Arizona Feature Stories
Ten reasons why Troon North is worth the hefty price tag
It's become a cliche to say Troon North Golf Club is one of the best golfing experiences in Arizona, if not the country. Any list ranking the top courses in the Valley shouldn't be taken seriously if it doesn't include either the Pinnacle or Monument Course. The scenery is spectacular, the courses are always in immaculate condition and the service is first-rate. But here's our own top 10 -- the 10 best reasons Troon North is worth the hefty price tag.
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Luxury, great golf reign at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa near Tucson
It's hard to know where to start when describing the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa just northwest of Tucson. Do you begin with the world-class golf course that sits on the property? How about the 10 tennis courts, four of which are clay? Or maybe the 18 treatment rooms at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa? Maybe it's best just to say this: La Paloma is a bit of north Scottsdale dropped into the Tucson desert.
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The Phoenician: Twenty-seven working-class holes at a world-class golf resort in Scottsdale
Here's the thing about The Phoenician: If golfers expect the three nine-hole golf courses to be as splendorous as the resort itself, they'll be disappointed. But if they don't mind a few extra par 3s, spectacular views and a few chance meetings with the group in the next fairway, they'll be happy they left the comforts of the resort behind to chase the little white ball around for a few hours, Scott Bordow writes from Scottsdale.
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Luxury, great golf reign at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa near Tucson
It's hard to know where to start when describing the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa just northwest of Tucson. Do you begin with the world-class golf course that sits on the property? How about the 10 tennis courts, four of which are clay? Or maybe the 18 treatment rooms at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa? Maybe it's best just to say this: La Paloma is a bit of north Scottsdale dropped into the Tucson desert.
... full article »The Phoenician: Twenty-seven working-class holes at a world-class golf resort in Scottsdale
Here's the thing about The Phoenician: If golfers expect the three nine-hole golf courses to be as splendorous as the resort itself, they'll be disappointed. But if they don't mind a few extra par 3s, spectacular views and a few chance meetings with the group in the next fairway, they'll be happy they left the comforts of the resort behind to chase the little white ball around for a few hours, Scott Bordow writes from Scottsdale.
... full article »Don't let the temperature scare you: Summer deals can be had on top Phoenix/Scottsdale courses
Despite the heat, the summer months can be the best time to play golf in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. For one thing, the courses are relatively empty, so you can get around in three and a half hours, and, most importantly, the rates are significantly reduced from peak season. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, Troon North Golf Club, Kierland Golf Club and Ocotillo Golf Resort are just a few examples.
... full article »A Scottsdale golf weekend to remember: Westin Kierland, Troon North, Talking Stick
Scottsdale is one of the best golf vacation destinations in the world. If you are looking for the dream golf weekend, there are a lot of combinations. Here's an itinerary worth considering: Arrive on a Friday and check into the Westin Kierland Resort, and play all 27 holes. The next day, head over to Troon North, where there are 36 holes. Then on Sunday, you could finish out the weekend with Talking Stick. It's a golf weekend you won't forget.
... full article »Ocotillo Golf Resort in Chandler: Not your typical Arizona desert golf course
Ocotillo Golf Resort in Chandler, Ariz., is all about water, water and more water. There are 27 holes at Ocotillo, and water comes into play on 23 of them. The golf course, reminiscent of layouts in southern Florida, features waterfalls, palm trees and colorful flower beds. It's a treat for the eyes, writes Scott Bordow, and a refreshing change of pace.
... full article »Four must-play golf courses in south Phoenix: Ocotillo, Whirlwind, Poston Butte and Southern Dunes
When it comes to golf in the Valley of the Sun, it seems Scottsdale gets most of the notoriety. But if you're traveling to the Phoenix area to play golf, you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't consider some of the other venues, especially the area south of Phoenix. Mike Bailey offers up four great golf choices in the south Phoenix metropolitan area.
... full article »Playable Kierland Golf Club remains one of the most unique experiences in Scottsdale
You don't just play golf on Kierland's 27 holes. You ride on Segways. You hear bagpipes. You enjoy the outdoor air conditioning. And when the day is done, you luxuriate at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, shop at the nearby outdoor mall, or dine at one of several outstanding restaurants within a five-minute drive. Yeah, Kierland Golf Club is all that.
