Troon orth SCOTTSDALE GOLF GUIDE Hi. Thanks for stopping by the www.ilovescottsdalegolf.com website. It does a terrific job explaining why I and many others believe Scottsdale is the World s Finest Golf Destination. Of course, there s always a bit more to know. That s why I ve put together this little booklet. It s full of insider tips and recommendations to help you enjoy your golf trip to Scottsdale. Oh, and if you think I ve missed the boat somewhere, or if you discover something I should add in future editions, drop me a note. I d love to hear from you! Brandel Chamblee Brandel@iLoveScottsdaleGolf.com
As we ve already established, Scottsdale is flush with great golf. ou really can t go wrong in choosing any of them. But there are certain things you might not know unless someone tells you. Here are a few of my favorites. GOLF the grandstands, camera towers and skyboxes are in place. Let me tell you there s just nothing in golf quite like walking through the tunnel from o. 15 green to o. 16 tee and standing in the midst of that coliseum. Make sure you boo loudly if your buddy misses the green. It s only fitting. Waste Management Phoenix Open 16th Hole A Grand Stage TPC Scottsdale s Stadium Course is a treat to play anytime. ot only is it one of Scottsdale s best golf courses, but as the host site of the PGA TOUR s Waste Management Phoenix Open, it gives you an opportunity to play in the footsteps of the game s greatest players on one of its biggest stages (after all, the Waste Management Phoenix Open is the world s bestattended golf event). However, if you want to live your PGA TOUR fantasy to its fullest, try to time your visit during the month of January. That way you ll get to play the Stadium Course when all of Who s Who ot only is Grayhawk Golf Club one of Scottsdale s best places to play, it s also one of the best venues for spotting celebrities, professional athletes and PGA TOUR players. Celebrated golf instructors like Stan Utley, Peter Kostis and Grayhawk s own Paul Trittler bring many of them in, as do Grayhawk s two fantastic golf courses, (both of which have hosted PGA TOUR events) and the club s near legendary laid back vibe. Perhaps the very best place to people watch is from the comfortable environs of Grayhawk s Phil s Grill, named for Lefty himself and adorned with memorabilia from his career. While I can t guarantee you ll spot a celeb, I can guarantee you ll enjoy the experience, nonetheless.
A Little Dab ll Do a As much as I love to play, sometimes you just don t have the time or the energy for a full 18 holes of golf. In those instances, a taste is better (or more practical) than nothing at all. However, you want that taste to be as good as it can be. That s why I ve become a huge fan of the short-course options at The Boulders and Troon orth golf clubs. The Boulders Golf Club calls its offering The Pebble Tees. These tees, available on both the orth and South courses, create shortened nine-hole tracks with holes ranging from 100 to 200 yards. Similarly, Troon orth s Monument Express tees offer an abridged nine-hole routing on the acclaimed Monument Course with lengths ranging from 50 to 270 yards. Greens fees at both are a fraction of the regular rate and the shortened courses can be played in just over an hour. et, they provide all the beauty, drama and pristine conditioning you d expect from these two stalwarts of Scottsdale golf. A Little Off the Sides When is the best time to come to Scottsdale? I get asked that question all the time. Invariably, my answer is right now. It may sound glib, but there s so much to do and see, the resorts and golf courses are so great and the desert is well magnificent. Come anytime. I promise you ll enjoy it. However, perhaps my two favorite times of the year are what those in the tourism industry call the shoulder seasons. For Scottsdale, these run late fall through the holidays and then from late spring to early summer. The days are usually warm. The nights are cool. The city is bustling but never crowded. The golf is excellent and you can find some really good deals on prices. We-Ko-Pa, Cholla Course Some Like it Hot If you re really looking for a bargain, come to Scottsdale in the summer. o, I m not kidding. Sure it s hot. But take it from a guy who works in Florida 100 degrees in Scottsdale, Arizona is WA more comfortable than 90 degrees anyplace in the Southeast, ortheast or Midwest. The rule of thumb is that prices for golf and resorts will likely be half or less of what they would be during the winter months and finding a tee time is never a problem. ou want a real insider tip? Book your golf round early in the morning and then spend the rest of the day lounging by the pool, getting a massage or sightseeing. It s a great way to spend the day. Easy Being Green Sometimes I get asked about the wisdom of having golf in the desert. The question is usually something like Don t golf courses in the desert just waste water? The answer is easy no, they do not. In fact, all the golf courses in the state combined account for less than 2 percent of Arizona s annual water use. Much of that water is recycled, or effluent, meaning someone else used it first, and the golf industry as a whole contributes more than $3.4 billion to Arizona s economy each year. So rather than being a waste, golf in the desert is a good investment for Scottsdale, and the rest of the state.
