Sanctuary Golf Course
There are only 17 golf courses in the world that have received the sought-after Audubon Signature Status from the Audubon Society, and Sanctuary is one of them. But, in addition to being eco-friendly, it it a challenging course that demands the height of course management throughout all 18 holes. Sanctuary is a truly great golf course that is over 6,600 yards long from the championship tees, but it plays to every player's ability from the multiple tees on each hole. It opened in 1999, and it has a slope rating from the back tees of 135. You can play for a lower price when you tee off after 2 p.m.
10690 E. Sheena Drive
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255-1725
Phone: (480) 502-8200
Fax: (480) 502-8260
http://www.sanctuarygolf.com
Mountain Shadows Golf Club
If you only have time to play an executive course, consider Mountain Shadows, one of the most scenic golf courses in the state. The spectacular par-3 12th hole is 175 yards long, requiring your tee shot to carry a pond that has a fountain feed by a nearby stream, and the north face of Camelback Mountain is in the foreground. Mountain Shadows is under 3,100 yards long from the back tees and plays to a par of 56. You can play for a discount if you tee off after 2 p.m.
5517 E Lincoln Drive
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85253-4119
Toll Free: (800) 782-2123
Fax: (480) 905-3151
http://www.mountainshadowsgolfclub.com
Talking Stick Golf Club
Talking Stick Golf Club boasts two golf courses that are eminently playable by all golfers regardless of skill level. The North and South courses are quite different, with bunkers and grasslands in evidence on the North course, while the South course is more like Eastern courses with its tree-lined fairways. The North course is over 7,100 yards long from the championship tees and has a slope rating of 125. The South course is 300 yards shorter but has a slope rating of 129. Both courses can be played for reduced fees if you tee off after 2 p.m.
9998 E. Indian Bend Road
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85256-1201
Phone: (480) 860-2221
Fax: (480) 850-7297
http://www.talkingstickgolfclub.com
Scottsdale Silverado Golf Course
This golf course opened in 2000 and is just over 6,300 yards from the back tees. It has a slope rating of a relatively manageable 119. Your last hole is a 157-yard par-3 that has an elevated tee from which you can see the Mummy Mountains in the background. But you should save sightseeing for after the round because the green is surrounded by a lake and is guarded on all four sides by gaping bunkers. Tee off after 1 p.m. and pay a reduced fee for your round. But wait until after 4 p.m. for an even bigger discount.
7605 E. Indian Bend Road
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85250-4634
Phone: (480) 778-0100
Fax: (480) 778-1404
http://www.scottsdalesilveradogolfclub.com
McCormick Ranch Golf Club
As the name of the "Palm" course at McCormick Ranch implies, gigantic palm trees are in evidence throughout the entire 18 holes. The course opened in 1972 to rave reviews after renowned golf architect Desmond Muirhead did his magic. The course was then renovated and new greens and traps were installed to challenge the most proficient player. The course is over 7,100 yards long from the championship tees and has a slope rating of 131. You can play this course for a deep discount if you tee off after 2 p.m. Wait until after 4 p.m. and you pay even less.
7505 E McCormick Pkwy.
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85258-3429
Phone: (480) 948-0260
Fax: (480) 998-9300
http://www.mccormickranchgolf.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.
