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GETAWAYS 2 0 1 9 G U I D E | A R I ZO N A | N E VA D A | U TA H | H AWA I ‘ I
A Desert
Classic After nine decades, Arizona’s iconic WIGWAM RESORT is even better than you remember.
THE TRAVELING GOLFER’S COLLECTION of stellar courses, resorts, spas, restaurants, real estate and more coloradoavidgolfer.com
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Fall 2019 | COLORADO AVIDGOLFER
Getaways | Arizona | Nevada | Utah | Hawai‘i
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An Experience...
that Truly Represents Golf in the Arizona Desert
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Contents 38 ARIZONA
From Troon up north to Tubac down south, from Wigwam in the west to We-Ko-Pa in the east, the orbits of Scottsdale and Tucson teem with great golf, exquisite resorts, fine dining and abundant activities.
480-488-0398 5734 E. Rancho Manana Blvd Cave Creek, AZ 85331 www.RanchoManana.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2019
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NEVADA
Golf, like gambling, involves risk and reward—and the Silver State majors in both. Whether you prefer the high-rolling casinos and courses of Las Vegas, the quiet of Mesquite, or the happy medium of Summerlin, you can bet you’ll find it here.
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72 UTAH
The same colorful country defined by Zion and Bryce Canyon boasts the equally glorious Sand Hollow Resort, where 27 holes of surreal golf only hint at the spectrum of outdoor action that awaits.
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Surrounded by clear, azure waters and draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs, the “Garden Isle” of Kaua‘i invites experiences of every conceivable kind—including those of the 18-hole variety. coloradoavidgolfer.com
PLAN YOUR GOLF ESCAPE TEE IT UP GOLF PACKAGE
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Terms & Conditions: Some restrictions & black-out dates apply. Based on availability.
TENNIS
Improve your swing at our state-of-the-art tennis complex, featuring eight concrete courts, a rubber flexi stadium court and two courts lined for pickle ball.
DINING
Dine at one of our three acclaimed restaurants, including Litchfield’s, our renowned farm-to-table destination, and everyone’s favorite place to relax, Red’s Bar & Grill.
SPA Treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage, or one of our many treatments, at LeMonds Aveda Salon – Spa.
WIGWAMARIZONA.COM
| 866.990.9316
Getaways | Arizona
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Tally of the Sun The expanding Phoenix/Scottsdale orbit spawns more ways to play. SPORTS MECCA The West Valley abounds with pro sports venues. Home to the Westgate Entertainment District, Glendale hosts the NFL’s Cardinals at State Farm Stadium and NHL’s Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Eight MLB teams train in the area, and NASCAR races at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale. visitglendale.com
BREAKING 90 WITH STYLE
Iconic Arizona cozies up to modern luxury at the venerable Wigwam Resort. Set on 440 acres 30 miles west of Scottsdale, the 4-diamond AAA-rated resort turns 90 this year with elegant enhancements, fresh programming and a third-night $19.29 anniversary room rate. The Wigwam boasts 331 luxury rooms and casitas and a full-on spa, pool complex, tennis facility and three 18-hole regulation golf courses. wigwamarizona.com
VERRADO’S DOUBLE PLAY Part of a planned community in the foothills of the White Tank Mountains a half-hour west of Sky Harbor, Verrado Golf Club delivers two 7,000-yard must-play golf experiences: the Founders Course (designed by John Fought and Tom Lehman in 2004) and the newer Victory Course (Lehman, 2016). Both boast massive elevation changes, giant rock outcroppings and superb conditioning. verradogolfclub.com
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WILD TIMES Opened 35 years ago and featuring more than 600 separate species, the largest collection of exotic animals in Arizona waits at Wildlife World—a zoo, aquarium, safari park and “dragonworld” set on 215 acres just six miles from the Wigwam. Stay for lunch at Dillon’s KC BBQ, where a 60,000gallon shark tank dominates the view. wildlifeworld.com
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do you hear that?
THE SOUND OF SILENCE… Verrado Golf Club offers 36 holes of championship golf between two alluring courses. Tucked in the foothills of the White Tank Mountains, with massive rock outcroppings, elevaVon changes, and views across the valley, the Founders Course and the newer Victory Course are the West Valley’s premiere desert golf desVnaVon. Golf here defines golf everywhere.
LOCATED JUST 1/2 HOUR WEST OF SKY HARBOR AIRPORT!
