Arizona: The Golf Capitol of the World
With the sun in the sky nearly every day of the year, hundreds of high quality golf courses, five-star luxury resorts, fabulous shopping, and top-rated restaurants amid a beautiful desert landscape, Arizona is arguably one of the best places in the world for golf. Below we’ve summarized what the state’s various cities have to offer for golf enthusiasts.
Scottsdale
The name Scottsdale is synonymous with world-class golf courses and cultural offerings. According to www.ArizonaGolf.com, the average high in December and January is 68 degrees. And when summer temperatures eclipse 100 degrees, courses sometimes offer half off or more on their green fees.
There are more than 200 courses in the city including the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, which is home to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Monument and Pinnacle Courses at Troon North, and the Talon and Raptor Courses at Grayhawk Golf Club.
When it comes to accommodations, Scottsdale ranks third for having the most AAA Five-Diamond hotels and resorts in the U.S., after New York City and Las Vegas. There are also more spas per capita in Scottsdale than anywhere else in the country. For those times off the golf course, Scottsdale has plenty to keep guests entertained. The city has more than 125 professional art galleries and studios and events like culinary festivals, film festivals, auto shows and fashion shows are hosted each year. Scottsdale also offers great outdoor recreation such as mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, boating and fishing.
Phoenix
The fifth largest city in the United States, Phoenix also offers warmth and sun throughout the year with unlimited things to do and hundreds of top-rated golf courses.
There are more than 200-plus golf courses in the area, including the Wildfire Golf Club, which hosts an LPGA event, and the newly-renovated Papago Golf Course.
Like nearby Scottsdale, Phoenix also has much to offer in the realm of luxury resorts, spas and dining. Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa, one of the finest golf resort destinations in the Southwest, serves as the base for students of the prestigious Bird Golf Academy. The on-site 36-hole Whirlwind Golf Club is the only facility to have been twice honored as Troon Golf’s “Facility of the Year.” Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa boasts rugged, breathtaking mountain views and the beauty of the Gila River landscape. It is the perfect tranquil setting for students to concentrate on their learning and performance while enjoying their surroundings.
Sports fans who come to Phoenix have the opportunity to be a spectator at national games played by the Phoenix Suns, the Arizona Diamondbacks, or the Arizona Cardinals. And for golfers visiting with their families, the Phoenix Zoo and the Out of Africa Wildlife Park are sure to make a memorable day out for young ones.
Sedona
Just an easy drive from Phoenix is the amazingly beautiful and peaceful town of Sedona. Situated in a stunning mountain setting, Sedona has been called the most beautiful city in the world by USA Today. Bird Golf Academy also chose Sedona as one of the settings for its schools. The Sedona Golf Resort championship course is consistently rated Golf Digest’s 4-star award. Winding around Sedona’s red rocks, the course designed by Gary Panks is as challenging as it is jaw-droppingly beautiful.
And following the theme of high-class accommodations in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Sedona does not disappoint. Already receiving acclaim since its opening in 2005, the Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa has been voted one of the “Best New Spas” by Spa magazine. The resort is within walking distance of Sedona’s art galleries and gourmet restaurants.
Prescott
If the summer heat proves to be too much, the temperatures are slightly cooler in Prescott, Arizona. With temperatures in the 80s and 90s in the summer months, Prescott is a more comfortable alternative to the over 100 degree highs in other popular Arizona golf destinations.
Prescott is home to the StoneRidge Golf Course, another hand-picked site of the Bird Golf Academy. The course sweeps through steep canyon walls and magnificently blends the mountain and desert atmosphere.
Popular golf publications like Golf Magazine, Links and Arizona Fairways have all given the StoneRidge Golf Course raving reviews. Golf Magazine said, “StoneRidge provides as many breathtaking views as it does challenging holes and is one of the best new golf courses you can play.” Golfers staying in the nearby Prescott Resort and Conference Center can enjoy facilities like racquetball, tennis courts, a swimming pool overlooking the valley, a whirlpool and spa, a health club and salon services. The Thumb Butte Restaurant, Bucky’s Casino, and the Eagle’s Nest Lounge provide guest with fantastic dining and entertainment.
If you’ve been on a golfing getaway in Arizona, we want to hear about your experience and hope you’ll share any tips you have with us here. For more information on golf schools in Arizona, visit https://www.birdgolf.com/locations/arizona-golf-schools/.
