Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club
Start your Arizona holiday at "Scottsdale Silverado," an 18-hole facility that is less than 6,400 yards from the back tees and has a par of 70. The golf course opened in 2000 after Ross Graves and Jack Gilmore did their usual magic as architects of the course. They saved the signature hole until the last, a par 3 measuring 157 yards, with an elevated tee offering a breathtaking view punctuated by the Mummy Mountains that serve as a backdrop. The green of this hole is surrounded by a lake and four bunkers, making it one of the Valley's finest finishing holes.
5 E. Indian Bend Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250-4634
P: (480) 778-0100
F: (480) 778-1404
http://www.scottsdalesilveradogolfclub.com
Talking Stick Golf Club
Two at a time. That's right, there are two golf courses here, both created by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore on Indian land that offer you a memorable golfing experience regardless of how well you play. If you enjoy playing a links-style course that meanders through native grasslands with imaginatively designed sand traps, the North Course is for you. But if you prefer a more traditional layout with tree-lined fairways, then you should the South Course. Better yet, plan to play both.
9998 E. Indian Bend Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85256-1201
P: (480) 860-2221
F: (480) 850-7297
http://www.talkingstickgolfclub.com
Sanctuary Golf Course at Westworld
Imagine playing golf on one of Scottsdale's best manicured courses during the day, then seeing the wild coyotes and deer that come out to play on it at sunset. They don't carry golf clubs, but they do sense the serenity of the Sanctuary experience. From the championship tees, the Sanctuary's par-71 layout measures almost 6,700 yards, but you'll find five sets of tees on each hole that allow for every level of play. On the par-3 eighth hole, you will be fascinated by the display that features two waterfalls.
10690 E Sheena Dr
Scottsdale, AZ 85255-1725
United States
P: (480) 502-8200
F: (480) 502-8260
http://www.sanctuarygolf.com
Legend Trail Golf Club
You'll think you've died and gone to heaven when you discover the artistic beauty of Legend Trail Golf Club. Its "Best Places to Play" kudos from "Golf Digest" magazine are no surprise. And it is only right that this course has been chosen as one of the top 100 courses in the U.S. by "Golf" magazine. With its island tees, small sand traps and well-manicured fairways that wander through the Sonoran Desert, it features some of the most spectacular scenery offered by courses in Arizona. Play the "long trail" from the back tees and be prepared for a memorable challenge. Or play an easier course by using one of the remaining four tees on each hole.
9462 E. Legendary Lane
Scottsdale, AZ 85262-1139
P: (480) 488-7434
F: (480) 488-6968
http://www.legendtrailgc.com
Troon North Golf Club
Troon North Golf Club's Pinnacle and Monument golf courses were the brainchild of British Open winner and course designer Tom Weiskopf. Not satisfied with his first attempt, he totally renovated both courses to embody his vision that they be played exactly as Mother Nature intended.
The Monument course is a par-72 track that stretches to more than 7,200 yards from the championship tees. But there are multiple tees that make the golf course shorter. The Pinnacle course, also a par 72 and about 150 yards shorter than the Monument course, has striking changes in elevation and features gigantic boulders and fairways that wander through huge saguaros and lush vegetation.
10320 E. Dynamite Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85262-5662
P: (888) 876-6687
F: (480) 585-5161
http://www.troonnorthgolf.com
About The Author
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.