VerradoGolfClub.com/coloradogolfer
Getaways | Arizona
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T
he go-to course for those who want a test, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa is more than worth the 40-minute drive south from Scottsdale. The 7,546-yard design by Brian Curley, Lee Schmidt and Fred Couples permanently resides on Golf’s Top 100 U.S. Courses You Can Play. No homes intrude on this purist’s paean to fescue-framed fairways, sprawling bunkers and inspired greens. It annually hosts U.S. Open Regional Qualifying and a World Long Drive event. The Ak-Chin Indian Community owns the Troonmanaged course and the 300-room Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort six miles south. akchinsoutherndunes.com
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort Pool
A PINT IN THE WILDERNESS Northeast of Maricopa lies Gilbert, home base of the Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company, which also runs the Wilderness Beer Garden in downtown Phoenix. The original brewpub highlights local agricultural products in its deliciously eclectic selection of craft brews and truly inspired renditions of traditional pub fare. azwbeer.com
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PUT IT IN PARK An outdoor lover’s dream awaits on the south end of Metro Phoenix, where 51 miles of trails crisscross the 16,000-acre South Mountain Park and Preserve. Guided horseback tours from Ponderosa Stables reveal ancient petroglyphs, while hikers (and drivers) can summit the highest point in the park, Dobbin’s Lookout, which affords a north-facing panorama of numerous landmarks, including Camelback and Superstition mountains. visitphoenix.com coloradoavidgolfer.com
PMS 726
PMS 471
PMS Black
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Getaways | Arizona
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Get to Tonto, Pronto Situated in a gated active-adult community next to Tonto National Forest, Tonto Verde Golf Club boasts a pair of Gary Panks-David Graham courses—the 7,004-yard Ranch and 6,733-yard Peaks—with some of the finest greens in the area. Both layouts welcome the public, as does Tonto Verde’s award-winning Mesquite Grill. Members enjoy myriad amenities, as you can also experience with Tonto Verde’s $995 four-day/three night Discovery Package. tontoverde.com
DESERT GOLF’S STANDARD-BEARER
The flagship of the Troon Golf empire with two 18-hole courses, Troon North Golf Club stretches through the natural ravines and foothills beneath Pinnacle Peak and weaves around the giant boulders and saguaros of the Sonoran Desert. Designed in 1990 by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish—with some deft recent remodeling by Weiskopf—the Pinnacle and Monument courses remain the hallmarks of daily-fee desert golf, regularly earning high rankings from every national golf publication. The high standards continue minutes away at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, which shuttles guests to and from the course. troonnorthgolf.com
DISCOVER
Beautiful scenery, amazing connections . . . in Arizona
Our $995 Discovery Package Includes 4 Days and 3 nights in Luxury Town Home Golf for 2 on both our Peaks and Ranch Championship Courses $100 Gift Card to our Award-Winning Mesquite Grill Restaurant Private access to 21,000 acre McDowell Mountain Park Wide range of membership options available at our member owned Tonto Verde Golf Club
Experience the Tonto Verde AZ lifestyle Call: (480) 471-3566 or Visit TontoVerde.org COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2019
Biking 44
Hiking coloradoavidgolfer.com
Come experience both of Troon North’s Monument and Pinnacle courses for the best desert golf in Arizona. Please visit www.TroonNorthGolf.com for best available rates and 36-hole packages. After your round, stop in at the Dynamite Grill where you can enjoy great food with a view. Mention “Colorado Avid Golfer” by phone and get 10% off the already best available rate through 2019.
CALL 4 80.585.7700 OR VISIT TROONNORTHGOLF.COM M E NTI O N “ C O LO RAD O AVI D G O L FE R ” TO B O O K TO DAY
Getaways | Arizona
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And while you’re there... If hiking’s your thing, head to one of the five trailheads at the 30,200-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve, where paths of varying difficulty lead to majestic views. experiencescottsdale.com Like to bike? For a rigorous fat-tire adventure, hit the steep Gateway Loop at South Mountain. Gentler rides await at McDowell Mountain Park’s 15-mile Pemberton Loop, Desert Park and Coachwhip Trail. Outfitters like 360 Adventures provide exhilarating tours for all levels. 360-adventures.com Recognized by Opentable.com for three years running as one of the “Top 100 Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America,” Tonto Bar & Grill at Rancho Mañana pairs its delectable fare (try the Coffee & Port Braised Boneless Short Rib) with views of the Tonto National Forest. tontobarandgrill.com
TRIBAL REVELRY In the language of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, “We-Ko-Pa” translates to the nearby “Four Peaks Mountain,” and in the language of golf, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club means “two must-play courses.” Both the Scott Miller-designed Cholla layout and Coore-Crenshaw’s Saguaro descend into valleys, scale ridges and boast mountain views, and both have received high ratings and benefit from the absence of houses and roads. The difference? The older (by five years) and more scenic Cholla is target-style desert golf, whereas the Saguaro delivers a more natural, easily walkable round. Which is better? Play both and decide. wekopa.com
SHORT BUT SCENIC
PLAY AND STAY
A course that plays 6,100 yards from the tips isn’t going to scare anyone, but the par-70 layout at Rancho Mañana Golf Club & Resort plays longer, thanks to the presence of six tough par 3s, numerous elevated greens and a front nine that steadily climbs to higher elevations before descending on the back nine. The incredibly scenic Cave Creek course offers views of surrounding mountains. Hundreds of saguaros spike the hills, and javelinas and jackrabbits regularly dart across the fairways. ranchomanana.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2019
A mile from the stunning We-Ko-Pa courses and only 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport stands the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center, 246 rooms of AAA-rated four-star luxury with dining at the Ahnala Mesquite Room and four other restaurants. Look for a 166,000-squarefoot casino to open next spring. wekoparesort.com
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UNSPOILED. UNRIVALED.
UNBELIEVABLE.