Camelback Golf Club ASU Karsten Golf Course The Boulders Golf Club Canyon Golf Club ASU Karsten Golf Course 1125 E. Rio Salado Pkwy. Tempe, AZ 85281 480-921-8070 The Boulders Golf Club 34631. Tom Darlington Dr. Carefree, AZ 85377 480-488-9009 800-553-1717 Camelback Golf Club 7847. Mockingbird Ln. Scottsdale, AZ 85253 480-596-7050 800-242-2635 Canyon Golf Club 10440 Indian Wells Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 480-837-1173 asukarsten.com theboulders.com camelbackgolf.com desertcanyongolf.com Course ame orth South Padre Indian Bend o. of Holes / Par 18 / 70 18 / 72 18 / 72 18 / 72 18 / 72 18 / 71 ardage back / front 7,002 / 4,765 6,811 / 4,900 6,726 / 4,716 6,868 / 5,023 7,014 / 5,808 6,506 / 5,230 Slope / Ratings back 131 / 73.8 132 / 74.0 139 / 73.3 132 / 72.8 122 / 72.6 123 / 69.9 Course Design Links Traditional Traditional Architect Pete Dye Jay Morrish Jay Morrish Arthur Hills Jack Snyder John Allen Walking Allowed Lodging on Site Description FALL TRAVEL ADVISOR Traditionally, Scottsdale golf courses overseed during the fall. Please call for availability during September and October. Located just minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport, ASU Karsten received 4 ½ Stars on Golf Digest s Best Places to Play list. The PIG Learning Center houses the latest and greatest from PIG, as well as an outstanding group of instructors. These two 18-hole championship golf courses, designed by Jay Morrish, are considered some of the most demanding in the Southwest and are known for their rugged beauty and breathtaking panoramas. Courses are semiprivate; call for tee times. Camelback Golf Club features championship golf in a parkland setting that promises a demanding and dynamic adventure. The 36,000-square-foot, Pueblo-style clubhouse offers an expansive golf shop, The Grill, meeting and banquet space, and the finest amenities in the Valley. Indian Bend course closed for re-design until Fall 2013 The course at Canyon winds its way through wonderful desert terrain up and down the natural arroyos and canyons that occur in the Sonoran. The fairways, though open, play tight and prove challenging, with strategically placed doglegs.
Grayhawk Golf Club Eagle Mountain Golf Club Gainey Ranch Golf Club Kierland Golf Club Eagle Mountain Golf Club Gainey Ranch Golf Club Grayhawk Golf Club Kierland Golf Club 14915 Eagle Mountain Pkwy. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 480-816-1234 866-863-1234 Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85258 480-444-1234 8620 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 480-502-1800 15636. Clubgate Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85254 480-922-9283 eaglemtn.com scottsdale.hyatt.com grayhawkgolf.com kierlandgolf.com Arroyo Lakes Dunes Talon Raptor Acacia Ironwood Mesquite 18 / 71 18 / 72 18 / 72 18 / 72 18 / 72 18 / 72 9 / 36 9 / 36 9 / 36 6,800 / 5,065 6,800 / 5,312 6,614 / 4,993 6,662 / 5,151 6,973 / 5,143 7,135 / 5,309 3,435 / 2,433 3,539 / 2,552 3,478 / 2,465 139 / 71.7 128 / 71.9 126 / 71.1 124 / 70.9 143 / 73.6 143 / 74.1 130 / 73.0 128 / 72.5 131 / 72.2 Traditional Traditional Traditional Scott Miller Benz & Benz & Benz & Poellot Poellot Poellot Graham & Panks Tom Fazio Scott Scott Scott Miller Miller Miller estled in the ravines of the McDowell Mountains, Eagle Mountain Golf Club is a spectacular representation of man s creation in harmony with nature as it winds through box canyons, rolling hills and lush desert valleys to create a challenging yet fair golf experience. Designed by Benz & Poellot to provide challenging, yet scenic play, the three resort-style layouts provide a refreshing break from the Valley s desert scene. The Lakes, Arroyo and Dunes courses are rotated daily, giving golfers the opportunity to play 18 out of the 27 holes. estled within the natural beauty of the Sonoran, Grayhawk Golf Club offers two of the Southwest s most enjoyable and challenging golf experiences. ou also can study with the best instructors at the Grayhawk Learning Center. The Kierland golf experience includes 27 holes of desert golf that feature the ultimate in luxury, with air-conditioned golf carts, a covered driving range, traditional golf instruction, innovative FORE-MAX golf training fitness program and ProFit custom clubfitting and club repair.
