The Best Golf Courses In Arizona

By Alex Russel alex.russel@hqpublications.com ResearchMyVacation Columnist May 20, 2005

Every year, Golf Magazine publishes the list of "Top 100 Golf Courses You Can Play." In 2004, Arizona had six courses on the list. Here's a closer look at those courses and golf clubs and some details on how to get playing on them.

The Troon North Golf Club (#21 and #61)

The Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale has two courses on the list, the Monument Course (#21) and the Pinnacle Course (#61).

The Monument, which stretches 7,028 yards, was designed by legendary golfer Tom Weiskopf and architect Jay Morrish. The desert is a major factor on Monument, but the course is not a target course.

On number fourteen, your tee shot must carry over a dry desert wash and a stretch of desert. The second shot is somewhat tricky since the long, slender green is set at a diagonal, requiring an approach from the right side of the fairway.

The Pinnacle Golf Course is built around dramatic granite boulders and striking elevation changes; it features a more traditional desert layout with tighter landing areas and spectacular carries over desert washes. The signature hole is eighteen. Nicknamed, "The Pinnacle," hole eighteen is a 407-yard, par 4, featuring an outstanding view of Pinnacle Peak in the background.

Tee time reservations can be made by calling the club at: (480) 585-7700.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (#38)

Located just north of Phoenix adjacent to the Fort McDowell Casino, the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (#38) is a desert-style course inspired by the culture of the Yavapai Indian Nation.

This par 72, eighteen-hole championship track was designed by Scott Miller and features spectacular views of the Four Peaks Mountains. The gently rolling fairways are generally open, and We-Ko-Pa plays from 5,337 to 7,225-yards. There are four sets of tees to challenge all skill levels, and water comes into play on two holes.

For additional information, call the club (480-836-9000) or go to http://www.wekopa.com.

Talon Course at Grayhawk Golf Club (#88)

The Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale has two dynamic eighteen-hole courses but the Talon course, which features large elevated greens and water hazards is the award winner.

This course offers a myriad of panoramic views encompassing the McDowell Mountains and the Phoenix valley. The most difficult hole is six, a 459-yard, par 4, requiring a long straightaway tee shot in order to make a par or birdie. Another interesting hole is seventeen, a 126-yard, par 3, requiring a shot to an island green.

The club's tee time reservation telephone number is (480) 502-1800.

Mountain Course at Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club (#96) The Mountain Course, which is one of two courses at this award winning resort, has many changes in elevation and several elevated tees. The public is allowed to play the Mountain Course on even days of the month (and the other course on the odd days). Mountain was the site of the Pro-Am tournament for the PGA and LPGA Tour's Tucson Open. The finals for The Merrill Lynch Shoot Out were also held here.

Phone: (520) 577-4061

South Course at Boulders Golf Club & Resort (#99)

The south course is one of two popular courses at the Boulders resort. These courses are continually alternated, allowing one to be kept private while the other is used by hotel guests.

The natural desert terrain has been left in place just off the fairways and, in some cases, in the middle of the fairways as well. Accurate shots are required. The club has a private golf membership, but it also allows for public play.

E-mail the club: tmmcahan@wyndham.com

About the Author

Alex Russel is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Lucky enough to grow up in Europe with family all over the world, he has been a consummate traveler his whole life. Since graduating from Syracuse University he has worked at many different media companies in fields as diverse as film, TV, advertising, and journalism. He holds a dual bachelor's degree in English and History.

Sources

• http://www.golfonline.com

About the Author
Alex Russel is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Lucky enough to grow up in Europe with family all over the world, he has been a consummate traveler his whole life. Since graduating from Syracuse University he has worked at many different media companies in fields as diverse as film, TV, advertising, and journalism. He holds a dual bachelor's degree in English and History.