North Metro Area
Troon North is now regarded as a "classic" course, two courses actually. Troon offers the golfer amazing panoramic views and dramatic changes in elevation. Recent renovations by original designer Tom Weiskopf have made an outstanding layout even more memorable.
Troon North
10320 E. Dynamite Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 585-5300
www.troonnorth.net
You've seen the pros play TPC of Scottsdale, a fun and challenging stadium-style course, now it's your turn. If the wind is up, some of the holes on this course, played from the back tees, can seem really, really long. After golf, enjoy the amenities at the AAA Five Diamond Fairmount Princess Resort.
TPC of Scottsdale
17020 N. Hayden Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 585-4334
http://www.tpc.com/scottsdale/
The strategic challenge and superb design of Grayhawk Golf Club (Talon) are evident by its increasing popularity as a tournament venue, and its appearance in national rankings of top courses in major golf publications. Grayhawk offers the challenge of playing to elevated greens and steering clear of the numerous water hazards.
Grayhawk Golf Club
8620 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 502-1800
www.grayhawk.com
Arnold Palmer-designed courses often have wide, forgiving fairways and the opportunity for high risk/high reward approach shots. Wildfire Golf Club is a great example of Arnie's design skill. There's a Nick Faldo-designed course adjacent that also offers a fabulous golf experience.
Wildfire Golf Club
5350 E. Marriott Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85054
(480) 293-5000
http://www.wildfiregolf.com/
East Metro Area
Enjoy the peace and quiet of Fountain Hills, but don't get lulled to sleep by the desert beauty, because the Golf Club at Eagle Mountain, winding through box canyons and unusual red and brown mountain slopes, offers a stiff challenge with many elevation changes. Though challenging, Eagle Mountain is designed to be enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.
Golf Club at Eagle Mountain
14915 E Eagle Mountain Pkwy
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
(480) 816-1234
http://www.eaglemtn.com/sites/courses/layout11.asp?id=583&page=30662
Gold Canyon Golf Resort (Dinosaur Mountain) has started appearing in national ranking of top courses, and it's no wonder given the spectacular setting in the Superstition Mountains. Gold Canyon is a ways from the heart of town, but well worth the drive. The pristine desert---and its wildlife---are on full display.
Gold Canyon Golf Resort
6100 S. Kings Ranch Road
Gold Canyon, AZ 85219
(480) 982-9449
http://www.gcgr.com/
A true resort golf experience in the heart of ever-expanding Scottsdale, the Phoenician Golf Club sits in the shadow of Camelback Mountain and is part of a world-class luxury resort. The course is close to the world-class shopping, dining and high-energy nightlife that Scottsdale offers.
Phoenician Golf Club
6000 E. Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 423-2449
http://www.thephoenician.com/golf
The Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore Talking Stick Golf Club (North) course has earned design awards for its unusual mix of Scottish links-style golf and the rugged desert setting. Deep, yawning bunkers stand ready to gobble up errant shots, but the fairways are wide and generous.
Talking Stick Golf Club
9998 E. Indian Bend Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
(480) 860-2221
http://www.talkingstickgolfclub.com/index.php
Southeast Metro Area
Colorful flower beds, palm trees, water hazards on nearly all 27 holes---but yes, you're still in the desert. The Ocotillo Golf Resort course is nestled in the mushrooming suburbs of the East Valley.
Ocotillo Golf Resort
3751 S. Clubhouse Drive
Chandler, AZ 85248
(480) 917-6660
http://www.ocotillogolf.com/index.php
An intriguing layout with wide, rolling fairways framed by pine trees. The Raven Golf club has great views of the Phoenix and Scottsdale skylines. Raven Golf Club is a short drive from Sky Harbor International Airport.
Raven Golf Club at South Mountain
3636 E. Baseline Road
Phoenix, AZ 85040
(602) 243-3636
http://www.theravensouthmountain.com/
About The Author
Brian Hill’s first writing credit was the cover story for a national magazine. He is the author of three popular books, The Making of a Bestseller, Inside Secrets to Venture Capital and Attracting Capital from Angels. Among his magazine article credits are the March 2005 and June 2008 issues of The Writer. His interests include golf, football, movies and his two dogs.