36 HOLES | PL AY SAGUARO & CHOLL A The Coore/Crenshaw-designed Saguaro course (No. 1) and the Scott Miller-designed Cholla course (No. 8) have made Golfweek’s Top-10 Best You Can Play for a decade. And you can experience both within a 3-day period with the 36-hole package. Located minutes from Scottsdale, Arizona in the pristine Sonoran Desert of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
CALL 800.660.7700 OR VISIT WEKOPA.COM
AN ENTERPRISE OF THE FORT MCDOWELL YAVAPAI NATION
Getaways | Arizona
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Chef-Driven Scottsdale Breaks the Chains For 26 years, Chef Chrysa Robertson has kept Rancho Pinot hot by resisting definition. Neither “Southwestern,” nor “Italian” nor “Arizonan,” her cuisine blends all those elements and dozens more into unforgettable deliciousness. ranchopinot.com A favorite among epicureans since opening in 2009, FnB hews to seasonality and local growers, meaning nothing stays on chef Charleen Badman’s menu for long. fnbrestaurant.com Chef Gio Osso’s “wandering Mediterranean” menu makes Virtú Honest Craft—located in the wee Bespoke Inn—one of Old Town’s best bets. www.virtuscottsdale.com The inspired prix-fixe fare at Sel, chef Branden Levine’s Arts District eatery, is as lovely as the works in the neighboring galleries. selrestaurant.com Virtú Honest Craft
FLYING DOWN TO RIO
Rio Verde Country Club emphasizes the active in active-adult community. Seizing upon its location in the McDowell foohills next to Tonto National Forest, the Troon Privé-managed facility features clubs for hikers, bikers and horse-lovers. Members can play 36 holes of Tom Lehman-designed golf, tennis on six courts and pickleball on four. There’s also a bocce pitch, heated resort-style pool, fitness center and art studio. Rio Verde just completed a $3.75 million clubhouse renovation, renaming its restaurant the Box Bar Grille after the ranch on which the club sits today. Prospective members can stay at the club by appointment. rioverdearizona.com
HORSING AROUND
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TIME FOR A QUICKIE?
The resurgent Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley has earned universal praise for The Short Course, an upscale 18-hole par-3 layout by Forrest Richardson, who worked with Jack Snyder on the hotel’s original course in the 1960s. Holes span 75 to 193 yards, with challenging greens, bunkers and water. The retro clubhouse is a blast. mountainshadows.com/golf
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PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVE SANSOM
Since 1994, MacDonald’s Ranch in North Scottsdale has specialized in individual and group and stage coach rides, cookouts and more. Guided rides take place on easy-to-traverse desert terrain with the occasional hill, numerous desert plants and gorgeous scenery. On days before the night of the full moon, the stables offer unique moonlight horseback rides as the sun sets and the moon’s luminescence romantically glimmers on the skin and needles of the cacti. macdonaldsranch.com
Rio Verde is our perfect fit.
Speak to those who live and play in Rio Verde just northeast of Phoenix and you’ll probably hear, “This is the perfect fit for our lifestyle!” Originally a slice of what was known as Box Bar Ranch, the bucolic property nestled along the Verde River on the edge of the Tonto National Forest is as stunning today as it was when the developers first envisioned it as an ideal retreat for golf and nature lovers alike. Wrapped in blue skies and Arizona sunshine, Rio Verde feels far away, yet is still a short drive away from spectacular restaurants, theaters, shopping, museums and more. Truly a total club lifestyle with spectacular weather for being outdoors and staying active, Rio Verde is tailored perfectly to fill the days with endless opportunities to connect and build friendships that deepen over time. Although Full Membership is not limited to those who live in Rio Verde, every homeowner is a Social Member of the club. When combined with the 36 holes of parkland-style golf, fantastic food (dine in, take out, or they’ll deliver!), social calendar, and signature events, members stay as busy as they please. The majestic natural surroundings are perfect for a hike, bike, or run, while tennis, pickle ball, swimming, fitness, bocce, book clubs, mahjong, bridge and more can be found right at home! And as the evening skies explode with stars, block parties and improvised gatherings are just an invitation away.