Legend Trail Golf Club Longbow Golf Club McCormick Ranch Golf Club Legend Trail Golf Club 9462 E. Legendary Ln. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 480-488-7434 Longbow Golf Club 5601 E. Longbow Pkwy. Mesa, AZ 85215 480-807-5400 M c Cormick Ranch Golf Club 7505 E. McCormick Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85258 480-948-0260 M c Dowell Mountain Golf Club 10690 E. Sheena Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 480-502-8200 legendtrailgc.com longbowgolf.com mccormickranchgolf.com mcdowellmountaingc.com Course ame Palm Pine o. of Holes / Par 18 / 72 18 / 71 18 / 72 18 / 72 18 / 71 ardage back / front 6,845 / 4,910 7,003 / 5,202 7,044 / 5,057 7,187 / 5,333 7,072 / 4,880 Slope / Ratings back 135 / 72.3 132 / 72.7 137 / 73.7 135 / 74.4 137 / 73.3 Course Design Traditional Traditional Architect Rees Jones Ken Kavanaugh Desmond Muirhead Desmond Muirhead Randy Heckenkemper Walking Allowed Lodging on Site Description FALL TRAVEL ADVISOR Traditionally, Scottsdale golf courses overseed during the fall. Please call for availability during September and October. This exquisitely manicured course meanders through the Sonoran and features breathtaking, panoramic vistas, including well-known natural landmarks like Pinnacle Peak. A round provides players of all skill levels with numerous unique shot-making situations. Ranked as one of the Top 25 Places to Play in Arizona by Arizona The State of Golf magazine. Longbow Golf Club features a daring Ken Kavanaugh design, a striking new clubhouse, expanded acreage and a revamped practice facility. Surrounded by a collection of Scottsdale s most prominent resorts, McCormick Ranch Golf Club features breathtaking Southwestern scenery, immaculate course conditions, a restaurant, pro shop, practice facilities, and gracious attention given by its service-oriented personnel. estled in the majestic foothills of The McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, the McDowell Mountain Golf Club provides a natural option to ordinary golf. Its eco-sensitive layout takes advantage of natural terrain and works under Audubon International guidelines.
McDowell Mountain Golf Club Ocotillo Golf Resort Ocotillo Golf Resort 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr. Chandler, AZ 85248 480-917-6660 888-624-8899 ocotillogolf.com Palm Valley Golf Club 2211. Litchfield Rd. Goodyear, Arizona 85395 623-935-2500 800-475-2978 palmvalleygolf.com Palm Valley Golf Club The Phoenician Golf Club 6000 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 480-423-2449 800-888-8234 thephoenician.com The Phoenician Blue White Gold Palm Lake Oasis Canyon 9 / 36 9 / 35 9 / 36 18 / 72 18 / 62 9 / 35 9 / 35 9 / 35 3,497 / 2,569 3,285 / 2,565 3,519 / 2,559 7,015 / 5,300 4,745 / 3,747 6,258 / 5,024 6,068 / 4,777 6,258 / 4,871 133 / 72.7 133 / 71.3 128 / 72.2 131 / 73.3 103 / 66.0 130 / 70.3 131 / 69.4 130 / 70.1 Traditional Traditional Traditional Ted Ted Ted Robinson Robinson Robinson Arthur Hills Hale Irwin Homer Homer Ted Flint Flint Robinson Managed by Troon Golf, Ocotillo Golf Resort adheres to the highest standards of course condition, customer service and amenities, creating a country club experience at what has become known as one of the nation s exceptional daily fee facilities. Palm Valley Golf Club s two distinct 18-hole layouts, superb conditions and complete practice and dining facilities make it a true gem of the West Valley and a must-play for those visiting the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. The Phoenician s 27-hole golf course offers the challenge and diversity golfers long for, plus the beauty and tranquility that makes the game even more enjoyable. The facility consists of three distinctive nines Oasis, Canyon and which offer multiple 18-hole combinations.