... full article »Arizona Grand in Phoenix: An unusual golf course you're sure to enjoy
There are many unusual characteristics on the Arizona Grand golf course in Phoenix. "It's different than your normal course," said Steven Mahaffey, director of golf at Arizona Grand. And that's what makes it so much fun, Scott Bordow writes. Is it worth a few hours of your time? Absolutely.
... full article »Ten reasons to plan an Arizona golf vacation
Arizona golf isn't just desert golf; it's a whole separate category. With most it in the beautiful Sonoran desert, golf in Arizona has a distinct look and feel to it. There are mountains and valleys and ideal weather for much of the year. There are as many reasons to take an Arizona golf vacation as there are types of desert plants, but we've narrowed it to 10.
... full article »Ten reasons to hit the desert for a Scottsdale golf vacation
No destination does desert golf quite like Scottsdale. The Valley of the Sun is home to numerous world-class facilities as well as the greatest show on grass, the PGA Tour's Waste Management Phoenix Open. With 200 courses in the area -- and counting -- plus destination spas, resorts and mountain sports, the reasons to book a trip here are plentiful. But we've narrowed it down to the top 10 reasons to make Scottsdale your next golf vacation.
... full article »- Hope springs eternal: Spring training baseball and golf around the Cactus League
- Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa: Anything but typical Arizona desert golf
- In Phoenix for a Cardinals game? Here's where to play golf near the stadium
- Be ready for forced carries over desert at The Golf Club at Vistoso in Tucson
- Photo gallery: Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa
- All natural is something to talk about: South Course at Talking Stick in Scottsdale
- Let 'er rip at Copper Canyon Golf Club in Buckeye
- Enjoy natural golf in the Phoenix/Scottsdale valley, minus the housing
- Photo gallery: The South Course at Boulders Resort in Scottsdale
- Photo gallery: We-Ko-Pa Golf Club's Cholla Course near Scottsdale
- We-Ko-Pa Golf Club near Scottsdale offers tranquility and a great 36-hole experience
- The Valley of the Sun: Top desert golf during Arizona's college football bowl games
- Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club in Apache Junction offers 36 holes of golf paradise that's now open to the public
- No second fiddle: The Talon at Grayhawk Golf Club holds its own among the best courses in Scottsdale
- Tee it high on Tucson's toughest par 5s
- TPC Scottsdale's Champions course steps out of the Stadium's shadow
- Tucson, Arizona desert delights: Five must-play (and stay) resorts
- Scottsdale/Phoenix: Great golf courses are everywhere -- and we do mean everywhere
- Photo gallery: Tubac Golf Resort and Spa
- Enjoy a blast from the past at Oakcreek Country Club in Sedona
- Ventana Canyon Golf and Racquet Club's Mountain course in Tucson: Plenty more than the signature third hole
- After golf, dine in at one of Tucson's best restaurants
- A tale of two courses: Fairways fun, greens scary at Eagle Mountain Golf Club in Fountain Hills
- Photo gallery: Arizona National Golf Club in Tucson
- The Golf Club of Estrella in Goodyear offers scenic, challenging golf - and an escape from Phoenix
- Tricky Sidewinder course making a name for itself at Gold Canyon Golf Resort
- Photo gallery: The Golf Club at Vistoso in Tucson
- Raven Golf Club at South Mountain in Phoenix: An oasis in the desert
- Photo gallery: Mountain Course at Ventana Canyon Golf and Racquet Club in Tucson
- Photo gallery: Omni Tucson National Golf Resort's Sonoran course offers a pure, modern desert challenge
- The Pines Golf Club at Marana near Tucson
- Enjoy the vistas, challenge of the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador golf resort's Canada Course
- SunRidge Canyon Golf Club in Fountain Hills is a shot maker's test - with bite
- Gold Canyon Golf Resort's Dinosaur Mountain course is worth the drive from Scottsdale
- The Monument at Troon North: An ode to golf across the pond
- Looking for a fair, enjoyable test? Hilton's Conquistador Course in Tucson has game
- Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix: The complete package
- Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain near Tucson: Truly ideal for match play
- Scottsdale on the wild side: Off the golf course and off the grid
- Views, tricky greens make Phoenix's Pointe Golf Club on Lookout Mountain a worthy test
- Photo gallery: The North Course at Boulders Resort in Scottsdale
- Walk in the footsteps of Roy 'Tin Cup' McAvoy at Tubac Golf Resort south of Tucson
- Photo gallery: Redesigned and rerouted, Troon North offers a new set of treats
- Photo gallery: We-Ko-Pa Golf Club's Saguaro Course in Scottsdale
- With renovations and rerouting, Troon North's Pinnacle course in Scottsdale is now walker friendly
- Handicapping the seasons of Scottsdale: Which time of year is best for your golf group?