Golf is elemental to this full life. Members play for both the thrill of the sport and pure joy of the game. And whether they’re out to play for three hours or three holes, Rio Verde’s professional staff, extensive practice facility, and open fairways provide plenty of opportunity to get into golf. Unlike many private clubs, Rio Verde’s members don’t have food and beverage minimums or pay trail fees (non-residents don’t pay to use the club’s carts). Full Membership provides unlimited access to dining and events, plus 36-holes of parkland-style golf, driving range, three putting greens, and bunker/ chipping complex. Because Rio Verde Country Club is managed by Troon, members can request tee times at 75 other private clubs and receive discounts of up to 50% off greens fees at resort and daily fee facilities around the world. Those seeking a little piece of paradise are invited to see firsthand what makes Rio Verde the perfect place to live and play. Get connected to one of the Preferred Realtors, rent a home with built-in golf or social privileges, or try The Experience Membership for up to one year with no obligation. From its magical setting and exceptional club and community amenities, to the warm and friendly people who make Rio Verde an incredible place to live and play, this is a place to stay busy and happy. To learn more about RioVerdeArizona.com David Benham (480) 471.3410 dbenham@rioverdecc.com
“We love the walkable courses and there’s never a cart fee, even for non-residents. But it’s the people who make Rio Verde so special.” Gary & Diana Mercer
“We play golf, get together with friends, and we’re in a dinner club… there are so many activities, we just don’t run out of things to do.” Marlin & Karen Knutson
“The people are so welcoming, you just feel like you’re at home within a short time of being here.” Chris & Diane McMullen
“We’re always meeting up for a round of golf, game of pickleball, drinks and dinner, or a fabulous event at the club. We stay busy and happy. This is our paradise!” Ron & Nancy Miller
RioVerdeArizona.com
Getaways | Arizona
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High-Water Mark See the 330-foot high plume of water that gives the town of Fountain Hills its name. Rising from a concrete water lily sculpture in the man-made lake at Fountain Park, the fountain spent 10 years as the tallest in the world after it opened in 1970. It spews daily on the hour for 15 minutes, and on certain holidays, it shoots 560 feet in the air, higher than the Washington Monument. Avoid going on windy days when it turns off. Even if it’s not Old Faithful, it’s still pretty cool. fh.az.gov
CARDING AN EAGLE Nestled in the ravines of the McDowell Mountains and colorized by dramatic sunrises and sunsets, Eagle Mountain Golf Club beckons with 6,800 yards of contoured fairways and immaculately maintained emerald greens. The par-71 Scott Miller-designed layout, which opened in 1996, winds spectacularly through natural box canyons, rolling hills and lush desert valleys southwest of downtown Fountain Hills. A departure from desert-style “target golf,” the course culminates with a brilliant par-4 that doglegs around a pond fronted by 10 fairway bunkers. Bonus: You can surf the turf atop a Golfboard. eaglemtn.com
Your Perfect Arizona Golf Experience Awaits!
BREATHTAKING SCENERY • GREAT CONDITIONS • EXCEPTIONAL VALUE
Book a Tee Time When You Visit Scottsdale! (480) 816-1234 • eaglemtn.com coloradoavidgolfer.com
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Fall 2019 | COLORADO AVIDGOLFER
Getaways | Arizona
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Under the Tucson Sun A feast of golf and gastronomy awaits in “The Old Pueblo.” BE AN OMNI-VORE With or without 36 great golf holes, the Omni Tucson National Resort’s 128 plush guest rooms, four lighted tennis courts, Sweetwater pool and Forbes 4-Star spa make it an ideal couples getaway. The surprising elegance and intimacy of Bob’s Steak and Chop House adds sizzle. omnihotels.com/tucson
TOUR-TESTED The host of February’s PGA TOUR Champions Cologuard Classic and longtime site of the PGA TOUR’s Chrysler Classic, the Omni Tucson National Resort’s Catalina course remains one of the world’s top resort layouts. The stout, tree-lined design pairs well with the Omni’s newer, more undulant Sonoran course. tucsonnational.com
TIME TRAVELING
SOME LIKE IT SABROSO You’ll find the best 23 miles of Mexican food north of the border in Tucson, the First UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With hundreds of Mexican restaurants, Tucson overflows with authentic carne asada, ceviche, the popular Sonoran hot dog and mucho más. Where to start? Some say South Tucson’s 12th Avenue, but you can get a mouthwatering menu of suggestions at visittucson.org
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Two of Tucson’s cooler attractions are tours of the futuristic, 3.14-acre self-contained ecosystem of Biosphere 2, (biosphere2.org) and Old Tucson (oldtucson.com), the region’s premier film location, with more than 400 films to its credit. The Wild West lives on here, with rides, games, shows and tours for cowpokes of all ages. Biosphere 2
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THE
EXPERIE NCES Y O U ’ L L TA K E AW AY
CAN’T BE RECORDED ON A
SCORECARD.
With two championship courses, spa and pool, no other golf experience brings you closer to the true spirit of the place you’re in.
OMNIHOTELS.COM/TUCSON • 520-297-2271
Getaways | Arizona
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In and Around Tucson... More than 40 golf courses dot the Tucson region. Starr Pass Golf Club and the municipal Randolph Park have hosted the Tucson Open, while the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship took place at The Gallery and The Golf Club at Dove Mountain in Marana. visittucson.com The 3.9-mile Sun Link Tucson Streetcar route rolls through the heart of Tucson. Check out the hip restaurants bars and shops along 4th Avenue, Downtown Tucson and the Mercado San Augustín. visittucson.org Lift your spirits with visits to the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, a 10-acre National Historic District devoted to the genius of artist Ted DeGrazia (degrazia.org), and the glorious 17th-century Mission San Xavier del Bac on the Tohno O’odham Nation Reservation (sanxaviermission.org).