SunRidge Canyon Golf Club Raven Golf Club Phoenix Sedona Golf Resort Talking Stick Golf Club Raven Golf Club Phoenix 3636 E. Baseline Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85042 602-243-3636 ravenphx.com Sedona Golf Resort 35 Ridge Trail Dr. Sedona, AZ 86351 877-733-6630 sedonagolfresort.com SunRidge Canyon Golf Club 13100. SunRidge Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 480-837-5100 800-562-5178 sunridgegolf.com Talking Stick Golf Club 9998 E. Indian Bend Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85256 480-860-2221 888-TROOUS talkingstickgolfclub.com Course ame orth South o. of Holes / Par 18 / 72 18 / 71 18 / 71 18 / 70 18 / 71 ardage back / front 7,078 / 5,759 6,646 / 5,075 6,823 / 5,193 7,133 / 5,532 6,833 / 5,331 Slope / Ratings back 130 / 72.8 128 / 70.6 142 / 72.6 125 / 73.8 129 / 72.7 Course Design on-traditional Links Traditional Architect Graham & Panks Gary Panks Keith Foster Coore & Crenshaw Coore & Crenshaw Walking Allowed Lodging on Site Description FALL TRAVEL ADVISOR Traditionally, Scottsdale golf courses overseed during the fall. Please call for availability during September and October. Constructed in 1995 on fertile farmland, over 700,000 cubic feet of soil was moved to build the non-traditional course in the desert. early 6,000 pine trees were brought in to create a unique atmosphere and provide golfers an escape from the desert-style courses throughout the Phoenix area. Located two hours north of Scottsdale in the heart of one of the most captivating regions of the Southwest, the thrilling 6,646-yard, par-71 course is considered among the world's most memorable and beautiful golf experiences. At SunRidge Canyon Golf Club you ll be drawn into the heart of the desert, playing on lush fairways hidden between steep canyon walls. The front nine plays downhill into the course s namesake canyon. The back nine plays uphill, climbing more than 300 feet in elevation. Talking Stick Golf Club is located on and owned by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The orth course has Scottish-style bunkers, while the South course incorporates tree-lined fairways creating a more traditional layout.
TPC Scottsdale Troon orth Golf Club TPC Scottsdale 17020. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 480-585-4334 888-211-6593 tpc.com/scottsdale Troon orth Golf Club 10320 E. Dynamite Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 480-585-5300 888-TROOUS troonnorthgolf.com We-Ko-Pa Golf Club We-Ko-Pa Golf Club 18200 E. Toh Vee Cir. Fort McDowell, AZ 85264 480-836-9000 866-660-7700 wekopa.com Stadium Champions Monument Pinnacle Cholla Saguaro 18 / 71 18 / 71 18 / 72 18 / 72 18 / 72 18 / 71 7,216 / 5,455 7,115 / 5,342 7,070 / 5,099 7,025 / 4,883 7,225 / 5,289 6,912 / 5,061 138 / 74.6 140 / 73.7 147 / 72.9 149 / 73.0 136 / 73.0 138 / 72.1 Weiskopf / Morrish Randy Heckenkemper Weiskopf Weiskopf Scott Miller Coore & Crenshaw There are two reasons to play TPC Scottsdale: the award-winning Stadium course, home to the PGA TOUR s Waste Management Phoenix Open and the Champions course. Both courses feature undulating fairways, manicured greens, challenging bunkers and breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains. Troon orth Golf Club stands as the hallmark of the desert golf experience, with two 18-hole courses stretching through the natural ravines and foothills of the high Sonoran. The immaculately groomed courses and exceptional customer service together create the renowned Troon Golf experience. We-Ko-Pa is blessed with jaw-dropping mountain vistas in every direction. Golfweek magazine ranks the Saguaro course #67 in America s top 100 modern courses and ranks the facility s two courses as the #1 - and #2-rated public access courses in the state of Arizona.
10 Cave Creek Rd to Sedona Golf Resort 11 Westland Rd Cave Creek Dynamite Blvd 12 3 Thompson Peak Pkwy 101 Bell Rd Greenway-Hayden Doubletree Ranch Rd Scottsdale 4 Scottsdale Rd 1 9 5 Hayden Rd 2 Pima Rd Shea Blvd Via de Ventura 8 6 18 19 Pallsades Blvd Fountain Hills 17 Saguaro Blvd 20 McDonald Rd 7 Indian Bend Rd Camelback Rd Beeline Highway 87 15 McDowell Rd 202 McDowell Rd to Palm Valley Golf Club Rio Salado Pkwy Phoenix 14 10 13 Tempe 101 Country Club Blvd Gilbert Rd Mesa 60 Higley Rd Power Rd 202 Baseline Rd 101 Arizona Ave Queen Creek Rd 16 202 Chandler 10 Ocotillo Rd
Scottsdale 1 Camelback Golf Club 7847. Mockingbird Ln. Scottsdale, AZ 85253 480-596-7050 800-242-2635 camelbackgolf.com 2 Gainey Ranch Golf Club Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85258 480-444-1234 scottsdale.hyatt.com 3 Grayhawk Golf Club 8620 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 480-502-1800 grayhawkgolf.com 4 Kierland Golf Club 15636. Clubgate Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85254 480-922-9283 kierlandgolf.com 5 McCormick Ranch Golf Club 7505 E. McCormick Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85258 480-948-0260 mccormickranchgolf.com 6 McDowell Mountain Golf Club 10690 E. Sheena Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 480-502-8200 mcdowellmountaingc.com 7 The Phoenician Golf Club 6000 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 480-423-2449 800-888-8234 thephoenician.com 8 Talking Stick Golf Club 9998 E. Indian Bend Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85256 480-860-2221 888-TROOUS talkingstickgolfclub.com 9 TPC Scottsdale 17020. