Tag Archives: golf vacation destination

Legacy Golf Resort

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History- and heritage-rich Legacy Golf Resort in Phoenix,AZ has seen way too many good things in its long lifetime. It has witnessed the glory days, as well as the hey days of Old American West as the ranch of Dwight B. Heard. And today, it stands witness to countless glorious golf vacations spent here – all the while, having Arizona’s majestic South Mountain standing sentinel behind it to perfect the view.

Legacy Golf Resort‘s architects made sure that Dwight B. Heard’s legacy will be retained, even after it has transformed into one of the premiere golf resorts in the State. Some of the original Spanish-style structures remained untouched, adding only some amenities like the sparkling pool and health-spa facilities. Its 18-hole championship course was designed by no less than Gary Panks, and every little element of the course was strategically placed to capture the surrounding mountains’ views as well as each golfer’s heart. Its lush fairways, perfectly manicured greens, slight elevation changes and rough hazards all contribute to make the golf vacation destination a perfect breed of challenge and fun for players of all handicaps.

Because of its picturesque quality and excellent playability, Legacy Golf Resort has earned for its name not only a loyal following of avid golfers but of various golf publications as well. For one, it has been awarded one of the “Top 10 Places to Play in Phoenix” by Golf Digest. It has also proven itself competition worthy when it hosted the LPGA Standard Register Ping Classic in 2000. As it continues to improve itself, in the golf course and off with its world class roster of amenities, Legacy Golf Club will surely continue to be part of many more memorable golf trips in the future.

Faldo Course at the Wildfire Golf Club

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There are many things that make the Faldo Course at the Wildfire Golf Club stand out amongst its neighboring courses in Arizona. For one, it is designed by a three-time Master’s and three-time British Open Champion – Nick Faldo, from whom it was named after. Two, it has 106 bunkers. Three, it sits on a beautiful golf vacation destination in Wildfire Golf Club at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, standing next to an equally outstanding Arnold Palmer course. Nowhere else in the entire state of Arizona can these qualities be combined except at the Faldo course.

The medium length, 18-hole, par-71 course stretches to 6,846 yards of golf. Its most prominent feature is its 106 bunkers that are all over The Faldo Course at the Wildfire Golf Club. That, set on the flattish desert terrain of this side of the desert gives the course an edge to every play. The links-like effect of the flat ground sets it apart from its neighboring courses, and the many bunkers on the course gives it an Australian sand-belt feel to it. The golf vacation package is completed by the breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains that serve as its backdrop.

A golf trip to the Faldo Course at the Wildfire Golf Club is capped off at the Resort and Spa. The most outstanding quality of the Faldo Course, perhaps, lies in its totality. It is a desert course – complete with all the visual delights of the Sonoran desert, but it gives a links/sand belt vibe to the game. It combines fun and challenge in just the right amount in its fairly challenging layout that can be enjoyed by golfers of various handicaps, and it concludes the game with a relaxing round at the Resort and Spa.

Foothills Golf Club

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18 holes, 7000 yards, 60 bunkers, 3 lakes, 4 sets of tees, 4 stars from Golf Digest – the numbers alone can never truly describe the prestige and excellent playability of this picturesque golf course at the foothills of Arizona’s South Mountain. The Foothills Golf Club is the perfect equation that sums up desert golf at its most beautiful state. It is a golf vacation destination that not only is the best, but brings out the best in each golfer.

The par-72 medium length Foothills Golf Club is the result of the aggregate effort of world class designers Tom Weiskopf and Jay Moorish. They made the course to follow the natural contours of the rugged ridges and buttes of the South Mountain, as well as capture the most picturesque views of this part of Arizona. It may be known to be beautiful, but it is more than meets the eye. Golfers who are planning to head this way for their golf trips must never for one second think that it’s going to be easy – IT’S NOT. They would have to battle the dramatic elevation changes as well as the bunkers and water hazards all over the course. But then again, the more difficult it is, the more satisfying it will be at the end of the day.

The course’s various world class amenities and superb customer service, however, will make up for the difficulty on the course. Off the course, they can truly relax and bask in golf vacation goodness. The Foothills Golf Club of Arizona will never come short of delivering one memorable golf experience to each guest. It’s a simple equation: fun plus challenge plus breathtaking views equals a happy golfer.

Stonecreek Golf Club

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The image of enjoying the luxury of countryside tranquility and serenity, basking in the friendly air of dining with friends and families at one of Arizona’s most elegant restaurants is a dream of visiting Stonecreek Golf Club. Make this imagination a reality by personally experiencing the golf club’s breath-taking fairways and beautifully elevated greens. A golf vacation at this 18-hole Arthur Hills designed golf course showcases panoramic vistas of all areas of the course. This golf course travels through meandering dry creek beds that come into play in 15 of its 18 holes. These creek beds feature loose stones and light desert brush. Stonecreek is a great choice for a traditional mix of average level of golfing.