MAKE TRACKS FOR TUBAC Golf nut Bing Crosby was an original investor, and Kevin Costner strode its fairways in Tin Cup. Tubac Golf Resort and Spa may have a celebrity pedigree, but it remains a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path, AAA Four-Diamond oasis of 27 tree-lined golf holes, 68 uniquely appointed suites, 30 magnificenly upgraded guest rooms, a worldclass Aveda spa and the unforgettable Stables Ranch Grill & Patio. Located on the historic Otero Ranch acreage between Tucson and Mexico, the resort features a Mission-style chapel and stylishly salutes its vaquero heritage while providing every modern amenity and convenience. tubacgolfresort.com
LOOK TO THE SKY If you’re a stargazer, Tucson is one of the best spots in the U.S. for astronomy. In 1972, Pima County enacted a “dark sky” code to regulate the brightness and number of outdoor bulbs. Now Tucson suffers from far less light pollution than most cities do, allowing stars and planets to shine through the darkness. Some hots spots are Catalina State Park, SkyBar on 4th Ave. (skybartucson.com), Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter (skycenter.arizona.edu) and the Flandrau Planetarium (flandrau.org). Or simply lift your eyes skyward. visittucson.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2019
ART ATTACK Just a mile from the resort, the quaint, eclectic town of Tubac is a mecca of creativity. Hundreds of shops and world-class galleries line its winding streets and hidden courtyards. The Tubac Center of the Arts displays acclaimed works, and all around town this winter look for the colorful Javelinas de Tubac sculptures painted by local artists. tubacaz.com
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Colorado Avid Golfer
Southwest Winter Getaway
For reservations call 800.848.7893 Ask for the COLORADO AVID GOLFER PACKAGE (Code AVID) (Valid until April 1, 2020
Luxurious Hacienda Accommodations One-Day of Unlimited Golf for 2 10% off Spa Treatments • Club Storage $349 per night (Plus tax and resort fee, based on availability) * Book a second night and receive breakfast for two at our Stables Ranch Grille
Make your reservations now! 1.800.848.7893 www.TubacGolfResort.com
I-19, Exit 40 (30 minutes from Tucson)
www.TubacGolfResort.com 1.800.848.7893
F O E G N CHA
E S R COU
Ventana Canyon Mountain Course #3
Why Tucson is Your Perfect Golf Getaway… No umbrella needed. With warm weather and over 300 days of sunshine, you can tee it up all year-round. Styles for miles. Test your accuracy on tight desert-style courses or go big on more traditional layouts. Naturally gifted. No matter the course, you’ll find the Sonoran Desert to be one of the most beautiful and unique golf destinations in the world. Rest and relaxation. Swing by one of our world class spas or treat your significant other while you’re on the course all day. The main course. After your round, dive into Tucson’s food scene with everything from top flight steakhouses to world famous Mexican food. Plan your getaway today at VisitTucson.org/Golf
Getaways | Nevada
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Place Your Bets Golf, like gambling, involves risks and rewards—and Nevada’s got both. WEST OF BEAR’S BEST Highlighting the view from Jack’s Grille at Bear’s Best Las Vegas and encompassing 200,000 acres within the Mojave Desert, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area features the 13-mile Scenic Drive, 26 hiking trails, myriad petroglyphs and mighty vistas from High Point Overlook. redrockcanyonlv.org
JACK ATTACK Skillfully stringing together 18 holes from the more than 5,000 designed by Jack Nicklaus, Bear’s Best Las Vegas offers a 7,194-yard peek into the Golden Bear’s private portfolio. Holes from Castle Pines, Desert Highlands, Desert Mountain, PGA WEST, Las Campanas, Cabo del Sol and El Dorado converge 10 miles west of The Strip, united by flawless conditioning, stellar views and a country-club-for-aday atmosphere. bearsbestlasvegas.com
IN THE RED ZONE
FOR THE WYNN A good run of luck could prompt a $550 round at Wynn Golf Club, just off The Strip. The highend Tom Fazio layout—which opened in 2005 and closed in 2017 to make way for a $3 billion development—dodged the dozers to reopen this October as a redesigned (again by Fazio) par 70 that’s 300 yards shorter than it was. The waterfall by the 18th green remains huge, though the par-4 finisher now plays as a par-3. wynnlasvegas.com
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Three miles north of Bear’s Best lies the four-diamond AAArated Red Rock Resort and its 800 rooms and suites, 25,000-square-foot spa, 11 restaurants, huge pool area, movie theatres, bowling and gaming. Its sister casino has a familiar name but a Nevada address: Green Valley Ranch in Henderson. redrock.sclv.com
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Play for your chance at $100,000!* Bear’s Best Las Vegas golf course features 18 holes hand-selected by Jack Nicklaus from the thousands he has designed. This unique, upscale, daily-fee golf course offers the public a high-end private club experience, including a golf cart fleet equipped with GPS and built-in Bluetooth speakers.
When you play with us, you will be automatically entered into a chance for $10,000 for a hole in one on No. 15.
FREE Upgrade
*As a special incentive to Colorado AvidGolfer readers, we will increase the prize amount to $100,000.
Call the golf shop at (702) 804-8500 and mention this ad when making your reservation.
