Tag Archives: golf vacations

TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course

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The pro-tournament that draws the largest crowd attendance in all of the world finds its home in a golf course surrounded by the Sonoran desert and the McDowell Mountains in Arizona. Every year, a huge following of golf fans flock the TPC of Scottsdale’s Stadium Course to cheer and jeer for their favorite pros for the FBR Phoenix Open. The Stadium Course, along with its sibling course, Champions, make up the 36-hole Tournament Players Club (TPC) of Scottsdale operated by PGA Tours. The Stadium Course, because of the Phoenix Open fame, also draws so many golf trip enthusiasts during post tournament season.

Pro- or not, the Stadium Course‘s par-3 16th hole never fails to make a lasting impression and a heart-wrenching impact. Course designers Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish have intended the hole as just a bridge from the 15th to the 17th, but it’s simply the most exciting hole there is on the course. The holes at the Stadium seem easy, like the 17th, but could break any champion’s heart if taken all too easily. The golf vacation destination was made exactly with the FBR Phoenix Open in mind and so the level of difficulty should never at all be surprising.

The best thing about the Stadium Course is its perfect, unparalleled views of the Sonoran desert and the McDowell Mountains. Anyone who visits the course is treated to such breathtaking vista all the while enjoying a fun round of golf or any of the course’s amenities while being serviced by its excellent staff. With or without the tournament, the Stadium course will, without a doubt, be a best seller in golf vacations because of its unique offer of desert golf – complete with a challenging layout and the best of desert scenery.

The Boulders South Course

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The Sonoran desert is beautiful, there’s not an iota of doubt in the truthfulness of that. Many of Arizona’s top golf vacation destinations have parts of the Sonoran desert in the picture. In the high desert, where millions of years old boulder formations surround, one golf course stands majestically – a rare breed of ruggedness and beauty that is now known as one of the best, most scenic courses in Western United States – The Boulders South Course.

The Boulders South Course is one of the two world-class Jay Moorish designed courses in the Boulders Golf Resort. The 18-hole par-72 championship golf trip spot’s signature shot is the 5th hole that requires a shot over an enormous rock formation. Getting past it definitely takes off a boulder-like lump in any golfer’s throat, all the while anticipating the coming shots that may be the same or even more difficult than that. All the challenging layout of Moorish’s design, plus all the drama of the naturally rough desert terrain, set against even more beautiful Sonoran desert views will surely take any golfer’s play to the next level.

There is no doubt, therefore, as to why the Boulders South Course has bagged such honors as a Platinum Medal from Golf Magazine, one of the “Top 25 US Resorts” by Golf Digest and “Top Five – Best in the West” by the Links. It has all the classical elements and definitions of desert golf in all of its 18 memorable holes. Not to mention, the Boulders Resort offers the best amenities and services including a top of its kind spa treatments at the Golden Door Resort making the best golf vacations better than it can possibly be.

Whirlwind Golf Club – Devil’s Claw

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The older of the two sibling courses at the Whirlwind Golf Club, the Devil’s Claw Course has been, for the most part, the inspiration of the younger Cattail Course. Both courses were designed by Gary Pank and were meant to provide a golf vacation destination that both provides a good and challenging layout at the same time preserve the cultural heritage of the Gila River Indians of the area.

The Devil’s Claw Course at the Whirlwind Golf Club plays on 7,017 yards at the tips for a par of 72. The 18-hole championship golf course features sweeping elevation changes, dramatic bunkering and multi-tiered greens. Just like the Cattail Course, this golf trip haven has had minimal landscaping to preserve the natural contours of the desert terrain it stands on. Like its sister course, the Devil’s Claw has five sets of tees to accommodate players of various handicaps.

What makes the Devil’s Claw Course at the Whirlwind Golf Club stand out, apart from the obvious superb playing greens and fairly challenging layouts, is the excellence in conditioning and maintenance of the course. The management has successfully combined that with outstanding service from their brood of friendly and knowledgeable staff – the exact same philosophy applied in the newer Cattail Course. All that and the natural beauty of the area and the interesting Native American heritage woven tightly into the design and golfing principles make the course a favorite for golf vacations. And as with every passing year, there is no doubt the golf facilities at the Whirlwind Golf Club – both the Devi;’s Claw and the Cattail courses – are getting better and better.

Whirlwind Golf Club – Cattail Course

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The brains behind the creation of the Whirlwind Golf Club had one thing in mind:FLEXIBILITY. They wanted a golf course that goes beyond the usual scenic, slightly challenging course layout. What they wanted was a golf course that can accommodate players of various handicaps whilst providing the most scenic vistas and the best of services and amenities – a complete and top of its kind course both for the resident golfer and the golf trip enthusiast. And they got that with the Cattail Course of the Whirlwind Golf Club.