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 480-585-4334 888-211-6593 tpc.com/scottsdale Cave Creek 10 The Boulders Golf Club 34631. Tom Darlington Dr. Carefree, AZ 85377 480-488-9009 800-242-2635 Theboulders.com 11 Legend Trail Golf Club 9462 E. Legendary Ln. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 480-488-7434 legendtrailgc.com 12 Troon orth Golf Club 10320 E. Dynamite Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 480-585-5300 888-TROOUS troonnorthgolf.com Tempe 13 ASU Karsten Golf Course 1125 E. Rio Salado Pkwy. Tempe, AZ 85281 480-921-8070 asukarsten.com Phoenix 14 Raven Golf Club Phoenix 3636 E. Baseline Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85042 602-243-3636 ravenphx.com Mesa 15 Longbow Golf Club 5601 E. Longbow Pkwy. Mesa, AZ 85215 480-807-5400 longbowgolf.com Chandler 16 Ocotillo Golf Resort 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr. Chandler, AZ 85248 480-917-6660 888-624-8899 ocotillogolf.com Fountain Hills 17 Canyon Golf Club 10440 Indian Wells Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 480-837-1173 desertcanyongolf.com 18 Eagle Mountain Golf Club 14915 Eagle Mountain Pkwy. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 480-816-1234 866-863-1234 eaglemtn.com 19 SunRidge Canyon Golf Club 13100. SunRidge Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 480-837-5100 800-562-5178 sunridgegolf.com 20 We-Ko-Pa Golf Club 18200 E. Toh Vee Cir. Fort McDowell, AZ 85264 480-836-9000 866-660-7700 wekopa.com not shown on map Goodyear 21 Palm Valley Golf Club 2211. Litchfield Rd. Goodyear, Arizona 85338 623-935-2500 info@palmvalleygolf.com Sedona 22 Sedona Golf Resort 35 Ridge Trail Dr. Sedona, AZ 86351 877-733-6630 sedonagolfresort.com View Goodyear and Sedona Maps
Mexican Cuisine at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess DIIG There s nothing better after a great round of golf with friends than getting cleaned up a bit and enjoying a good meal. Doesn t matter if it s a sports bar or microbrewery with great food, a world-class steak paired with the perfect bottle of wine, or something a little more adventurous or exotic. The conversations and good times just seem to flow effortlessly. I love it. Unless you ve been keeping score, you might not know that Scottsdale has long been considered a top spot for dining. The variety is tremendous more than 600 in all. It runs the gamut from simple and accessible to as chic as you please with award-winning chefs and magnificent talent yet to be discovered. And, with our outstanding climate you can enjoy al fresco dining all winter long.
ewcomers Hand-Made Guacamole at The Mission Located off Stetson Drive in downtown Scottsdale, Barrio Queen (open since Jan. 2012) may be a new kid on the block, but celebrated Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza serves up Mexico s delectable culinary and cultural treasures with her own brand of calle (street) attitude. Choices range from inexpensive tacos, tamales and burritos to wonderful conchinita pibil, mole dishes and chile rellenos. Traditional Mexican breakfasts are served until 3 p.m., and Barrio Queen offers an extensive selection of tequilas and other spirits. Scottsdale may not be a hotbed of German cuisine yet. But, that could all change with the opening of Dave Andrea s Brat Haus.He and Chef Payton Curry have assembled a charming, casual eatery featuring an impressive selection of traditional and gourmet sausages (made in house or from the Valley s Schreiner s Fine Sausage) as well as unique burgers, Belgian fries and homemade pretzels. The restaurant s Bru Haus offers more than two dozen German, Belgian and orth American craft beers as well as artisan sodas and select wines. Local Luminaries Even if you don t know James Beard from James Bond, you ll easily recognize one of Scottsdale s culinary superstars Food etwork star Beau MacMillan, the executive chef at elements restaurant at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa. MacMillan places an emphasis on fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, utilizing a small network of local organic farmers and ranchers who supply his restaurant with the highest quality-product available. Another top chef is FnB restaurant s Charleen Badman whose Braised Leeks with mozzarella and a fried egg, earned a prestigious spot on FOOD & WIE s Top 10 Restaurant Dishes of 2010. FnB also was named Best ew Restaurant by The Arizona Republic, Phoenix Magazine and Phoenix ew Times, as well as a noteworthy nod in the ew ork Times for the all-arizona wine list authored by FnB s charismatic front man and co-owner, Pavle Milic. For a unique culinary adventure, visit Chef Joshua Hebert at Posh. The first thing you ll notice is that there s no menu. That s right no menu. ou ll receive a list of ingredients Hebert currently has on hand and cross off anything you don t like. From there, Herbert will create a custom meal just for you. And for Latin American cuisine that sizzles with contem porary style and robust flavors, head over to The Mission where Chef Matt Carter has garnered rave reviews for specialties like Green Chili Duck Confit and Shortrib Asado egro. The Mission s hand-crafted cocktails, using freshly pressed juice and organic ingredients, have also earned glowing reviews. Here s a good tip: The Mission s made-at-your-table guacamole is awesome don t miss it!
