Scottsdale Blog - Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona » Golf

A weekend with Natalie Gulbis at Fairmont Scottsdale

Josh Kenzer — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:20:43 +0000

The sensational Fairmont Scottsdale and the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course are the venues for an amazing weekend of golf with one of the best athletes on the LPGA Tour. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Book today.

Package includes:

• Two nights in a luxuriously appointed Fairmont guest room
• Two full American breakfasts
• Golf demonstration with Natalie Gulbis
• One round of golf at TPC Stadium, where Natalie will play several holes with each foursome
• One welcome reception with Natalie Gulbis at Stone Rose Lounge
• One dinner at BOURBON STEAK with Natalie Gulbis
• Discounts on golf at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course
• Discounts on treatments at Willow Stream Spa
• Welcome amenity from adidas

Book Now

What is Overseeding?

Josh Kenzer — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:09:30 +0000

This time of year, many of Scottsdale’s quality golf courses are closed for a week or so for overseeding. So what exactly is overseeding?

When Scottsdale’s summer comes to an end, the bermudagrass that worked so hard in the hotter months starts to go dormant. In order to maintain attractive, well manicured courses, ryegrass seed is laid on top of the bermudagrass. The ryegrass starts to take hold and flourish as the bermuda goes completely dormant. This will happen again, in reverse, in the spring. This process is usually a six week process, but most courses will stay closed for only a week or two.

Tips for playing during overseeding:

Call ahead and make sure the course is not closed during your planned trip to Scottsdale
Due to the process of overseeding, expect the course to be well watered, and therefore play slower than normal
Expect greens to be well sanded and play slower as well

Many times, due to these conditions, courses will offer a discounted rate. Be sure to ask!

For more information on Scottsdale’s golf courses, check out our Golf section on ExperienceScottsdale.com.

Cactus on the Course

Josh Kenzer — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:42:40 +0000

A selection of flickr photos showcasing the beauty that desert cactus provide on Scottsdale golf courses. Just look out, they are a literal golf hazard.

Tee up at McCormick Ranch Golf Club

Mitchell Tay — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:03:01 +0000

McCormick Ranch Golf Club

If you’re looking for a challenging but enjoyable golf course consider the McCormick Ranch Golf Club conveniently located on Scottsdale Rd and McCormick Parkway. The Palm and Pine course each offer championship tees totaling more than 7,000 yards. But whether you’re a novice, amateur, or professional these courses are very playable for any skill level.

Josh, Josh (not a typo), Lauren, and myself made it out to the Pine course on a lovely but warm morning. You’ll notice the names of these courses are not random as the Pine course is filled with Pine trees and the Palm course has many Palm trees (go figure!). McCormick Ranch Golf Club has a large practice area for putting and pitching as well as a nice driving range which I unfortunately didn’t have time to check out since I arrived without any practice time. Basing my judgment off the score card the Pine course seemed to be slightly easier to play. Playing the Pine course’s many holes were relatively forgiving on the fairways if you had a bad tee shot and decent size greens. I did find the GPS distance reader from the hole on each of the golf carts to be helpful. Just drive the golf cart near where your ball is and the device will inform you how many yards away you are from the green. There were also five water holes which made the course more exciting and challenging. I would have to say my favorite hole on the Pine course is #15. This 470 yard hole has two areas in which you need to clear over the water. However, the green, though slightly padded by the rough, is almost completely surrounded by water so be cautious. Overall, this course definitely gave me a challenge but I’m definitely looking forward to playing the Palm course another day.

McCormick Ranch Golf Club also offers a restaurant and lounge in the clubhouse and a convenient hot dog stand for a mid- or post-game snack. Additionally the clubhouse can accommodate private parties of any size with a banquet room and large outdoor pavilion.

From now until Sept. 10, McCormick Ranch Golf Club is offering 18 holes for $34 before 11:00am and only $29 after 2:00pm. That’s a deal for such a great course.

Great Time to Golf at Westin Kierland

Mitchell Tay — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:05:34 +0000

For those of you who haven’t golfed at the Westin Kierland, this is one course to put on your list to play. The Kierland Golf Club provides a superb golfing experience with three 18-hole combinations to choose from, a shaded driving range (which is especially great during the summer time), golf carts with air conditioning or Segways with golf bag holsters.

