Scottsdale

A dream golf destination!

By Daniel Melancon, Sports Journalist for Salut Bonjour! and Host of Golf Mag on TVA Sports

Who could resist a golf destination that boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year? Who wouldn’t want to experience optimal playing conditions in an absolutely enchanting and unparalleled geographical setting?

I’m often called upon to help people decide where they want to take their next golfing trip. And, inevitably, the Phoenix-Scottsdale region in Arizona is always one of my suggestions.

To begin, this spectacular region has over 200 courses—which, as you might guess, means there is something for every taste and budget. What’s even better is the fact that you’ll rarely have to drive more than 30 minutes to get to any of them.

Arizona’s untamed nature, abundance of cacti and famous roadrunners help ensure a complete change of scenery. Just looking at a few pictures of the place is enough to make you want to visit for the first time, or go back for another fabulous trip. The fairways and greens sit like pieces of a puzzle running through the desert all the way to the mountains.

One of my favourite courses here include the Dinosaur at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort. You will be amazed by the quality of this course, set amidst rocky peaks. If I can make one suggestion, it would be to always keep your camera handy. Personally, I often had a hard time concentrating because the scenery was just so incredibly breathtaking. The terrain here is also somewhat rugged—but just enough. Of course, I played rather well when I went, which always helps!

If you really want to put your golfing skills to the test, I suggest the Troon North Golf Club. The Troon North includes two 18-hole courses you definitely want to try. Get ready for greens that hold shots well and roll true and fast. Nothing is left to chance on these perfect surfaces.

Another course you’ll want to add to your list is The Boulders Resort, which features 36 immaculate holes where fairways and greens are decorated with gigantic boulders left behind by Mother Nature. These enormous rock formations can sometimes serve as great targets and, at the very least, provide awe-inspiring landscapes against which you are sure to feel like a tiny little speck!

TPC Scottsdale is another great course worth visiting. For the last several years, this spectacular location has been part of the PGA Tour, which takes place on Super Bowl weekend. TPC also features 36 holes, including the famous Par 3 where thousands of fans gathered during the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The region boasts a wide range of activities. In addition to its vibrant nightlife and vast selection of award-winning restaurants, you will also find all kinds of entertaining activities, including a racing school and local NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL games.

Scottsdale can be combined with a stay to Sedona, Tucson, Las Vegas, Mesquite or another city. Ask our golf specialists!