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Getaways | Nevada
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Good walks spoiled and unspoiled Hikes in Las Vegas are as out of place as ice cubes in beer. But Summerlin, one of Nevada’s most affluent areas, also features the most comprehensive and efficient trail systems in the southwest—nearly 200 miles of dedicated pedestrian and bicycle ways that connect the urban core to the foothills of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area. summerlin.com The popular par-60 executive layout at Eagle Crest Golf Course tucks into the side of a mountain, showcasing exciting city vistas and championship-caliber holes in a time-sensitive layout. golfsummerlin.com Stroll the active urban hub of Downtown Summerlin (DTS), a diverse, worldly and local mix of shops, restaurants and indoor and outdoor venues, including the NHL’s Golden Knights practice facility. summerlin.com
Golf Summerlin
SUMMERLIN CAME BLOWIN’ IN... Notable for the TPC Summerlin, which annually hosts the PGA TOUR’s Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, Las Vegas’s Summerlin neighborhood lies less than 10 miles west of the Strip at the base of the Charleston Mountain range. The community features three wellconditioned Billy Casper/Greg Nash-designed courses managed by Golf Summerlin—Highland Falls, Eagle Crest and Palm Valley—that partner with the nearby Suncoast Hotel & Casino to provide the most affordable stay-and-play packages in the Las Vegas region. Enjoy the same valley views and playing conditions as the TPC for half the price. golfsummerlin.com
HIGHLAND FLING Spectacular conditions, dramatic elevation changes and views of the Las Vegas Strip make the 6512-yard, par-72 Highland Falls Golf Club a favorite among outof-towners, and for the last three years, readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal have awarded it three Gold Medals as “Best Golf Course in Las Vegas.” The rolling hills of the front nine become steeper on the back side, addiing the challenge of uneven lies to those of strategically placed bunkers and testy but fair greens. golfsummerlin.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2019
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PALM PILOT Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Summerlin’s oldest, longest and most challenging course, Palm Valley, features wide, mature, gently undulating fairways bordered by pines and palms. The undulant bentgrass greens make every two-putt a test. A total of 68 bunkers keep things interesting. golfsummerlincom
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Getaways | Nevada
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Nu-Wav-Kaiv, Tav-AiKaiv and Kwetoo-Unuv If you think remembering the above Paiute names for the Snow Mountain, Sun Mountain and Wolf courses is challenging fun, try playing them. Paiute’s shortest course at 7,164 yards, Snow Mountain features a collection of striking par 3s and water on seven holes—including the gauntlet of three left-doglegs to finish. lvpaiutegolf.com At Sun Mountain, Pete Dye arranged his signature bunker railroad ties to suggest rays shining from the sand. The 7,112-yard course unfurls against a mountain backdrop with sweeping slope changes. lvpaiutegolf.com The longest course in Nevada at 7,604 yards, The Wolf is also Paiute’s fiercest (76.3/149). Its brawn, severe undulations, alternate landing areas and Sawgrass-like island green help sharpen its fangs. lvpaiutegolf.com
The Wolf Course at Las Vegas Paiute
Sun Mountain
A THREE-WAY DYE “One-of-a-kind can now come in threes,” the World Golf Hall of Fame architect Pete Dye joked while designing the trio of 18-hole courses— Snow Mountain, Sun Mountain and The Wolf—at Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort. Opened in 1995, the first multi-course facility built on Native American land lies 26 miles northwest of the Strip. An absence of housing, lodging or gaming distinguishes it from the area’s countless resort casinos. With impeccable service and playing conditions, a wellstocked golf shop, 50,000-square-foot clubhouse with a dynamite grill and 5,000-square-foot event space, Paiute truly wants for nothing. vpaiutegolf.com
FUEL UP After 36 holes of golf, the road between Paiute and dinner can look endless. It’s not. Five miles south on US 95 towards Las Vegas proper, you can savor the zesty Zapoteca flavors of Ben’Zaa Cantina de Oaxaca (benzaacantina.com), the joys of Greek-style pomegranate Market Grille chicken at the Market Grill Cafe (marketgrillecafe.com). Even if you don’t relish the idea of an all-you-can-eat buffet, you can’t beat the nigiri sushi, teriyaki, tempura and other Japanese specialties at the surprisingly authentic Umami (no website; yelp.com).
G-Men and made men share the spotlight at Las Vegas’ Mob Museum. Located in the same downtown courthouse that held one of the 1950 U.S. Senate hearings exposing organized crime, the museum uses rare artifacts, exhibits and interactive displays to explore the mob’s historical impact on society—and law enforcement’s efforts to stop it. themobmuseum.org
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COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2019
GOING GANGSTER
las vegas paiute golf resort
Getaways | Nevada
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A hot dog and muddy river to go Unlike other 19th holes, the satisfying Mitch’s Bar & Grill at Coyote Springs isn’t named for a pro golfer, benefactor or even a Caddyshack punch line (“night putter” Mitch Cumstein). Mitch is a yellow Heeler who was rescued by the course as a puppy in 2008 and displayed his loyalty and bravery until he passed around the time the eatery opened in 2016. His photo hangs in the grill, where you can still order the Egg Mitch Muffin, Mitch Big Dog Nachos and “The Mitch”—an all-beef hot dog loaded with chili, cheese, onions and mustard. coyotesprings.com A shortcut from Coyote Springs to the golf meccas of Mesquite and St. George runs through the wee town of Moapa, where T-Bones, chops, and chicken-fried steak dot the menu at the Muddy River Bar and Grill, which features a separate gaming room and stocked bar. muddyrivermoapa.com
THE CALL OF THE COYOTE
Mitch’s Bar & Grill
Cradled by mountains in every direction, Coyote Springs Golf Club has drawn universal raves ever since debuting 11 years ago in the high desert 50 miles north of Las Vegas. The Jack Nicklaus Signature course stretches from 5,349 to 7,471 yards, bringing 11 lakes into play as it rolls and climbs through specatularly scenic terrain. Arrive early to dial in your game on the facility’s 22-acre practice area with more than 100,000 square-feet of tee area, 13 target greens for numerous club selections, a bunkered short-game chipping and pitching green and 10,000- square-foot practice green. coyotesprings.com
GET FIRED UP Equidistant from Coyote Springs and Las Vegas sprawl the 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops of Valley of Fire State Park. Hit the Visitor Center for some info on the geology, ecology and history of the park—and to figure out which of the many trails to take. Trailheads are accessible by car and the trails average less than three miles in length with moderate difficulty. Favorites include Rainbow Vista, Natural Arches, Balancing Rock, Prospect, Mouse’s Tank and Elephant Rock. parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2019
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A BRILLIANT IDEA Neon has played as much of a role in defining Las Vegas as gambling has. With a visitor center in the old motel lobby, the Neon Museum treats the glowing signs in its vast collection as national treasures. Tour the signs in the Neon Boneyard Main Collection and North Gallery and then catch “Brilliant!,” a nocturnal extravaganza of sight and sound. neonmuseum.org
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Where Golfers Go To Golf. A J a c k N i c k l a u s S i g n a t u r e D e s i g n.