 The course is laid out over 165 acres of land, with lakes, four wetlands, and forty-three bunkers. The back nine has a Northwest style while the front nine is more links-style. The elevated greens and wisely placed bunkers adds tough challenge for experienced golfers. When having a break, “Kennedy’s at Stone Creek” is an excellent place to dine that features a variety of dining from daily lunch and dinner specials to banquet and group facilities. Stonecreek Golf Club ‘s welcoming staffs serve every guest with special attention and professionalism to provide high class experience. Every visit to this golf vacation destination must be special and Stonecreek never fails to meet and even exceed the visitors’ expectations.

 A first visit to Stonecreek Golf Club definitely won’t be the last. From its almost surreal scenery, perfectly designed course, and satisfying accommodations, there’s nothing more to ask for. This golf experience really makes every guest feeling satisfied at having made their dreams of an ideal golf vacation a reality.

Desert Canyon Golf Club

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A golf course that has a great view is great. One that has an excellent playability is even greater. But if a golf course offers the best views of Nature and offers an unequaled quality of game – the kind that combines fun and challenge altogether – then it must be the best. This is what the Desert Canyon Golf Club in Arizona is. And for the last 30 years, it has been proving itself as the best choice for golf vacations in Fountain Hills. AZ.

The Desert Canyon Golf Club is known for its majestic views of the Red Mountain, the Four Peaks, the Sonoran desert, and the canyons and mountains of Fountain Hills. The view doesn’t end there. Being at the Desert Canyon affords its guests a view of the highest fountain in the world – the 550-feet fountain in the middle of the desert, northeast of Phoenix. The 18-hole golf vacation destination may be short, playing only at 6,550 yards from the back tees, but it doesn’t come short of challenging. It plays uphill for most of the holes, causing a battle against the desert wind, and has open but tight oak-lined fairways. Golfers also have to try their best shots at the strategically set doglegs and the dramatic elevation changes innate in desert golf courses.

The qualities that make the Desert Canyon Golf Club the best have not remained unrecognized. Apart from its countless golf trip patrons, Golf Digest has awarded it as one of its ‘Best Places to Stay’ and the ‘Best Public Golf Course’ from 2005-2008 by Market Surveys of America. For it to last 30 years without being overshadowed by its younger and larger neighboring courses, it leaves no question that the Desert Canyon is indeed the best.

The Raven At South Mountain

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It has received a 4.5 star rating from Golf Digest and has been recognized as the number one in Guest Service in North America – these are just some of the numerous awards that makes The Raven At South Mountain a must-visit golf course in North America. What makes it more fascinating is one of its makers is a former golf Champion Tom Lehman. Its background alone makes it very interesting, what more personally experiencing this premiere golf vacation destination?

The Raven At South Mountain should be on top of the list when planning a golf vacation for those who seek the very best that Arizona golf has to offer. The place is surrounded by tall, refreshing trees circling the rolling fairways. A chain of desert mountains makes it more captivating. Raven provides on-site meeting facilities good for 200 people. Situated just minutes away from the Sky Harbor Airport and downtown Phoenix, this golf club a perfect place of businessmen and golfers on the go. A meal, a snack, and a drink are included with every green fee.

Because of its reputation as one of the top courses in the area, the Raven At South Mountain has been given the honor of hosting such huge events as the Arizona Stroke Play Championship. Raven is proud to be associated with their 2001 World Series Champions and Arizona Diamondbacks, serving as their official home golf course. Effortlessly, the Raven lives up to the prestige of its maker, and of everything good said about it. For a superb golf trip experience, there’s just no thinking twice about choosing the Raven.

Lookout Mountain Golf Club at Tapatio

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In looking for a golf vacation destination, the course and the facilities are the core factors that golfers consider. Lookout Mountain Golf Club at Tapatio is one golf club which gives its visitors great convenience with its above average facilities and adequate course. Considered as the shining jewel of the Pointe Hilton Resort in Phoenix, the course has been recognized as one of the top 25 golf courses in Arizona, and one of the top 50 public courses in America. It is also been rated 4 stars by Golf Digest. These are just some of the things that make Lookout Mountain interesting.

