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

Celebrate 75 Years of Golf

Kelly Tope — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:39:12 +0000

Make Plans to Attend the Newly Renamed Waste Management Open

The Waste Management Open, formerly named the FBR Open, celebrates its 75^th year of play next week at TPC Scottsdale. The tournament, annually sporting the largest crowds on the PGA TOUR, takes place February 22-28, 2010 and brings back defending champion Kenny Perry, who will compete for the $6,000,000 purse.

The tournament has grown immensely over its 75 year history here in the Valley of the Sun, bringing in a record 538,356 fans in 2008. The fun and festivities will continue this year and in addition to being known as the “The Greatest Show on Grass,” the tournament is also being dubbed the “The Greenest Show on Grass.” With Waste Management as the title sponsor, a variety of eco-friendly initiatives are being introduced to the tournament in 2010. These include: solar powered trash compactors, printing tickets on recycled paper with soy ink, recycling stations staffed during peak hours and serving soda and beer out of cans (rather than pouring into plastic cups). Look for more eco-friendly initiatives to be introduced in the coming years as well.

The Waste Management Open has gained legendary status on the PGA TOUR and is known for its loud crowds and party atmosphere that flow well into the night. Be sure to check out the celebrated 16^th Hole, where cheering (and sometimes booing) is common after a player finishes the round. Also, make plans to keep the energy flowing into the night with the Birds Nest Music Festival, which features bands like Collective Soul, Static and O.A.R.

Tickets for the Waste Management Open will be available right up until tournament time (you can even purchase tickets at the gate) and cost only $25 each for single day admission. However, if you want to watch the Tournament in style, you might consider purchasing tickets for the Phoenix Suns 16 Skybox Lounge (which includes a seat at the 16^th Hole, as well as food and drink).

Come and celebrate 75years of great golf in the Valley!

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

Scottsdale’s Golf Celebrity Connections

Josh Kenzer — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:50:43 +0000

With nearly 200 area golf courses, 330 days of sunshine per year and an extensive list of award-winning clubs, Scottsdale draws golf lovers from around the world looking to play on the greens where their favorite pros have left their mark. Hit the links on courses designed by some of the biggest names in golf like We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s Saguaro Course, created by golf legend Ben Crenshaw and architect Bill Coore and winner of numerous awards like Golfweek magazine’s “Top Public-Access Course in Arizona.” There’s also Troon North which was designed by Tom Weiskopf and helped the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale garner the title of one of the “Top 10 Best Golf Resorts in the World” by Travel + Leisure Golf.

And the big names aren’t just building courses – they’re playing them, too. Celebrities of the Hollywood kind have graced the greens of several Scottsdale courses. Each year, you can find the likes of Justin Timberlake, Kevin Costner and Bill Murray working on their swings at TPC Scottsdale for the annual FBR Open Silver Pro-Am. Other stars that have taken their rounds on area courses include Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and Wayne Gretzky. And then there are those who love Scottsdale so much that they decided to call the world’s finest golf destination home. PGA TOUR professional Gary McCord lives in the Valley and can be seen putting at Grayhawk Golf Club, where he and Peter Kostis teach golf skills at the learning center. Other golf pros that can be spotted around town include Andrew Magee, Gary McCord and Kirk Triplett.

Scottsdale Golf, Spa Packages Right on Par

Josh Kenzer — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 21:42:52 +0000

InterContinental Montelucia

The InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa may not have a golf course on property but that doesn’t mean you can’t have the Ultimate Golf & Spa Getaway. Test your skills with two rounds of golf per day at some of Scottsdale’s top courses including Troon North , Talking Stick , We-Ko-Pa and Grayhawk golf clubs or pamper yourself with two 60-minute spa treatments at Joya Spa each day. Also included is a guided hike up Camelback Mountain, daily breakfast for two and a fourth night of accommodations for free. The package starts at $310 per night and is available thru Dec. 31, 2009.

The Practice to Pamper package is the perfect combination of indulging and coaching to improve your game. Women golfers enjoy luxury accommodations at the Fairmont Scottsdale, a two-hour lesson at TPC Scottsdale’s TOUR Academy followed by a relaxing 60-minute golf performance massage at Willow Stream – The Spa at Fairmont Scottsdale. The package starts at $489 per person and is available year-round.

Fairmont Scottsdale

The Suite Golf & Spa Experience at Gainey Suites Hotel showcases some of Scottsdale’s finest in golf, spa and dining with a round of golf at Starfire Golf Club, McCormick Ranch Golf Club or TPC Scottsdale; a 60-minute spa treatment at the Spa at Gainey Village; and a $50 food voucher for the Village Tavern. At the hotel, enjoy studio suite accommodations, daily breakfast, and an evening beer and wine reception. The package starts at $259 and is available thru Dec. 31, 2009.