Josh, Adam, and myself made some time to check out the beautiful course over at the Kierland Golf Club. We were all pretty excited to test our skills on this champion style golf course, but I wouldn’t call any of us great golfers. Any first timer golfing at Kierland should play their Acacia 9-hole course. The ‘backyard’ of the resort overlooks holes 7 and 9, which best showcase the green. The scenery from those two holes is absolutely beautiful. The other two 9-holes are Mesquite and Ironwood. These courses are very hilly, which can be fairly forgiving on some holes and fairly challenging on others, yet still very enjoyable to play. Kierland is definitely a course to check out if you’re from out of town or even a local Arizona resident! I definitely recommend it!

The Kierland Golf Club also offers other great services and experiences such as golf instructions and fitness, club fitting, family clinics, and even a Scottish Golf Experience!

Summer rates are really attractive. From now until September 13, 2009 rates are:
$70 Monday – Thursday
$80 Friday – Sunday
$45 “Day of” 9-Hole Rate
$55 Twilight after 2:00pm
$35 Super Twilight after 4:00pm

Please call the Kierland Golf Club for details and other specials they have going on at 480-922-9283 or visit their website

Here are some photos from day:

Here are a few more photos posted on Flickr.

Swing Into Summer With New Callaway Package at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Josh Kenzer — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:31:07 +0000

Swing Into Summer With New Callaway Package at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Players can elevate their golf game this summer – while keeping value top of mind – with the new Callaway Golf Getaway package at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North.

The Callaway Golf Getaway package includes:

Two-night stay for two in casita guest room accommodations
One round of golf per person at Troon North Golf Club
One personalized club fitting per person at the Callaway Performance Center
$300 credit in Callaway equipment per person, featuring items such as drivers, irons, wedges and putters

June 1 – Sept. 13, 2009 - Rates start at $270 per night, single occupancy, $420 per night, double occupancy.

For additional information on the Callaway Golf Getaway package, call (480) 513-5039 or toll-free, (888) 207-9696 or book online at www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale.

Golfweek Features Troon North Golf Club

Josh Kenzer — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:54:59 +0000

Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona

Josh Kenzer — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:14:46 +0000

The Phoenician Tees up Great Value for Resort Guests and Local Residents With Summer Golf Package

Josh Kenzer — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:14:20 +0000

The Phoenician, Arizona’s premier AAA Five Diamond resort destination, is teeing up exceptional value and unforgettable experiences with its new Summer Golf Package for two.

Available seven days a week from June 1 through Sept. 7, 2009, the offer includes luxurious guestroom accommodations; a convenient grab-n-go breakfast or lunch each day; and daily unlimited play on The Phoenician’s USGA Championship course. Rates start at just $199 per night.

To book the Summer Golf Package, please call (480) 941-8200 and mention promotional code “LOCPKG2” or visit www.thephoenician.com.

Recipient of the 2007 World Travel Award as North America’s Leading Golf Resort, The Phoenician is home to a USGA Championship course that offers both challenge and diversity. In addition, 27,000 square feet of first-class practice facilities provide golfers with a variety of resources for improving their game, including a full-service driving range, a chipping green and oversized putting green. Golfers can also take advantage of The Phoenician Golf Academy, which features private and semi-private instruction with state-of-the-art video and computer analysis.

New this year is The Titleist Performance Institute Experience (TPI), which combines golf instruction with physical fitness. Led by The Phoenician’s PGA- and TPI-certified Director of Instruction Michael Lamanna, students receive a comprehensive golf-specific fitness evaluation; a golf swing evaluation; a take-home CD and practice plan; and a personalized golf fitness program to improve performance. The 1.5 hour program is offered at $200 per person.

