowned courses and so much more, an Arizona golf vacation is practically guaranteed to cure even the most extreme case wintertime golf fever…no coat required.

Phoenix, Scottsdale & Beyond

With a staggering variety of resorts, courses and spas, the Greater Phoenix area – which includes Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Chandler, Mesa and many other municipalities – is home to countless attractions. From luxury shopping and world-renowned restaurants to scenic hiking trails and endless entertainment options, even a golf purist could fall in love with the city's off-course charms.

Not that you have to leave the links, of course. Golf in Greater Phoenix ranges from sudden mid-city sanctuaries to mountainside retreats – all with easy accessibility to the city's attractions.

For picture-perfect views and a private feel, discerning golfers head to Troon North – featuring two incredible Tom Weiskopf-designed courses. Set at the edge of the Tonto National Forest, where the desert and the mountains meet, this pristine wonderland transports visitors a million miles away – even though it's really just 20 minutes from Scottsdale.

Other avid golfers head straight for Fountain Hills, just east of Phoenix, to play Eagle Mountain – a Scott Miller-designed course featuring greens that weave around the surrounding mountain peaks, revealing stunning canyons and lush flora. Others add in a dose of Native American culture before playing We-Ko-Pa, one of the best courses in the state located within the boundaries of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

Tucson & Southern Arizona

Located in the heart of Southern Arizona, the Tucson area offers lush, vibrant courses dramatically set amid sheer canyons, rocky outcroppings and bright-blue skies. While courses dot the entire region, including several further south in historic Tubac – known for its high-desert vistas, numerous art galleries and classic Western downtown – most of Southern Arizona's places to play are within a few minutes' drive of metro Tucson.

One of the most renowned – and definitely on any visitor's short list – is The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, a secluded resort featuring two Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole courses. Here, set against the stunning backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains, lovers of the greatest game tee off year-round amid stately saguaros and pristine desert scenery – while those not on the course can enjoy the resort's 50 private guest suites and luxurious amenities.

Or, play where the pros do at Omni Tucson National, featuring 36 holes of championship golf set in the rolling foothills of the Santa Catalinas. Home to annual PGA tour events and countless other tournaments, this top-rated course features a five-star resort and spa onsite.

Troon North
7th hole at Las Sendas Golf Club
We-ko-pa
The Boulders at Carefree

Winter Golf Across Arizona

Sun-filled fairways and holes with a view come standard across the Grand Canyon State – including plenty of places that stay warm all year round. In Lake Havasu, visitors and locals alike spend their days at courses like London Bridge Golf Club, the city's first – and perhaps still its finest – golf club.

South from Lake Havasu along Arizona's West Coast – named so for the Colorado River, which runs right along the Arizona-California border – sits Yuma, another sunny destination filled with clear skies and perfect golf weather, where courses like Desert Hills, one of the top municipal courses in the country, attract golfers of all levels. Yuma is also an outdoor recreation haven, featuring not just golf, but water sports galore as well.

Speaking of the great – and often spectacular – outdoors, no Arizona experience is complete without a trip to Sedona. Renowned for its invigorating spas and soul-inspiring views, Sedona is full of postcard-perfect red rocks that tower above rolling green courses – like those at Sedona Golf Resort, a challenging course replete with unforgettable views. Plus, Sedona is known for its five-star resorts and spas, dozens of restaurants and a plethora of hiking trails, making it a complete vacation destination.

From top to bottom, Arizona's golf courses offer something for every player – every time of year. So when the weather outside gets frightful, don't fret. Just pack your bags for Arizona – and indulge in a different type of winter wonderland.

Learn more about visiting Arizona at www.arizonatraveller.com.

11/09

 

 

 
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