A GOLFER’S GUIDE TO SPRING TRAINING SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Going...Gone! Baseball and golf go together like hot dogs and beer. Both sports revere the long ball and rely heavily on accurate pitches. With a combination of 15 teams, 10 stadiums and more than 200 golf courses, nothing brings together golf-loving baseball fans and baseball-loving golfers better than Spring Training in Arizona.
HOME TO BOTH OF LAST YEAR’S NATIONAL LEAGUE wild-card teams, Scottsdale’s Salt River
Fields at Talking Stick will be hopping during Spring Training. The Rockies, of course, lost, 118, to the Diamondbacks in that one-game playoff, and both teams look poised to unseat the Dodgers from atop the National League West. Hope springs eternal in Arizona, but the Rockies do have a legit shot this year. Arenado, Blackmon, LeMahieu, Parra and Story can flat-out play, and the Rockies ranked among the top three Major League teams in batting and fielding percentage. As far as the pitching goes, it’s not a question of giving up the HR, but staying off the IR. Still, the team won 11 more games than it lost at Coors Field, where its pitchers had the highest home ERA in the National League. A strong bullpen got even moreso with the addition of of free-agent closer Wade Davis. No matter which of the 15 teams you root for, the best part about the Cactus League experience is proximity. The Valley of the Sun’s intimate, family-friendly ballparks allow fans get far closer to the players than they could ever get in big-league stadiums; and none of the ten ballparks is more than a 45-minute drive from the others. In between those ballparks and throughout the area’s East, West and Central valleys lie some of the finest golf courses in the west. The ones at Talking Stick Resort provide the perfect entry point. Don’t be surprised if you run into a player or coach in the clubhouse. Pitcher Kyle Freeland purports to be the team’s best golfer, but fellow hurlers Jeff Hoffman and Tyler Anderson might have something to say about that. So might Arenado; the guy is a stick.
Hit the Stick TALKING STICK RESORT For convenience to
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick and the O’odham and Piipaash Courses at Talking Stick Golf Club, you can’t top the exciting 15-story Talking Stick Resort. Comprised of nearly 500 guest rooms, eight restaurants, a 98,000-square-foot casino, expansive pool area with 20-plus cabanas and a 13,000-square-foot spa, the resort also features the spectacular food and romantic sunsets of Orange Sky Restaurant on its top floor and,14 floors below, the art-filled Cultural Center reflecting the heritage of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC). In case you’re wondering, Talking Stick Resort Arena, where the NBA’s Phoenix Suns play, is 20 miles away in Phoenix. The resort bought the naming rights in 2014. The building was previously the U.S. Airways Arena. talkingstickresort.com
Eat, Imbibe & Explore HEARTH ’61 Unanimously ranked among Phoenix’s top new restaurants, this swank, indgredient-driven eatery at the recently reopened Mountain Shadows Resort boasts inspired American fare, floor-to-ceiling windows and a sunken living room. hearth61.com
SCOTTSDALE WINE TRAIL Did you Arizona has three major wine-growing regions and 83 wineries? Four of the best have tasting rooms (and food) within a 1-mile radius in downtown Scottsdale. scottsdalewinetrail.coms
CAFÉ MONARCH European refinement, exquisite food and romantic ambience make it the perfect spot for a special occasion. cafemonarch.com
ODYSEA AQUARIUM Marvel at otters, penguins, sea lions and 500 other sea creatures at the Southwest’s largest aquarium odyseaacquarium.com
FRANCO’S ITALIAN CAFFE Savor Arizona’s best, most authentic Fiorentine cuisine in a delightfully welcoming atmopshere. francosscottsdale.com
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM Hear, see and even play some of the museum’s collection of 6,500 instruments from around the world. MIM.org
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SPRING TRAINING
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Desert Highlands
Talking Stick Resort
Gated Glory
Tee It Up
DESERT HIGHLANDS Snowbirds have flocked to Desert Highlands ever since the gated enclave opened at the base of Pinnacle Peak in 1983, the year it hosted the first of two televised Skins Games featuring Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, who designed the 7,072-yard course. A total of 560 homes fill the idyllic 850-acre development, and they range from $800,000 to $2 million—important to know because only Desert Highlands property owners can become members. In addition to golf, there are four grass, six clay, and three hard tennis courts; as well as a spa, fitness center, gourmet restaurant, outdoor pool and three-mile trail network. deserthighlandsscottsdale.com
TALKING STICK GOLF CLUB (Scottsdale) The club may have changed the names of the two courses, but 36 holes of Coore-Crenshaw golf still await at Talking Stick Golf Club’s links-style O’odham (née North) and tree-lined Piipaash (South) courses. Adjacent to Talking Stick Resort, the distinctive 20-year-old layouts represent the first namedesigner, big-ticket courses built on Native American land in Arizona. Both continue to thrive. talkingstickgolfclub.com