Scottsdale Golf News: Spring 2009

Josh Kenzer — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:25:33 +0000

Kierland Golf Club

Summer Golf, Room Rates Falling As Temperatures Heat up in Scottsdale

Golfers seeking a bargain search no more as the Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch is offering travelers the $100 for $100 package. For only $100, guests receive one night’s accommodations and a $100 resort credit to be used for food and beverage. This means that after a day of golf at McCormick Ranch Golf Club or any of the Scottsdale area’s 200 plus courses, guests can come back to the resort and enjoy a meal at the resort’s Piñon Grill, Diamondback Lounge, poolside cabana bar or thru room service virtually for free. Package is available May 15 – Sept. 18.

Every Monday May 18 – Sept. 13, Kierland Golf Club is offering Monday Choose-Up where golfers of all skills can experience nine holes of golf that is offered in different formats each week. Pairings are chosen randomly based on handicap, number of players and finding the best way to make it as much fun as possible. Cost is $45 per person and includes nine-hole green and cart fees plus one complimentary beverage from Edie’s Range House or on-course Johnnie Walker beverage cart. Space is limited to the first 36 players and based upon availability. And golfers also can stay at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa with room rates starting at $149 per night May 24 – Sept. 10.

TPC Scottsdale Heat’s Up Your Game package offers golf and accommodations at unbeatable prices this summer. Enjoy one night of accommodations at the Fairmont Scottsdale and a round of golf on the Stadium Course, home of the PGA TOUR’s FBR Open, the “Greatest Show on Grass,” all summer long. And during July, golf will be placed on the recently renovated Champions Course. Prices start at just $99.50 per person, and the package is available June 1 – Sept. 4.

Unique Spin on Golf Puts Players on the Green After Dark

Tee it up under the desert sky with night golf at Continental Golf Club. Luminaries light the greens for a peaceful evening of golf suitable for both novice and pro players. The club offers nine holes of moonlit scramble-format golf, which is less intimidating to new players yet challenging for seasoned participants. The Saturday night sessions cost $35 per adult and $25 per child and include course contests with prizes for teams and individuals. Dinner, glow ball equipment and golf carts also are included in the price.

Scottsdale’s Only All-Suite Resort Caters to a Golfer’s Every Need

In October, Marcus Hotels and Resorts re-launched Resort Suites Scottsdale as the new Xona Resort Suites after a comprehensive, multi-million-dollar renovation of the property. The hotel boasts a new lobby and porte cochere, re-designed and updated guest suites, the new Asada Desert Grille restaurant specializing in regional cuisine, the new Orange Iguana indoor/outdoor lounge, and renovated pool areas. The hotel caters to golfers with a specialty on-site golf concierge who assist guests in planning their golfing excursions with preferred tee times, direct billing with select golf courses, and insider knowledge of the region’s finest fairways and greens. The all-suite property also partnered with Golf Experiences, LLC to offer guests a true insider’s perspective of the PGA TOUR scene with time at the TOUR Academy at TPC Scottsdale . The state-of-the-art golf game improvement facility features a private practice area, putting and chipping green, practice bunkers and the finest diagnostic technologies in addition to a comprehensive club fitting program.

Play Four of Scottsdale’s Finest With the Boulders Resort’s New Offering

The new Fore for Four package at The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa gives golfers a whole lot more of what they love – more golf, more great courses to choose from, more extras and more for their money! The package features play at The Boulders Golf Club plus a choice of eight top rated golf courses in Scottsdale. Golfers receive four nights of accommodations; 72 holes of golf with one round on The Boulders’ North and South courses plus one round at two additional courses with choice of Grayhawk Golf Club, TPC Scottsdale, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club or two other hidden gems designed by Rees Jones and Jim Engh; complimentary cart rental; and a 20 percent discount at the resort’s golf, spa and tennis shops as well as services at the Golden Door Spa. The package starts at $1,379 thru May 26 and $899 from May 27 thru Sept. 3.

Conquering the Game at Phoenician Golf Club

The Phoenician gives golf addicts of all levels the tools for victory with its signature Masters Getaway package. Available year-round, the offer includes one night’s accommodations, breakfast for two, unlimited time on the course, and full use of golf carts and practice facilities. Phoenician Golf Club boasts 27,000 square feet of practice facilities offering a variety of resources for improving your game, including a full-service driving range, chipping green and oversized putting green. Rates vary by season but start at $245 per night.