Scottsdale Businesses Honored with Awards

Melissa Matthews — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:58:09 +0000

Congratulations to our members who recently received awards.

Several Scottsdale-area restaurants were recognized by The James Beard Foundation as semifinalists across several categories:

Outstanding Restaurateur: Sam Fox, Fox Restaurant Concepts
Best New Restaurant: NoCA
Outstanding Wine Service: Kazimierz World Wine Bar
Best Chef in the Southwest: Beau MacMillan, elements at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa

Golfweek magazine’s list of best public-access courses honored several local golf clubs:

Troon North Golf Club’s Monument (No. 2) and Pinnacle (No. 8 )
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s Saguaro (No.1) and Cholla (No.3)
Talking Stick Golf Club’s North Course (No. 4) and South Course (No. 14)
TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium (No. 6) and Champions (No. 20)
Boulders Golf Club’s North Course (No. 9) and South Course (No. 15)
Grayhawk Golf Club’s Raptor (No. 13) and Talon (No. 23)
SunRidge Canyon Golf Club (No. 12)
Longbow Golf Club (No. 16)

TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Award recognized Royal Palms Resort and Spa as No. 78 on its “Best Luxury Resorts in the World” list and as No. 7 on its “Top 10 Luxury Resorts in the United States” list.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch received Elite Certified Status by Elite Meetings International and also was honored with Meetings & Conventions’ 2009 Gold Tee Award and Successful Meetings’ Pinnacle Award.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was named No.1 on Health Magazine’s “America’s Healthiest Airports” list and No. 7 on Travel + Leisure’s “Best Airports of 2008” list.

Encore Creative was recognized by Event Solutions magazine as the “2009 Event Supplier of the Year.”

InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa was honored on Travel + Leisure’s “Top 45 New Hotels of the Year” list.

Chaparral Suites Resort Scottsdale was awarded Meeting & Conventions’ Gold Key award.

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.

Discounted Activities Amp up Your Summer Itinerary

Josh Kenzer — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:56:46 +0000

Hot Air Expeditions takes guests up above the Sonoran Desert for a 360-degree view of its flora and fauna. Early morning ballooning is a great way to avoid the heat while still experiencing the desert’s splendor and the adventure is topped off with a champagne toast and breakfast after landing! Summer rates are discounted at 10 percent off the regular price and the special is valid May 1 thru Aug. 3. For more information, visit www.hotairexpeditions.com.

The Royal Palms Resort and Spa is offering major discounts on rejuvenating treatments like min-facials, classic massages and body wraps at the Alvadora Spa May 1 thru Sept. 13. The Premium Pamper Pass lets guests choose three 30-minute treatments for just $149 – an experience valued at $250. Or, for $285, spa-goers can delight in their pick of four 60-minute treatments for a savings of $150. For more information, visit www.royalpalmsresortandspa.com.

Pack up your clubs and heat up your game at TPC Scottsdale where you can play a round of golf on the Stadium Course, home to “The Greatest Party on Grass,” the FBR Open, for $99 June 1 thru Sept. 4. The rate includes one night’s accommodations at the Fairmont Scottsdale. In July, golf will be played on TPC Scottsdale’s Champions Course. For more information, visit www.tpc.com/scottsdale.

Spring Is the Season for Value on Two of America’s Favorite Pastimes

Josh Kenzer — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:35:08 +0000

This spring, visitors can combine their love for baseball and golf in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.

Play where the pros play at TPC Scottsdale, home to the PGA Tour’s FBR Open. The Pros Play Package starts at $651 and runs thru April 20. It includes one night accommodation at Fairmont Scottsdale, a round of golf and the Forecaddie Experience. The Fairmont Scottsdale’s spring training special includes a pair of tickets to a San Francisco Giants game and custom Giants merchandise in addition to exclusive access to the Giants Barbeque at the Ballpark event where they can meet Giants players in a casual atmosphere. The event occurs on select dates in February and March. For more information, visit www.fairmont.com/scottsdale.

At The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, guests can take advantage of the property’s Unlimited Golf for Two special starting at $259 a night, which grants them access to a round of golf on each one of Kierland Golf Club’s three championship courses. Like the Fairmont Scottsdale, Westin Kierland is an official sponsor of the 2009 Cactus League season so booking your spring training stay with the property gives you all of the Giants merchandise, tickets and access to the Giants Barbeque at the Ballpark event. For more information, visit www.kierlandresort.com.