According to visitors’ feed backs, Lookout Mountain Golf Club at Tapatiohas quality facilities and a paradise-like environment. The resort alone makes the place almost perfect. The mountain scenery feeds the viewers’ eyes, not to mention the fascinating swimming pools, tennis court, fine dining, and other first class accommodations. A restaurant that serves delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals is also available. Moreover, the golf course is just a stone’s throw away from the guest rooms. So the guests don’t have to waste time in going to the course. They can enjoy endless rounds of golf right on! The field’s dramatic elevation make it a really big challenge to the players. Visiting this golf club is like having an all-in-one golf vacation.

 No wonder why Lookout Mountain Golf Club at Tapatio has received so many honors, recognitions, and awards. It satisfies a guest’s need of fun and enjoyment in golfing. To put it rather simply, it’s a highly recommended golf trip destination for golfers who wish not only to play a typical golf game but also for those who thirst for a heavenly vacation.

Longbow Golf Club

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It is one thing to be called an excellent golf course. It is another thing to be called the “Essence of Arizona Golf”. Skeptics – especially the purists – may have more than raised an eyebrow when The Longbow Golf Club in Arizona was given the title, but the golf vacation destination quickly turned doubters to believers once it was put to a test. The Ken Kavanaugh design has captured the best of desert golf in its purest form – both in playability and in scenery.

Ken Kavanaugh reworked on his original 1997 design, and in 2003, the Longbow Golf Club came out better than it has ever been. The acreage was expanded to reach as much as 7,003 yards from the back tees, playing at par 71. It features the designer’s signature of bold bunkering, dramatic hazards and tricky mounds. Critics say this one stays closest to the essence of the sport itself. Golf trips are even made more scenic by the sweeping views of the surrounding McDowell Mountains, Red Mountain, Usery Mountain, and Superstitions. The best of desert golf is featured in its natural desert environment – unadulterated, as there are no houses nor roads to obstruct the golden desert vista.

Prior the renovation, the Longbow Golf Club was good. But the overhaul must have done it well, in 2009, it was named in the top 100 Resort Courses in the Country by Golfweek, and one of the Top 20 Best Public Access Courses in Arizona in 2010 by the same publication. It has had doubters, but the course has long since rightfully earned its reputation of being a golf vacation favorite that even golf purists praise.

ASU Karsten Golf Course

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The Karsten Golf Course at the Arizona State University was built to mold champions. The world class golf course designer Pete Dye was commissioned specifically to create a golf course that could provide enough challenge to hone the skills of ASU’s athletes. Pete Dye delivered exactly that. And since its opening in 1984, the Arizona State has sent countless of championship contenders and bagged home several trophies from the collegiate golf tournaments. It is not surprising why countless golfers choose to spend their golf trips here. Everyone becomes a champion, or at least feel like one.

Pete Dye and his firm had to totally overhaul an empty piece of land at the ASU grounds, 156 acres in size, to create this championship golf course. The 18-hole par-72 ASU Karsten Course bears its designer’s signature of railroad ties, huge mounds, hidden greens, and dramatic bunkering. The course could play to as long as 7,026 yards from the longest tees. Pete Dye’s wife, Alice, contributed a lot in the designing of the course to ensure that the course is playable and friendly with the lady golfers. The result is a golf vacation destination that will pose challenge to every single champion in the making, regardless of handicap.

Because of the taxing job of making champions out of their athletes, the ASU Karsten Course also goes through rigorous maintenance measures. No wonder it is one of the best maintained courses in the entire state of Arizona, and perhaps in the entire United States. Its superb conditioning and excellent playability earned it 4 ½ stars from Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play rating. The ASU Karsten is a champion in itself, and only it can deliver a golf vacation fit for a champion.

TPC Champions Course

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A golf course owner never would spend some millions of dollars on a golf course for nothing. A lot of work, money, and results are expected to come out of a major course renovation – expecting the old one to come out better than anything it has ever been. The $12million overhaul on the TPC Champions Course delivered. The golf vacation destination that used to quietly stand behind the shadow of its more famous sibling course Stadium (home of the FBR Phoenix Open) as the Desert Course, now stands as its equal in both beauty and playability.

The former Tom Weiskopf and Jay Moorish design was revamped by Randy Heckenkemper, keeping the original beauty of the golf trip haven, only adding a little more edge to the play. It meanders through the desert following its natural edgy contours giving a little more than an upbeat of the heart on the closing four holes. The TPC Champions Course was made in such a way that golfers cannot trust a single type of play but approach each shot in so many different ways. This makes it a versatile course that can accommodate players of various handicaps.

Not a single cent has gone to waste in the renovation of the TPC Champions Course. The former easy Desert Course has elevated its status into one of the most exciting sites for golf vacations in all of Arizona. The now challenging layout coupled with the naturally breathtaking scenery of the Arizona desert have created a championship layout worth more than a single visit.