A trip to Scottsdale wouldn’t be complete without golf (at least for me). I recently had the chance to play two very different types of golf courses; one a modern, desert course and the other had old-style wide, rolling fairways.
Sanctuary Golf Course
Nestled against the McDowell Mountains and 20 minutes north of Scottsdale, this course is managed by Troon and was the first Audubon Signature Course in the region. It is beautifully maintained with smooth fairways, quick greens and challenges at every turn. If you stray from the fairway, you’ll find yourself in desert brush and wilderness; so keeping your shots in-bounds is key. (I lost quite a few balls, thanks to a persistent slice.) Although two sets of tees are rated for ladies, they are placed together at many tee boxes. The gold tees are 4,096 yards long and rated 63.1/103 slope; the green tees are 4,926 yards with 68.3/110. (#13 pictured above)
The staff was friendly and helpful and you can get some great deals, including Golf & Grill with 18 holes and lunch or dinner for $69.95. www.sanctuarygolf.com
What to know: While the clubhouse is fairly new and immaculate, the women’s clothing selection was boring and most of the course is located under major power lines.
Orange Tree Golf Resort
Orange Tree was my husband’s pick for it’s laid-back and friendly feel. It’s an older golf course with only one set of tees rated for women (5,704 yards); but it is well-maintained with shade, water features and lots of birds. Rated 76.4 with a slope of 132 for ladies, the fairways are wide and forgiving; however the deep rough will test your skill and patience. The thick rough with heavy morning dew made anywhere but the fairway deadly.
Located 20 minutes north of Scottsdale, it was easy to get a tee time and easy on the wallet. Green fees are $79 a person through Christmas Eve and then $119 until April. www.orangetree.com
What to know: Orange Tree’s pro shop had a surprisingly wide selection of women’s clothing with Nike, EP Pro, Antigua, Greg Norman and Cutter & Buck. The facilities are really dated but clean.
Image courtesy of Sanctuary Golf Course.
*All prices listed are as of publication. Please check with the facilities for current specials and offers.
I haven’t visited the two golf course that are being mentioned in the article.!!I am more interested on going to Sanctuary Golf Course this coming January.I love to see how beautiful the place is.