The Inn at Eagle Mountain’s OB Sports Double Value Golf Package is available thru April 12 and starts at only $190. The deal includes two night accommodations at the boutique hotel and two rounds of golf at the Eagle Mountain Golf Club. Baseball fanatics looking to stay at the Inn at Eagle Mountain during spring training can book online and save 15 percent off midweek rates. For more information, visit www.innateaglemountain.com.

To book a spring training stay at Fairmont Scottsdale or The Westin Kierland, visit www.ScottsdaleCVB.com/baseball.

Ready for Scottsdale Event Season? Good, cause it’s here!

Kelly Tope — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:09:53 +0000

This is absolutely one of my favorite times of the year to be in Scottsdale. Not only is the weather great (we get to wear short sleeve shirts while the rest of the country is bundled up and still freezing), but there is something to do just about every weekend from here until April. You can hardly go anywhere in Scottsdale without running into an event, all of which are worth experiencing. Here are some of my favorites coming up through the end of January (and be sure to check out Valentine’s Day in Scottsdale for events taking place in February):

Barrett-Jackson:This auto auction features more than 1,000 of the world’s finest collector and special-interest automobiles and is attended by 250,000 collectors and enthusiasts.
Dates: January 11-18
Location: WestWorld of Scottsdale (101 Freeway and Frank Lloyd Wright)
Admission: $10-$120

Sunday A’Fair: This free Sunday afternoon festival takes place outdoors and features concerts, a diverse selection of arts and crafts, and hands-on activities for children.
Dates: January 11 – April 12, most Sundays
Location: Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
Admission: Free

Russo & Steele: Be sure to check out this boutique-style auction featuring American muscle cars, European sports cars, hot rods and customs.
Dates: January 14-18, 2009
Location: Scottsdale Road and Mayo Boulevard
Admission: $20 general admission

Arizona Fine Art Expo: Juried artists are showcased in a working studio environment, giving attendees unprecedented access to some of the world’s most gifted designers, painters, sketch artists and sculptors.
Dates: January 15 – March 29, 2009
Location: Jomax and Scottsdale Roads
Admission: $8

Native Trails: A celebration of Native American Culture through song, dance, art, music and food.
Dates: January 15 – April 11, 2009 (most Thursdays and Saturdays)
Location: Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
Admission: Free

Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival: Experience jury-selected artists displaying fine art that includes bronzes, paintings, pottery, photography, scratchboard, wood, clay, metal and glass sculptures, batiks and more.
Dates: January 15-16, 2009
Location: Downtown Carefree, Ho Hum and Easy Streets
Admission: $3

Celebration of Fine Art: Attending this event is like attending more than 100 artists’ studios in one day! You can meet the artists and watch them while working.
Dates: January 16 – March 29, 2009
Location: Scottsdale Rd. and Mayo Boulevard
Admission: $8

Rockin’ ArtWalk: Runners, family and friends are invited to spend the afternoon in the thriving Downtown Scottsdale Arts & Shopping District. Here, you can enjoy an enticing array of galleries, dining and nightlife.
Dates: January 17, 2009
Location: Scottsdale Arts District, Main St. and Marshall Way
Admission: Free

P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & 1/2 Marathon: This marathon tours through three of Arizona’s most vibrant cities (Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale). With perfect winter running weather and live music every mile, this is an event not to miss!
Dates: January 18, 2009
Location: Phoenix/Tempe/Scottsdale
Admission: Free for spectators, $100-$125 for runners

Arizona Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show: Come to watch 1,500 of the country’s best quarter horses compete for $20,000 in prizes. Horses and riders from around the world ride in five rights over eight days.
Dates: January 22-31, 2009
Location: WestWorld of Scottsdale (101 and Frank Lloyd Wright)
Admission: Free

FBR Open: As the largest event on the PGA TOUR, the FBR Open has gained legendary status for being unlike any other golf tournament. In addition the golf festival during the day, be sure to check out the Bird’s Nest Music Fest at each night.
Dates: January 26 – February 1, 2009
Location: TPC Scottsdale (Greenway Parkway and Frank Lloyd Wright)
Admission: $25 and up

Take a Hike Arizona and TPC Scottsdale are now on Flickr

Josh Kenzer — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:51:15 +0000

Two of our members have started to add photos to Flickr.com.

Take a Hike Arizona

Take a Hike Arizona provides guided hiking tours for all ages. What better opportunity to take fantastic photographs than while out on the trails. Check out their flickr.com profile to see some spectacular shots of the desert flora and fauna.

Photo by Take a Hike Arizona

TPC Scottsdale

The TPC Scottsdale courses are among the top courses in Scottsdale. The Champions course host the largest PGA Tournament of the year, the FBR open. Now witness the beauty of these two courses on Flickr.

Photo by TPC Scottsdale