Located in Chandler, Arizona, its designer Gary Panks did very minimal and mild intervention to the natural desert terrain of what now holds the Cattail Course of the Whirlwind Golf Club. The golf vacation destination boasts of 5 sets of tee areas, each offering a different golfing experience for the determined player. It stretches to almost 7,300 yards at the championship tees. The Cattail course meanders through natural Arizona wetland areas and canyons that provide natural hazards for the game. The holes at the course have names on the scorecard, written both in English and in Native American language of the Gila River Indian tribe to pay homage to the heritage of the land it belongs to. Twice in the past has the Cattail hosted the Gila River Nationwide Tour Classic – in 2003 and 2004.

Another feature of the Cattail Course of the Whirlwind Golf Club are its superb quality service and world-class amenities. The staff of the course are all friendly, knowledgeable, and bears the same accommodating stance of the course. Every visiting golfer will feel easily at ease at the course and enjoy the wonderful clubhouse and all its many offerings that are even more wonderful. This place makes for the perfect golf vacations for anyone and everyone.

Legend Trail Golf Club

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If it isn’t a classic and a legend already, the Legend Trail Golf Club is definitely on its way there. The 18-hole Championship facility in Scottsdale, Arizona is becoming known as one of the best ones in the state, and in the country. Of course, if the layout was designed by the Rees Jones, nothing less is to be expected. Naturally, it is a premiere and top-of-the-rank golf vacation destination.

The Legend Trail Golf Club is in North Scottsdale, near the Carefree/Cave Creek border. It is set in the very beautiful golden dunes of the Sonoran desert, with all the most spectacular views of the Pinnacle Peak and the nearby desert hills that seem to glisten under the glaring Arizona sun. The golf trip hotspot features a course that simply winds through the wide desert following the natural contours of the desert terrain. Golfers will play on seemingly endless acres of a former desert ranch that now features flawless fairways, perfectly manicured greens, small bunkering and island greens. The course plays on four different tee boxes, and the Long Trail which stretches to 6,845 yards and the Short Trail of 5000 yards may be enjoyed by players of all handicaps.

With its rare breed of quality service, captivating scenery, and challenging layout, the Legend Golf Trail has earned a reputation among its guests, and 4 ½ stars from the Golf Digest’s Places to Play. It is also one of the best, most favored venues for golf vacations, as it is conveniently located just 40 minutes from downtown Phoenix and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Without a doubt, it has all the makings of a legend.

Grayhawk Golf Club – Talon Course

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The Talon Course of the Grayhawk Golf Club is a most fitting example of perfect combinations. Every single element – from its creators down to the smallest detail of the course – is made of many different combinations that worked perfectly alongside each other thus creating one of the best and most beautiful golf vacation destinations in Arizona, and perhaps, in all of the United States.

Standing in the midst of the golden Sonoran desert in Northern Scottsdale, the Talon Course is only one of the two premiere golf courses at the famed Grayhawk Golf Club, the other being the Tom Fazio-designed Raptor Course. The Talon Course at the Grayhawk Golf Club is the brainchild of US Open and PGA Tour Champion David Graham and architect Gary Panks. They have successfully blended their layout of a stunning landscape and natural desert vegetation with the breathtaking vistas of the desert and the Phoenix and Scottsdale skylines surrounding the area, thereby making the Talon a sight to behold. Golf wise, the designers have come up with just the right amount of difficulty in the shots, narrowness of the fairways and landing areas, as well as the undulation of the greens to make every game and every golf trip at the Raptor as pleasant as it is challenging.

A series of four par 3’s, ten par 4’s and four par 5’s dot the 18-hole par-72 championship golf course. Visitors at the Talon Course of the Grayhawk Golf Club would never regret spending their golf vacations here, as they shall be treated to world-class service from the course’s friendly staff. That, and being conveniently located 40 minutes from the Sky Harbor Airport just makes it even more ideal. The Talon Course is one place that offers a perfect breed of golf all-out goodness – from fun to challenge, to scenery.

Gold Canyon Golf Resort – Dinosaur Mountain

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This is one course that’s on top of the mountain, literally and figuratively. Well, not so much literally, as the Dinosaur Mountain course of the Golf Canyon Golf Resort winds through the mountain of the same name, at the foothills of the majestic Superstitions Mountains in Arizona. The picturesque 18-hole championship golf vacation destination offers not only the best, most challenging desert layout, but of the best views of the Sonoran desert as well. And that puts it at the top of the rankings mountain, as it is the No. 1 rated golf course in the entire state of Arizona.

The Dinosaur Mountain Course at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort offers, by far the most dramatic elevation changes in all Arizona courses. The course is dotted with lush desert vegetation and golden canyons that make for scenic surroundings but highly treacherous shots. At Dinosaur Mountain, you can never be so sure of your shots until you are too sure. Add to it the fact that the fairways are long and loping. Nevertheless, the Dinosaur Mountain Course has completed the requisites for the perfect, memorable golf trip.

