Matt Williams: Laying Down
the Lumber for the Graphite

By Scott Behmer,
Senior Writer

Arizona
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	Matt Williams

Chip Shot: Sweet swinging Diamondbacks third baseman Matt Williams has learned to transfer the All-Star skills he possesses in baseball straight to the links. Here's a look at where the Dbacks cleanup hitter tees it up in the Valley of the Sun.

Scottsdale, AZ - Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Matt Williams is known for his soft hands in the field and his big bat at the plate. In the off-season, Matt transfers those All-Star traits to his golf game.

His long balls off the tee and his deft touch around the green help make him one of the best golfers on the D'backs. Here's a look at Williams' life off the baseball diamond and on the links.


	Ancala

In major league baseball, there isn't a sweeter swing than Matt Williams'. Matt has used it to its full advantage, making numerous All-Star teams, winning the 1994 homerun title, and now driving in runs as the Diamondbacks cleanup hitter. That short, pure stroke is also evident in his golf swing, which is nearly Sam Sneed-esque.

His natural rhythm helps Matt get back into his golf game quickly after a long baseball season. However, while many baseball players enjoy spring training because it offers warm sunny days and afternoon tee times, Matt doesn't take that approach.

"I hardly ever play during spring training or during the season," he remarked to me at the Tucson Open Celebrity Shootout. "I like to just focus on baseball." Matt likes to joke with pitchers that since, unlike them, he's a real player, he doesn't get to go out and play golf four out of every five days.

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However, once the season ends, Matt dusts off the clubs and hits the links in the Valley of the Sun. Living in Paradise Valley, northeast of Phoenix, Matt has plenty of options for a round.

One course he frequents is The Raven at South Mountain, where he tees it up with former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Roy Green for some fun matches. Although neither would give in to who brings home the dough, after watching both play, I'm betting on the baseball player.

Another of Williams' favorite layouts is Ancala Country Club in Scottsdale. Set in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, this Pete Dye-designed desert course offers a peaceful atmosphere, picturesque views, lush fairways, and slick, smooth greens.

Dye created five sets of tees to challenge players of all skill levels. From the championship tees, it plays long and narrow. As the tees move up, the landing areas widen.


	Ancala

Ancala's signature hole is the 441-yard, par 4 #18. With both water and a sand transitional area lining the left, and desert and homes bordering the right, it seems as though the fairway's no wider than a bowling lane. But that's just the beginning.

For your second shot, you're left with around 200 yards to a two-tiered green protected by bunkers. Your approach must find the proper tier or you'll have virtually no chance at birdie. However, if you're on the right level, just put a good stroke on it and the smooth greens will take it straight to the bottom of the cup.


	Ancala

After your round, relax in the 42,000 square foot clubhouse which features a fine dining room and a grill room. Both offer delicious entrees. The dining room is open until 10 pm, so you can return at night for a gourmet dinner. Further, banquet facilities are available for tournament hosting.

Also part of the facility is a complete pro shop, men's and women's locker rooms, heated swimming pool, fitness area, and private meeting rooms. Coming to Ancala Country Club does not need to be just four hours of golf, it can be a day-long vacation.


	Ancala

With only two more weeks until spring training starts, now's your chance to head out to Ancala and see Matt Williams in action on the links. Remember, before the month is out, his golf game will be in hibernation. So come March, if you want to see him hit a ball, you'll have to buy a ticket for a Diamondbacks game.

Ancala Country Club
11700 East Via Linda Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85259
(480) 391-1000
Round: $150

The Raven at South Mountain
3636 East Baseline Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85040
(602) 243-3636
Round: $120

Scott Behmer is the Southern Arizona Bureau Chief for GolfArizona.com. He can be reached at scott@travelgolf.com

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Matt Williams: Laying Down the Lumber for the Graphite

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Matt Williams: Laying Down
the Lumber for the Graphite