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CACTUS MAKES PERFECT

With over 200 courses in the Valley of the Sun and another 100 or so spread throughout Arizona, it’s hard to find a serious golfer not smitten with the Grand Canyon State, making the cactus-lined fairways an integral part of their visit. Often referred to as the “Golf Capital of the World,” few, if any, other states can boast such variety. From the Ponderosa pines and 7,000-foot elevation of Flagstaff to the juniper-, sagebrush- and red rock-filled high deserts of Sedona and Prescott to the cactus-covered mountain slopes of Greater Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona offers every golf backdrop imaginable.

Golf is a year-round activity in the Greater Phoenix area, due to the nearly 330 days of sunshine per year. The Valley’s 200+ courses include about 165 open to the public. Nestled in a valley in the Sonoran Desert – there aren’t too many destinations where you can tee off to an audience of majestic saguaros – the area offers some of the most unique and challenging desert-target designs in the country. Incentive travelers can play on courses designed by pros like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, or played on by pros like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Not only does the Valley have an abundance of superb traditional layouts, but golf and hotel rates plummet from May 1st through September 1st, so if you can handle the heat, you’ll be rewarded with serious value.

Probably the most famous course in Greater Phoenix is the TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium course, home to the best-attended golf tournament in the world, the PGA Tour’s FBR Open in late January. Just a short drive from the TPC Scottsdale is the town of Cave Creek, home to Rancho Mañana Golf Club, voted “One of Arizona’s most scenic golf courses.” Rancho Mañana is well known for its fairness and playability for golfers of all levels. Equally impressive is the Raven Golf Club at Verradoin Phoenix’s West Valley, which was named #1 Public Golf Course in Phoenix by Sports Illustrated.

Golf fans will soon be turning their eyes to Tucson and Southern Arizona. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Dove Mountain, which opens January 2009, will host the Accenture Match Play Championship in February. The 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf are committed to a ‘greener’ desert, preserving natural washes, wildlife havens and striving for harmony with nature. This is not Jack Nicklaus’ first Tucson design. Twenty-five  years prior he laid out the 27-hole Westin La Paloma golf course. This magnificent course was one of his original creations and was recently redesigned by Jack Nicklaus himself. Its distinctive desert-scape of flowering cacti, palo verde, yucca, agave and other native vegetation, is meticulously maintained by Troon Management.

Northwest of Phoenix are Prescott and Sedona, two of the Southwest’s true golf secrets. The mile high climate of Prescott makes it an ideal destination for golfers. At 5,000 exhilarating feet is StoneRidge Golf Course, a five-year-old roller-coaster ride in Prescott Valley that calls for accuracy and uphill approaches in the high desert. Located just 45 minutes from Sedona and a little more than an hour from Phoenix, the course makes for a quick retreat to the cooler temperatures of Northern Arizona. Nearby, in the Red Rock splendor of Sedona is Sedona Golf Resort, located on the site of many classic western movies. The Resort combines magnificent scenery with exceptional challenge. With its spectacular 17,000-sq.-ft. clubhouse, the facility offers an ideal setting for gatherings following a round of golf.

And, with so many courses to choose from, Arizona is the perfect host for group golf events of any size. Competitive tournaments, high-spirited night golf using neon balls, and group lessons with resident golf professionals are just a few of the possibilities. Tee up the best meeting ever with Arizona golf to complement your event.

Rancho Mañana Golf Club
5734 E. Rancho Mañana Blvd., Cave Creek, 85331, 480.488.0398
ranchomanana.com

Rancho Mañana Golf Club, located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert in historic Cave Creek, Arizona, just minutes from Scottsdale and Phoenix, features an 18-hole, par 70, championship course with dramatic elevation changes, unspoiled desert terrain, and spectacular views. Rooms and meeting space are available on-site – excellent for executive retreats or intimate sales meetings. Tee times are available by phone or online.

Raven Golf Club at Verrado
4242 N. Golf Drive, Buckeye, 85396, 623.388.3003
ravenatverrado.com

Crafted by John Fought and 2006 Ryder Cup Captain, Tom Lehman, the Raven Golf Club at Verrado is a must-play for those seeking the very best golf the Sonoran Desert has to offer. From jaw-dropping views and rugged natural beauty, to exceptional conditioning and the finest guest service in the business, the Raven Golf Club at Verrado has it all.

Sedona Golf Resort
35 Ridge Trail Drive, Sedona, 86351, 877.733.9885
sedonagolfresort.com

Perhaps no other golf course on earth provides a better combination of jaw-dropping beauty and exceptional challenge. Located in the heart of one of the most dramatically beautiful regions on earth, the thrilling 6,646-yard, par-71 course is widely considered among the world’s most unforgettable golf experiences. With its spectacular 17,000-sf clubhouse, the facility offers everything you’d expect from a world-class golf resort – the ideal choice for groups or intimate gatherings.

StoneRidge Golf Course
1601 N. Bluff Top Road, Prescott Valley, 86314, 928.772.6500
stoneridgegolf.com

Nestled in the middle of Northern Arizona, among the rolling hills and thousands of pinion and juniper pines, sits the beautiful StoneRidge Golf Course. Scenic views, dramatic shifts in elevation and the cool, fresh air of Prescott Valley’s 5,200-foot elevation, combine to make StoneRidge a must-play. Located just 45 minutes from Sedona and a little more than an hour from Phoenix, the course makes for a quick retreat to the cooler temperatures of Northern Arizona’s high country.