Peak Season $100 green fees Now - November 20th, 2019.
Winter Season $85 green fees November 21st, 2019 through February 15th, 2020.
Show this Ad at Check-in to redeem offer. Call for more information. restrictions apply.
3100 State Route 168 Coyote Springs, NV 89037 877-742-8455 www.coyotesprings.com
Getaways | Nevada
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Oh, the Places You’ll Play Golf Mesquite Nevada partners with such courses as Coyote Springs (page 66), Sand Hollow (72) and ... Oasis Golf Club’s two Arnold Palmer designs—the Canyons and the tougher Palmer—traverse rugged landforms with fairways and greens tucked between escarpments. The King rated holes 5, 6 and 8 on the Palmer among his best ever. theoasisgolfclub.com Troon Golf-managed Conestoga Golf Club, a 7232-yard Gary Panks design, mirrors the rugged topography near Sun City Mesquite. conestogagolf.com Winding through the hills and canyons of northwest Mesquite, the 6,569-yard Falcon Ridge Golf Course designed by Kelby Hughes and Cresent Hardy boasts wild elevation changes, numerous water features and high mesa views. golffalcon.com
Conestoga Golf Club
BUILD IT AND YOU WILL COME
Falcon Ridge Golf Course
Located in Nevada’s Virgin River Valley, Mesquite is geographically and culturally closer to St. George than it is to Las Vegas. But its resorts, casinos and golf courses suggest Lite Vegas, which makes the border town popular among anyone who doesn’t want to reenact The Hangover. For more than 20 years, Golf Mesquite Nevada has provided golfers visiting Mesquite and St. George with customized stay-and-play packages at the best possible prices. GMN’s 10 current lodging partners and 14 top-tier courses in Mesquite and St. George conveniently help you build your own golf vacation. golfmesquitenevada.com
STRIKE GOLD A preferred partner of Golf Mesquite Nevada, the Eureka Casino Resort sits on 60 acres with views of red mesas and mountains, offering rooms and suites of all sizes. Gregory’s, its award-winning fine dining restaurant, complements the upscale buffet dining at Town Square. 24/7 poker and other table games compete with 1,000 slot machines in the casino. A luxurious spa, heated outdoor pool and relationship with Wolf Creek Golf Club completes a very attractive picture. golfmesquitenevada.com/eureka-casino-resort
The Rising Star Sports Ranch Resort features 210 guest rooms and suites— some of which feature innovative bunk bed designs to accommodate families, traveling sports teams and very good golf buddies. When not playing golf, shoot hoops, swim, throw horseshoes, play pickleball or practice putting in the resort’s “Backyard.” risingstarsportsranch.com
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TEAMING UP
Getaways | Nevada
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877.254.9762
CasaBlanca Golf Club
MESQUITE FOR THE WIN
The day following the final round of the $150,000 Nevada Open (Nov. 5-7) at CasaBlanca Golf Club, the third-annual CasaBlanca II-Man (casablancaresort.com/II-M) begins with an expanded field of 150 twoamateur teams playing in six flights (gross and net), in rotating formats (scramble, best-ball, alternate-shot) at three courses (CasaBlanca, Conestoga Golf Club and Palms Golf Club) over three days (Nov. 8–10). Cost per team is $850, and each flight has a $6,000 first prize, courtesy of Mesquite Gaming, which owns the CasaBlanca Resort and Casino and Golf Club, the Palms and Virgin River Casino. mesquitegaming.com
We get the shots you want...and the ones you didn’t think possible.
PremierAerials.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2019
TURN IT TO 11 The Mesquite region’s abundance of golf riches becomes much more manageable with the help of Mesquite Gaming, a one-stop shop for booking rounds at 11 different courses and hotel nights at Mesquite’s CasaBlanca Resort and Virgin River Hotel & Oasis Palmer Course Casino. Nevada courses include CasaBlanca, Palms, Coyote Springs, Falcon Ridge, Conestoga, and Oasis (Palmer and Canyons), and Utah’s Sand Hollow, Sun Mountain, Coral Canyon and the Ledges. Build your own getaway at mesquitegaming.com
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CasaBlanca
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$$
lf o G & Room
CasaBlancaResort.com 877-438-2929 One Night Stay and Play 18 Championship Holes at CasaBlanca or Palms Golf Club!