- Five can't-miss golf courses in Scottsdale
- The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Whirlwind Golf Club go "Native"
- As a par 70, ASU Karsten Golf Course in Tempe is a true Pete Dye test
- Give 'em a week, and the folks at The Westin Kierland just might give you a golf game
- Five-star Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia in Peoria: Just as nice, half the price
- Conjure up good karma at Whirlwind Golf Club's Cattail course
- Arizona hotels and golf resorts shine on national travel magazine's rankings
- After golf, lift a pint or two at O'Donoghue's pub in Scottsdale
- PGA Tour-test your skills at FBR Open Charity Classic
- How 'bout that We-Ko-Pa? Original Cholla course still a Scottsdale golf favorite
- America's modern golf capital? Scottsdale puts six courses on Golf Magazine's Top 100 list
- Not just for Giants: Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort is the blessed quiet in Scottsdale's resort party storm
- New Nicklaus course continues Tucson's trend toward blockbuster big-budget golf
- Course conditions to buzz about: Talking Stick Golf Club is an Arizona green machine
- Photo gallery: Omni Tucson National's Catalina Course
- Omni Tucson National Catalina Course: A factory of PGA Tour memories
- Photo gallery: Arizona Biltmore Resort Links Course in Phoenix
- Arizona Biltmore Links a Phoenix golf course packed with drama
- Big budget revamp turning Omni Tucson National into a luxury golf retreat
- Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club: Scottsdale's secret public golf course flies under the radar
- Don't believe the diss: Papago still delivers a good Phoenix golf bargain
- Saguaro at We-Ko-Pa, Raven, Faldo at Wildfire: The excellent underdogs of Phoenix-Scottsdale golf
- Find deals on Phoenix-Scottsdale golf, hotels in early winter
- Catch a Diamondbacks, Suns or Cardinals game during your golf trip to Phoenix-Scottsdale
- JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort: Arnold Palmer golf and excellent dining at a unique Tucson resort
- Golf and get well at Tucson's top health resorts
- Tucson golf goes wild on Starr Pass Roadrunner's speeding greens
- Scottsdale-area Saguaro lives up to We-Ko-Pa Golf Club pedigree
- Photo gallery: Canoa Ranch Golf Club near Tucson
- Tucson's Starr Pass Country Club: Go deep into desert golf
- Canoa Ranch Golf Club an Arizona top 10 surprise contender near Tucson
- Golfing and trekking in Tucson: A good walk meets a good walk spoiled
- Boulders South: Rocks with nicknames, great game and pain in Carefree, Arizona
- Phoenix golf courses save time-strapped business travelers a trip to the desert
- Tucson: Old school Spring Training with modern marvel golf courses
- Phoenix/Scottsdale golf courses: Where do baseball's stars play in the spring?
- Cactus League spring training schedule: Plan your 2007 Arizona golf/baseball vacation
- Front nine at Arizona's Legend at Arrowhead affronts golfer
- Phoenix's Phantom Horse Golf Club fails to impress reader
- The best golf resorts in golf-mad Arizona: A tale of Western wonders
- Reader raves about Scottsdale's We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
- Old school tee boxes - yes, tee boxes - set stage at Arizona Biltmore's Adobe course
- Vintage wine no flight of desert fancy for golfers in Phoenix-Scottsdale