Downtown Delights Culinary Dropout doesn t follow your typical restaurant rules. The staff wears their own clothes (no uniforms here), the entire menu is under $23, and the atmosphere is so relaxed, you just might feel like you re in your own kitchen. That is, if your kitchen served amped-up pub grub like Chef Clint Woods Soft Pretzels with buttery provolone fondue, Short Rib Pasta, and Bistro Steak with blue cheese and peppercorn sauce. Another great new place is Chef Bernie Kantak s (formerly of Cowboy Ciao and Kazimierz) Citizen Public House, a chic version of a traditional public house that serves craft beers, innovative cocktails and upscale pub food. Finally, Eddie s House in the heart of downtown treats diners to fresh, innovative cuisine that has a decidedly fun edge. The menu, authored by Chef Eddie Matney, features meals rich in flavor and creativity. Among the specialties are the Chermoula Roasted Pacific Sea bass served with candied lemon broccolini and the Eddie s House Chicken with asiago cream spinach and fingerling potatoes. Culinary Dropout Steakhouse Favorites Don & Charlie s, a landmark in downtown Scottsdale since 1981, is a virtual shrine to sports memorabilia. From celebrity caricatures and autographed bats and balls to signed magazine covers and much more, it s easy to see why Don & Charlie s is a favorite of fans and players alike, especially during Spring Training season in March. While the restaurant's memorabilia collection and friendly staff create a fun, welcoming atmosphere, the true MVP is a Chicago-inspired menu that includes prime steaks, fresh seafood, barbecue ribs and a complimentary chopped liver plate served before every dinner. Likewise, El Chorro has been a Valley tradition since the late 1930s when the original buildings, which previ ously housed the Judson School for Girls, were converted to a restaurant and lodge. Clark Gable, Milton Berle and David Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright, were among the lodge s first prominent visitors. El Chorro is now known for its exquisite beef, fish and chicken entrées, as well as its world-famous sticky buns. Another long-time Scottsdale favorite, the Pink Pony, serves up prime meats and seafood, as well as innovative sandwiches, and comfort-food favorites like meatloaf and chicken pot pie. El Chorro
Pinnacle Peak Patio Steakhouse Don & Charlie s Rusty Spur Saloon Roaring Fork Urban Cowboy o trip to Scottsdale would be complete without a true Western meal. One of the best places to get your cowboy on is Pinnacle Peak Patio Steakhouse. Mesquite-grilled steaks are the big draw, but you ll also find delicacies like Baby-Back Ribs with prickly pear/chipotle barbecue sauce and other adventurous offerings on the menu. Two quick caveats: Don t order anything well done or you ll be served a charred cowboy boot (seriously), and leave your tie at home unless you want it to join the thousands of clipped ties hanging from the ceiling. The Rusty Spur Saloon is Scottsdale s oldest cowboy saloon and is registered as a historic landmark. It used to be the Farmer s Bank of Arizona. Today, the old bank vault is still there, but holds liquor instead of money. The Spur features live music and dancing 364 days and nights a year, as well as a lunch-only menu with hearty offerings like the half-pound Chili Cheese Burger and Landslide achos. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the Spur also draws a celebrity clientele Clint Eastwood, Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn and Dierks Bentley are among those who have bellied up to the Spur s wood-topped bar. For authentic honky tonkin, it s hard to beat Handlebar J Restaurant & Saloon. Handlebar J dishes up Western favorites like Barbecue Ribs, Grilled Steaks and Cowboy Burgers. Plus, there s live country music playing seven nights a week. If your two-step needs a refresher, they offer free country dance lessons every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evening. For more refined cowboy cooking, head on over to Roaring Fork. Favorites here include the Roasted and Smoked Long Bone Ribs with Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce and the Famous Roaring Fork Big Ass Burger, 12 ounces of grilled love topped with Longhorn cheddar and smoked bacon. Tip: Save room for a side of Green Chili Mac and Cheese.