Getaways | Utah
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Color Country Sand Hollow Resort highlights Southern Utah’s vibrant golf scene. ROCKING IT With views stretching from Pine Mountain to Zion National Park, Sand Hollow Resort takes full advantage of its red-rock setting with luxe rooms, suites, condos and homes sleeping from one to 10. The Grille occupies what Architectural Digest calls Utah’s “most beautiful clubhouse.” sandhollowresorts.com
ABUZZ IN THE BEEHIVE STATE Located 30 miles east of glorious Zion National Park, Sand Hollow Resort’s John Fought-designed Championship Course has lived atop Golfweek’s best-in-state rankings since opening 11 years ago. The 7,300-yard course weaves through red-rock outcroppings, tightropes along ledges and perches along ridgelines. Two nine-holers—the par Links Course and Wee Course—add to the enjoyment. sandhollowresorts.com
NATURE CALLS
TRAIL MIX An ideal base from which to explore Greater Zion’s great golf, Sand Hollow Resort joins eight other courses—such as Coral Canyon, The Ledges and Sky Mountain—to form the Red Rock Golf Trail, a one-stop website for stayand-play trips to the region. A bonus lodging option is the plush Inn at Entrada, whose guests get to play the stellar private course at Entrada at Snow Mountain Country Club. redrockgolftrail.com
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Southern Utah’s outdoor appeal extends beyond visits to the national parks at Zion and Bryce Canyon. There’s boating and water-skiing in nearby Sand Hollow State Park, off-roading in the dunes of Sand Mountain, mountain biking along the Anasazi Trail and Gooseberry Mesa and concerts at Tuacahn Amphitheatre. visitstgeorge.com
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WHERE THE DESERT MEETS THE GREEN. “A majority of golfers replace clubs with a camera for their first shot on the back nine.” - Golfweek
ESCAPE. PLAY. DISCOVER. RELAX. Stay and play at Sand Hollow Resort! Play the Championship Course, consistently ranked as a “Top 100 Resort Course” by Golfweek since 2011. Stay for adventure, relaxation, or both in our pristine nightly rentals. Sand Hollow Resort offers adrenaline pumping activities and gorgeous space for corporate events.
To book your stay or event call 804-404-3260
sandhollowresort.com 5662 W. Clubhouse Dr. Hurricane, Utah 435-656-GOLF
Getaways | Kaua‘i
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The Ultimate Island Greens Golf and much more flowers in the beautiful wildness of Kaua‘i. CANYON DIG IT?
PRINCEVILLE MAKAI
KAUA‘I CUISINE
The chief amenity of Princeville Resort, Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s design ranks among the state’s top courses.
T
he fourth-largest island in the Hawaiian chain, Kaua‘i is also its oldest, with a lush, rugged prehistoric beauty that fittingly served as the set for Jurassic Park. Defined by emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs, “the Garden Isle” overflows with tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls—a feral landscape that highlights some of the most surreal golf milieux on the planet. At the stunning courses at Princeville Makai, Poʻipū Bay, Puakea, Wailua and Hōkūala, holes cling to oceanside cliffs above frothing
COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2019
waves, traverse canyons filled with towering mango trees and crouch near mountains that even impress Coloradans. The resorts associated with these courses— the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas on the north shore and Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort and Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort on the south—immerse you in cosseting luxury without sparing the island’s natural splendor. Located northeast of Poʻipū Bay, near the Nicklaus-designed Ocean Course at Hōkūala, Timbers Kaua‘i Ocean Club and Residences affords the opportunity to buy a piece of paradise. gogolfkauai.com
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For a taste of heaven, tuck into some seared Hawaiian hapu, tempura lobster tail ramen or any of Chef Jean-Marie Josselin’s creations at Jo2 Natural Cuisine (jotwo.com) in Kapaʻa. Sweet tooth? Indulge in a scoop of one of the 25 only-in-Kauaʻi handmade flavors at Lappert’s Ice Cream’s three Kauaʻi locations lappertshawaii.com
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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY KAUAI VISITORS BUREAU, MATT FEESER
Called by Mark Twain “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the namesake attraction in Waimea Canyon State Park is 14 miles long, a mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep. Drive to the top and take in the rugged crags and deep valley gorges, or hike the Waipo‘o Falls Trail through the canyon. hawaiistateparks.org
The Garden Isle of Golf With dramatic landscapes and diverse layouts, Kaua‘i shines bright as a golfer’s paradise
Napali Coast
Ocean Course at Hokuala
Po‘ipu Bay Golf Course
Princeville Makai Golf Club
This Jack Nicklaus Signature Design features more
Situated on the sunny south shore of Kaua‘i, this championship design formerly hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf.
immaculate conditions, and simply unforgettable views.
Puakea Golf Course
Wailua Golf Course
Scenic views of Mt. Ha‘upu and lush ravines throughout the course, which served as the backdrop to the original “Jurassic Park” movie.
has been recognized as one of the top golf courses in the state of Hawai‘i.
For more info visit GoGolfKauai.com, our Facebook and Instagram pages and gohawaii.com/kauai