Scottsdale and Golf go together like peanut butter and jelly. Like Sam and Dave. Rest and relaxation.
Listed in the 2006 Robb Report as "America's Best Place to Live for Golf," scratch players and weekend duffers alike make the pilgrimage to play Scottsdale's traditional and target desert courses every year. Many end up purchasing a second home or moving here altogether for nothing more than the amazing variety and plentiful choices that the Valley provides a golf enthusiast.
Averaging 330 days of sunshine a year, few and far between are the outings that must be cancelled due to inclement weather. And for those hot summer days? You can get on some of the very best courses for a fraction of the standard cost. And while there are private clubs with equity memberships available to residents, the vast majority are public courses. Of these, The Boulders & Golden Spa Resort was selected as the second best golf resort in the nation for 2005 by Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine. The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North was #4.
The Boulders (South Course)
I'll also use this opportunity to plug my personal favorite course. Actually, two. The Grayhawk Golf Club in North Scottsdale boasts two award winning 18 hole courses (The Raptor and Talon). Grayhawk is not only challenging and gorgeous, but features a learning center headed up by PGA Tour commentators Peter Costis and Gary McCord. Until he moved from the Valley a few years ago, Grayhawk was the home club to Phil Mickelson as well. I actually worked here for one summer upon graduating from college and mistakenly chased Phil off of the practice range one week prior to the Masters. Ask me and I just might tell you about it while we are out looking at property.
Grayhawk Golf Club
Of course, I would also be remiss not to mention the TPC of Scottsdale at The Scottsdale Princess where the FBR Open (formerly The Phoenix Open) is held annually. Renowned for the infamous 16th hole, which is without a doubt the rowdiest hole on the entire PGA tour, the FBR is a place for all of the beautiful people to see and be seen.
With 174 public courses in the area and growing, if Scottsdale is not the epicenter of golf in the United States, it is a strong contender. In addition to being a great place to play, it is a great place to learn. In fact, Golf Magazine listed 11 Scottsdale-based instructors in its top 100 in the nation for 2001.
So whether your game is up to par, or you need a little help to iron out that slice and putting technique, there is no better place for a golf lover than Scottsdale!
The McCormick Ranch Golf Club
Orangetree Golf Resort
Sanctuary at McDowell Mountain Ranch
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Paul Slaybaugh with Realty Executives is your source for Scottsdale AZ Real Estate and relocation. Selling the land I love since 1999, I am a Scottsdale native with deep local knowledge and appreciation of all aspects of Southwestern living. Whether shopping for a permanent home, seasonal home or just curious about what Scottsdale has to offer, I am always available to field inquiries about our wonderful community. (480) 948-9450. Paul@rayandpaul.com.
Your source for Scottsdale Real Estate since the dawn of time ... or thereabouts.
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Here, here...great photos.
I need to get out of the office. I don't know how long it's been since I've golfed.
I'll go to AZ if you pay! Those courses look awesome.
Great photos.
I need to get out of the office. I don't know how long it's been since I've golfed. Those courses look awesome. Best of luck
Hello Paul!
My husband and I are dually licensed in CT & AZ. We specialize in luxury homes for buyers here in CT seeking the beauty and elegance of the SW dessert. We own a timeshare at the Four Seasons and are there often so i agree 100%, plus I grew up in Deer Valley so I am a "Valley of the Sun" girl!
I am the East Coast cheerleader for Arizona, so many people here flock to FLA, which is lovely, but with the mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, desert and the Grand Canyon, people don't realize what all Arizona has to offer!!!!!!!
Adam: Make it happen buddy! You'll like the exchange rate between Long Island and Scottsdale ;)
Debra: The market in Scottsdale is in much better shape than the reports you keep hearing about for the metro Phoenix area. The outlying areas are getting pounded mercilessly, but Scottsdale has held up much better, and there are signs of a very active Spring market right now. Buyers are taking advantage of the unique opportunity that our current market presents.
Danny: Which course are you referring to? Next time you're out, I'll make sure we play it.
Cindy: Tough life, isn't it? :)
Judy: The Marriot at Desert Ridge is where my company has held many of our quarterly events (until we switched to the Westin at Kierland just this past year). You'll have a great time, and I hope you do get a chance to play the course there. If you have any spare time, give me a call. I'd love to say hello over a cup of coffee.
Kelly: Thank you very much.
Ginger: You have to go off at the break of day to beat the summer heat, but it's still warm. The trade-off is playing courses that usually run $200 per round for $50-75. Good enough reason for me to work on my tan!
Marilee: I think our secret is out. We have very much become an "it" destination. Keep up that cheerleading on the East coast. I can hear you from here!
Katerina: I have so much catching up to do, and your blog is no exception. Can't wait to see what your courses look like down there!
Marc: Thanks buddy!
Jerry: You and me both. I rarely get to play anymore between business and family obligations.
Derek: Desert Mountain is phenomenal! You are certainly a cut above my skill set if you can play that course with any semblance of self-respect!
Joey: Come out in the summer when we can get on for a 50% discount, and you've got yourself a deal! ;)
Shannon: Oh, but I bet you have some pretty special views in Naples as well, Shannon.
Paul... one place I haven't been to visit nor play golf in is Arizona... that is one of my goals in the next year two. Some awesome scenery on the golf course. My dad has been twice before, once at one of those golf resorts that give packages with lessons and such.