Golf in Scottsdale

This post was written in partnership with Golfbreaks.com

Scottsdale, Arizona is one of the most eclectic and intriguing golf destinations in the United States. Offering not just a wide variety of courses, the sprawling metropolis also provides a thrilling nightlife, cultural activities and shopping. Consequently, it is an ideal destination for a group of friends, couples and families, as there is so much to do along with the golf.

The Golf

There are more than 200 courses in Scottsdale and the surrounding area. It is truly a golfing nirvana. Most golf fans will be familiar with the PGA Tour’s annual Waste Management Phoenix Open, which is hosted at TPC Scottsdale. This tournament boasts the largest crowd of any golf tournament in the world (550,000 spectators over the week), with the unique stadium encased par-3 16th hole housing 15,000 boisterous fans each day of the event.

TPC of Scottsdale is a 36-hole complex that opened in 1986, and is part of the Tournament Players Club network of courses that are overseen by the PGA Tour. 1973 Open Champion, Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish were commissioned to design the Stadium Course that has gone on to host the Phoenix Open each since 1987.

We-Ko-Pa is one of the truly great public golf facilities in the United States. With the highly-respected Cholla Course being regarded as one of the best in the state. Designed by Scott Miller, the course is a spectacular examination of desert golf – overlooking the Verde and Salt River Valleys, Red Mountain, and the Superstition Mountains.

The Saguaro Course – designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw – is ranked by Golfweek magazine as the best public access course in Arizona. With arguably the finest architects around assembling the course, the Saguaro adds a traditional and strategic blend to the desert setting. If possible, everyone should take the time to play it – and initiate themselves in the genius of Coore and Crenshaw.

Troon North Golf Club is the definition of Arizona golf. With wasteland, cactus and boulders separating the fairways – the two courses weave through natural ravines and foothills below Pinnacle Peak. A fine test of golf combined with a stunning setting, with recent enhancements made by original designer Weiskopf, Troon is one of the truly great golfing experiences to be found in Arizona and the south-western United States.

The Weather

More than 40 current and former PGA and LPGA Tour players currently reside in Scottsdale. This is testament to its attractiveness and vibrancy as a city, in addition to the year-long excellent weather and the variety of golf on offer. The climate is particularly hot during the summer – reaching 40 degrees centigrade during the day – so the ideal time for UK-based visitors is probably during the winter between November-March.

Other Attractions

Scottsdale has become renowned for its vibrant nightlife. Named by The New York Times as one of the “hippest and most happening” places in the country, the city boasts a wide variety of nightclubs, restaurants, lounges and bars. This has proven to be particularly attractive to residents and visitors, with a number of high-end and modern hotels opening in the Downtown District – where most of the nightlife is situated. If you want your evenings to be as memorable as the daytime, Scottsdale is the place for you.

Scottsdale is also a shopping hub. The Fashion Square consistently ranks among the most profitable and successful malls in the south west of the United States, playing host to many high-end retailers. The Shopping District is unquestionably an enjoyable place to spend one of the non-golfing days during your stay in the city.

The city is also home to more than 125 professional art galleries and studios, making it one of the centres of art in the United States. This adds a classy touch of culture to the setting – and proves to be popular with visitors.

The Travel

There are daily direct flights with British Airways from London to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport – with a 10.5 hour flight time. From there, Scottsdale is only 30 minutes from the airport – emphasising its appealing accessibility. It is a smooth journey with only an eight-hour time difference to contend with.

The Accommodation

There are numerous and varied accommodation options available; ranging from small boutique B&B's to huge golf resorts with 54 holes of golf onsite.

Golfbreaks.com can handle your entire booking; Flights, Car Hire, Accommodation, Golf.  All taxes and resort fees are included in the price – so there are no hidden costs to catchyou out. Packages include buggies & range balls – allowing you to practice as much you desire throughout your stay.

To learn more about Golf Holidays to Arizon, please - Click here