Four Seasons Resort RESORTS I ve been told that Scottsdale is home to the finest concentration of golf-oriented, full-service resorts in orth America, and that wouldn t surprise me a bit. What I know for sure, is no matter what type of experience you want, you can find it here in Scottsdale. We ve got everything from world-class luxury resorts to intimate boutique properties. We ve got out-of-the-way oases surrounded by the Sonoran and swank city hotels close to all the attractions. We ve got places for friends, couples, business associates and families. We even have casino resorts that rival anything offered in Vegas. With so much to offer, I can t cover all the bases, but here are some of my favorites.
Gems Scottsdale s Sonoran is spectacular no matter where you stay, but if you really want to experience the desert at its very finest without sacrificing one iota of luxury or being too far from great golf my suggestion would be either The Boulders, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, or Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon orth. The Boulders is located on 1,300 acres of perhaps the most dramatically beautiful desert in north Scottsdale. The setting is absolutely otherworldly. Wildlife viewing along the golf course is superb and at night the skies are filled with countless stars. Oh, and the Golden Door Spa is pretty out of this world, too. ot to be outdone, the Four Seasons Resort is tucked into the foothills of Scottsdale s iconic McDowell Mountains. The service, accommodations and amenities are everything you d expect from a Four Seasons, and for my money, there s no better place to watch the sunset. If you re energetic, the nearby Pinnacle Peak hiking trail is one of Scottsdale s finest. And for a taste of old Arizona, you can drive across the street and check out Greasewood Flat. I recommend the green chili cheeseburgers. ou ll know why when you try one. Zona Hotel & Suites The Gang s All Here My favorite golf trips include a lot of people friends, family, friends of family you name it. The more the merrier. It makes things fun, especially when there are one or two in the group who haven t heard all my stories yet. However, traveling in a large herd can sometimes make accommodations difficult. ou need space, and you want to relax where you can hang with just your friends. obody else. On those kinds of trips, my pick in Scottsdale is Zona Hotel & Suites. This full-service resort is just steps from the famed TPC Scottsdale and offers unique one- to four-bedroom suites with full kitchens and living rooms. Perfect for buddies traveling together, families or what have you. The Boulders
Love is in the Air Occasionally, golf trips masquerade as a couple s retreat. If you find yourself in such a predicament, book your accommodations at The Royal Palms Resort and Spa. ot only was the resort name one of the Top 50 Romantic Retreats in the world by Travel + Leisure, but it also has a staff member dedicated to coaching the romantically challenged who will assist guests with ordering flowers, making dinner reservations and spa appointments, and making sure everything is perfect for your time together. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Center of Attention If you d prefer a golf resort that s a little more in town than out, there are plenty of great choices. Three of my favorites are The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, and The Phoenician. Located in north central Scottsdale with easy freeway access, The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and Westin Kierland Resort & Spa offer the epitome of Scottsdale luxury. Plus, they are minutes from the very best golf, dining, shopping and nightlife this city has to offer. Closer to downtown Scottsdale is The Phoenician. With 27-holes of beautifully manicured golf laced along the base of Scottsdale s iconic Camelback Mountain, world-class dining, shopping and sublime accommodations, this resorts sets the standard for luxury in the heart of Scottsdale. The Phoenician The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
The Royal Palms Resort & Spa Hotel Valley Ho Oceanfront Property Scottsdale may be land locked, but that doesn t mean there s any lack of water-born fun. One of my family s favorite places to get wet is the incredible two-and-a-half-acre water playground featuring a three-story waterslide and massive white-sand beach at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa. For something a little more adult, it s hard to beat the Hotel Valley Ho s OH Pool with its olive-and-martini-glass design and retro-chic chaises. DJ-spun music is offered up every Saturday from May through September. And, WET at the W Scottsdale Hotel features breathtaking city views, underwater lighting and music, as well as 13 private cabanas. eed I say more? Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa W Scottsdale Hotel
Fort McDowell Adventures ACTIVITIES Face it. ou can t play golf all the time it d be cool if you could, but you can t. So occasionally, you might want to branch out. Do something different and have a little fun that doesn t involve a stick and a ball. Unlike some other golf-centric destinations, you can actually do this in Scottsdale. And, it doesn t matter if your idea of adventure is climbing a mountain peak, riding horseback through the desert or maxing out your credit card and partying until the wee hours of the morning. Whatever it is you d like to do, you ll find opportunity for it in Scottsdale. Here are some hints to get you started on your adventure:
Kierland Commons Scottsdale Fashion Square Buyer s Market One popular pastime in Scottsdale is shopping. Options include upscale fashion centers, sunny outdoor promenades and eclectic one-of-a-kind boutiques. Among these you ll find famed national retailers as well as exclusive treasures available only in Arizona. For a little something to help you remember your Scottsdale adventure, check out Saba s Western Wear for high-quality authentic boots, shirts, hats, belts and more. Likewise, River Trading Post on Main Street in Scottsdale offers an inviting exploration of fine ative American art and artifacts. The wide ranging collection includes avajo weavings, Hopi kachina dolls and plains beadwork. However, River Trading Post is best known for its wide assortment of Pueblo pottery. It also features a line of Pendleton blankets. For more contemporary looks, visit Scottsdale Fashion Square, Kierland Commons or the new Scottsdale Quarter. Each offers a wide variety of luxury brands and local favorites as well as excellent options for dining and other fun. Scottsdale Waterfront
House Rules Of course, not all the wild life in Scottsdale takes place outside. Sometimes to find a good time you ve got to explore the great indoors. Here, that s easy to do. Downtown Scottsdale offer s more than 75 nightclubs, bars and lounges many within easy walking distance of each other. If you venture farther afield there are plenty more to explore. Scottsdale s nightlife ranges from sophisticated lounges to fun-loving sports bars, relaxed wine bars and high-energy dance clubs. Perhaps the most stylish and romantic of all Scottsdale watering holes, The CasaBlanca Lounge has an ambiance like no other. Part speak-easy, part modern cocktail lounge, Casa- Blanca flits between timelessness and innovation. Award-winning mixologists keep glasses full and guests intrigued. Balconies offer superb views, and the unique speak-easy room is ideal for private affairs. ot far away, you ll find an opposite (though just as fun) experience at Dos Gringos. A rowdy spring-break-in-mexico indoor/outdoor kinda place with solid tacos and cold drinks. Perfect for frat boys and girls of all ages. Or if you want to watch your favorite games while playing some games of your own, visit Player s Sports Bar at Talking Stick Casino. A pitching-wedge from the outstanding Talking Stick Golf Course, this new, luxury resort casino offers live music, casino gaming and more. Dos Gringos Outward Bound Scottsdale is in the heart of the Sonoran, perhaps the most beautiful and vibrant desert environment on earth. Being able to experience it firsthand is one of my favorite aspects of playing golf here, but it s even that much better when you can get out in it. If you re a hiker, you can always climb to the summit of Camelback Mountain. The Echo Canyon Summit Trail is a bit strenuous, but the views are spectacular. So are many of the other hikers you ll see on the trail. But if you really want to enjoy the desert in all of its natural beauty, my pick is Scottsdale s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It s 21,400 acres of the prettiest landscape in Scottsdale. Trails run from leisurely circuits to lung-busting ascents to the tops of the 4,000-foot summits of the McDowell Mountains. Beauty, wildlife and history abound.if you d rather be carried into the desert, Scottsdale has tons of options including a wide variety of horseback riding and jeep tour adventures. All of them are great, but for good, old-fashioned let s-get-dirtyand-have-some-fun smiles you just can t beat Green Zebra Adventures. The company offers guided, you-drive- em Tomcar excursions (think suped-up, nearly indestructible sand rails) that run from a few hours to all day. Highlights include exciting climbs, daring descents and the unbridled beauty of the Sonoran. Stops offer opportunities for you to enjoy the desert up close and hear tales of Fort McDowell s history, legends and lore.
Sonoran Guides White Water Rafting Sonoran Jeep Tours The Scenic Senoran Biking in McDowell Mountain Preserve On a Roll Life is a participation sport in Scottsdale. The city is bustling year-round with active, healthy individuals out to enjoy the weather, the scenic beauty and each other. It should come as no surprise then that according to the League of American Bicyclists, Scottsdale is one of only 14 gold-level bicycle-friendly communities in the country. There are fantastic mountain bike trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Road bike enthusiasts have dozens of routes from which to choose. But for leisure fun, one of the best city rides in the country is the Scottsdale Green Belt Trail that runs 15 miles from Scottsdale s southern border with Tempe to Shea Boulevard in north-central Scottsdale. So That s It. Well, there you go. Those are my insider tips for enjoying your next golf trip to Scottsdale. With everything Scottsdale has going for it, you just can t go wrong. The most important thing is to simply come experience it for yourself. Afterwards, you can drop me a note and let me know what your favorites were. I look forward to hearing from you. Brandel@iLoveScottsdaleGolf.com