Golf vacations have never been more perfect than when it is at the Dinosaur Mountain Course at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort. Visitors are assured of endless rounds of golf kissed by the Sonoran sun, hugged by the Arizona mountains, and serviced only by the best staff. Golf Digest has already rated it 4-stars, and more visitors have raved about the wonder that is the Dinosaur Mountain Course. The visitors cannot be blamed if the course makes it to the top of their own list of the best courses.

Gold Canyon Golf Resort – Sidewinder Course

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The Sidewinder Course at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort is always overshadowed by its more famous sibling Dinosaur course, which winds through the mountain of the same name. A lot of golfers go on ahead to what’s at the top, without so much as discovering the priceless beauty at the base of the mountain. And that’s what they’re missing out on their golf trips.

What the traveling golfers should know is this: the Sidewinder Course at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort is a beautifully-laden, 18-hole championship golf course around the base of the Dinosaur Mountain that breeds challenge with scenery almost perfectly. Being at the base, it winds through the land’s natural arroyos and dry creek beds, providing some of the most challenging desert layout. The landscaping was perfected to match the surrounding vistas to a T. The glistening Sonoran desert, views of the nearby golden desert valleys and the majestic Superstitions Mountains embrace the course of gently rolling fairways, truly rolling greens, dramatic bunkers, and water hazards. Not to mention, the course is part of the Gold Canyon Golf Resort, a world-class facility whose name stands synonymous to “best golf vacations”.

What’s even more amazing about the Sidewinder Course at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort is that, it provides a prestigious play at a friendly price. It is, without a doubt, deserving of its 4-star rating from Golf Digest. It is beautiful, it is challenging, it is affordable, and it is only a mere thirty-minute ride from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport – a classic breed of the most ideal golf vacation destinations. When headed for a game of golf at the Dinosaur Course, it is a must not to miss the wonderful offerings of the Sidewinder.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Cholla Course

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What else could be more picturesque and more perfect a golf vacation destination than one that is located amidst a sea of unspoilt desert, surrounded by majestic Arizona mountains, without the presence of the usual golf residences? Nothing. Nothing can top this scenic quality of the Cholla Course on We-Ko-Pa Golf Club in Arizona, all the more that it has a layout that was meant to inspire and challenge golfers of all playing handicaps, designed only by one of the most noted names in course design, Scott Miller.

The Cholla Course at the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a 7,225 yard 18-hole championship course at a par of 72. Together with its sister course, the Saguaro Course, they make up the newest and best golf facilities in Arizona that winds through the Sonoran desert with the Four Peaks, McDowell, Superstitions and the Red Mountains as its backdrop. The Cholla Course is dotted with cholla cacti from which it is named, and boasts of dramatic plays with more forced carries and few bunkers. The natural desert environment that the Cholla Course plays on is a feature that adds for both beauty and playability, something which makes golf trips hereabouts even more exciting.

Since it opened in 2001, the Cholla Course at the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club has had countless merits to its name. It was named one of the 10 Best Golf Courses in the World by Sports Illustrated shortly after it opened, and ranked highest in the Zagat survey of 2007-2008 for the best courses in Arizona. Nothing can definitely top Cholla’s unique offers of golf vacations that are breathtakingly beautiful, tastefully challenging, and perfect in the best possible ways a golf course can be.

Magnolia Grove – Crossings Course (Mobile)

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A Robert Trent Jones design always bears the renowned designer’s principle of encouraging risky and daring play. Nothing comes easy, nothing gained without risk. This principle is now known all throughout Alabama, and perhaps all of United States, in the famous Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Every Robert Trent Jones-designed course in the Trail has perfected the art of marrying beautiful scenery with challenging, skill-testing layouts making it a favorite spot for golf vacations. One of the most loved course at the Trail is the Crossings Course at Magnolia Grove Golf Club.

The Crossings Course is one of the three championship courses at the Magnolia Golf Club in Mobile, Alabama. A thick hardwood and pine forest gave way to make up this excellent 54-hole golf vacation destination that is dotted with picturesque marshlands, lakes and creeks. The par-72 18-hole Crossings Course at the Magnolia Golf Club doubles as a railroad track and is home to the Avnet LPGA Classic. It was a design made for the shot maker, with its hilly terrain and several of its pulpit greens elevated well above the fairways. Along with the other courses at Magnolia Grove – the Falls Course – the Crossings Course was listed as Great Value courses in Golf Digest’s Places to Play.

Robert Trent Jones Sr. won’t make it to the elite list of golf course designers if he hadn’t proven his worth. His designs have been known favorites among golfers all around the globe. And the Crossings Course at the Magnolia Grove Golf Club, despite being inexpensive in comparison to the more high-end Robert Trent Jones designs, lives up to the designer’s legacy of excellence in course design that brings home a satisfied golfer after every golf trip made to any of his courses.