Resort Plays WE-KO-PA GOLF CLUB AND RESORT (Scottsdale) The one-two punch of the Saguaro and Cholla courses is a knockout for any golfer. wekopa.com THE BOULDERS RESORT AND SPA (Carefree) Easily Arizona’s most stunning spot for luxuriating, recharging and playing 36 holes. theboulders.com FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS/ TPC SCOTTSDALE (Scottsdale) Luxe digs, unreal food and home to the greatest show on grass. tpc.com FOUR SEASONS SCOTTSDALE / TROON NORTH (Scottsdale) Five-star accommodations paired with Troon Golf’s two-course flagship. troonnorthgolf.com JW MARRIOTT DESERT RIDGE/ WILDFIRE (Phoenix) Suite lodging and two sweet courses played every March on the LPGA Tour. wildfiregolf.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Spring 2017
ASU KARSTEN GOLF COURSE (Tempe) #KarstenWhileYouCan is social media’s way of saying “Play the ‘Home of Champions’ before it closes.” The superb Pete Dye layout that shaped the games of such Arizona State stars as Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Anna Nordqvist and Grace Park faces an uncertain future, as the school has made it part a development deal and will move the men’s and women’s golf teams to Papago Golf Course in the fall. asukarsten.com PAPAGO GOLF COURSE (Phoenix) With the city’s goal of making this Billy Bell-designed muni the “Harding Park or Torrey Pines of Arizona,” the new home of the Arizona State men’s and women’s golf teams has undergone a course renovation, construction of a new clubhouse and will debut a spanking new indoor-outdoor practice facility, driving range and an elaborate Phil Mickelson-designed short-game training area. papagogolfcourse.net
Stay a While ROLLIN’ ON THE RIO Part of the Troon Privé network of private clubs, Rio Verde Country Club tucks into the trail-rich McDowell foothills at the edge of the Tonto National Forest and features two challenging, Tom Lehman-remodeled courses—White Wing and Quail Run. Amenities include two pickleball and bocce courts, tennis, fitness and stables. The clubhouse food is superb. Spend a few days and nights at this this 42-year old ungated unpretentious community by contacting Membership Director Susan Martin at smartin@rioverdecc.com. rioverdearizona.com TONTO, PRONTO! Situated in a 717-home gated community adjacent to Tonto National Forest, Tonto Verde Golf Club’s Ranch and Peaks courses purport to feature the truest greens in the area. Both semiprivate courses welcome the public, as does the club’s Mesquite Grill. Prospective members can try Tonto Verde’s $795 Discovery Package, a four-day/threenight luxury stay with myriad amenities. tontoverde.org
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Rio Verde Country Club
coloradoavidgolfer.com
ALWAYS DRIVING
Talking Stick Resort offers plenty of thrills on and off the links. Start your day with championship courses that feature stunning desert scenery. After your rounds, enjoy award-winning gaming and dining options. Relax in our world-class spa and luxurious accommodations for a break from the action. You can always find a way to play— and golf is just the beginning. Best Golf Resorts for a Group Getaway - USA Today 10 Best
S C O T T S D A L E | 8 6 6 . 8 7 7. 9 8 9 7 | TA L K I N G S T I C K R E S O R T.C O M L o c a l l y o w n e d a n d c a r i n g l y o p e r a t e d b y t h e S a l t R i v e r P i m a - M a r i c o p a I n d i a n C o m m u n i t y.
Golf – Tennis & Pickleball – Bocce – Pool
Proudly Managed by Troon Privé
Rio Verde is my perfect fit. “We love it here for so many reasons, like our two beautiful golf courses, gorgeous mountain views at every turn, and warm and friendly neighbors – many of whom have become wonderful friends. 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!” R o n & N a n c y M i l l e r
TAILORED TO YOU To learn more about making this your perfect place to live and play, contact Susan Martin: (480) 471.3410 │ smartin@rioverdecc.com RioVerdeArizona.com
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Fitness
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Global Golf Benefits - TroonPrive.com
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Trails
SPRING TRAINING
Arizona Real Estate
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Thinking about living in a warmer climate this winter? Whether your passion is Golf, Tennis, Hiking, Cycling, Fine Dining or Desert Sunsets, you simply have to experience Scottsdale and Phoenix. Arizona home values can be exceptional and include many property types: • Golf Course Properties • Patio Homes / Condos • Single Family Homes • Investment Opportunities • Vacation Homes As a former Coloradan, I have represented buyers and sellers from Colorado in Arizona since 2010. Let me show you the opportunities that are available! To learn more about owning real Six Courses, estate in our beautiful Sonoran Desert, please contact me by phone, email orof visit my website. Plenty Fun Your CO / AZ Real Estate Connection desertfinehomes.com wayne@desertfinehomes.com Wayne Little, Realtor
(480)532-5479
COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Spring 2017
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes
AK-CHIN SOUTHERN DUNES (Maricopa) Well worth the half-hour drive from Tempe or Mesa, this Troon-managed desert oasis evokes such great Australian Sandbelt courses as Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath. Designed with Fred Couples by the Schmidt-Curley team, the 7,546-yard layout ranks ranks among Golf magazine’s “Top 100 You Can Play” in the U.S., and annually hosts NCAA tournaments, a U.S. Open qualifier, the first stage of Web.com Tour Qualifying, as well as multiple Arizona Amateurs, the Arizona PGA Section Championship and the final rounds of the Saguaro Amateur Series, chaired by CU’s head men’s golf coach Roy Edwards. No homes line the course, and the the Arroyo Grille turns out fabulous mojo pork street tacos and frybread “popovers.” akchinsoutherndunes.com
East Valley Highs
Queen Creek Olive Mill
LONGBOW GOLF CLUB (Mesa) A 20-minute drive from Sloan Park and HoHoKam, the Ken Kavanaugh (Murphy Creek) layout consistently ranks among the state’s better public offerings. longbowgolf.com BOBBY Q (Mesa) Tuck into the area’s favorite barbecue brisket, jumbo Texas ribs, pulled pork and smoasted (smoked and roasted) chicken. bobbyqmesa.com JOYRIDE TACO HOUSE (Gilbert) One of two rocking locations (the other’s in Glendale) specializing in fresh corn tacos. Hit the patio, sip a maragarita and dig into the Bandit Taco Platter. Or two. joyridetacohouse.com QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL (Queen Creek) You don’t have to go to Italy to find a working olive orchard and mill producing 100% virgin oil. Take a tour, see a pressing and savor the restaurant. queencreekolivemill.com USERY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK & NATURE CENTER (Mesa) One of Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department’s four green-friendly nature centers, this one features a memorable hike along Wind Cave Trail and the hanging gardens of Desert Rock Daisy. maricopacountyparks.net
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Insta
Art. Brought To Life.
Desert Highlands isn’t just about where you live, it’s about how you live. It has often been said that life imitates art. At Desert Highlands, there is no imitation. Desert Highlands has always been a beautiful place to live. And a world class country club.
Welcome to Desert Highlands. Let the celebration begin. Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf | 13 Tennis Courts with Grass, Clay or Har-Tru 18-Hole Putting Course | Central Location | Award-winning Clubhouse 7,000 sq. ft. Fitness Center 10040 East Happy Valley Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255 480-419-3745 | www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com
SPRING TRAINING
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Westgate Entertainment
Wigwam Golf Resort
Fare & Family
Tee Off
ARROWHEAD STEAKHOUSE (Glendale) This awardwinning, quintessential steakhouse sizzles with sophistication. Order the Delmonico Steak, which follows the original 1894 recipe of Chef Charles Ranhofer from Manhattan’s Delomonico Hotel. Other succulent cuts, as well as inspired seafood, chicken and lamb dishes, come with a wide selection of sides, wines and cocktails. arrowheadgrill.com
WICKENBURG RANCH GOLF & SOCIAL CLUB (Wickenburg) This homespun creation, located in a development about 45 minutes from Surprise and Goodyear, boasts the stunning 18-hole Big Wick and the rollicking Lil’ Wick, a par-3 (rhymes with “party”) that pivots around a bar and restaurant. wickenburgranch.com
BOTTEGA PIZZA RISTORANTE (Glendale) Popular casual Italian place with pasta and pizza prepared with special flour and other ingredients imported directly from Italy. bottegaristorante.com COUP DES TARTES (Glendale) For more than 20 years, this cozy French boîte has dished up mouthwatering Gallic fare. Go for the Sunday brunch highlighted by crepes, croquettes, quiches, benedicts, charcuterie and the signature French Whiskey Bacon Bloody Mary. nicetartes.com MAIN EVENT (Avondale) This recently opened entertainment spot comprises nearly 60,000 sq. feet of play area, including video games, air hockey, miniature golf, bowling and laser tag. mainevent.com SPLASH PAD (Goodyear) Little ones will love this safe and fun water park to cool off on a hot day. goodyearaz.gov PUMP TRACK BIKE PARK (Goodyear) The desert terrain is the perfect path for off-road bikers who want to catch some air at this looping bike track. facebook.com/estrellafoothillsbikepark WESTGATE ENTERTAINMENT (Glendale) Outletshop ’til you drop at the Tanger shops and refuel in the eatertainment arena with 23 restaurants. Check the website for special events. westgateaz.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Spring 2017
VERRADO GOLF CLUB (Buckeye) Jaw-dropping views, rugged beauty and playability define the home of two Tom Lehman designs: The Founder’s Course and the newly opened Victory Course. verradogolfclub.com WIGWAM GOLF RESORT (Litchfield Park) Opened in 1929, the resort sports three 18-hole courses (including two by Robert Trent Jones) and rates as one of the most historic venues in the West Valley. This favorite of Indians and Reds fans features a very Ohio-like feel, with its mature trees and ribboning streams. wigwamarizona.com ESTRELLA GOLF CLUB (Goodyear) Set in the foothills of the Sierra Estrella mountain range, this Nicklaus Design follows the natural washes and land contours, creating no shortage of risk-reward decisions. As with other Troon Golf-managed courses, Estrella offers dynamic pricing based on demand. estrellagolf.com
Putting Around Peoria QUINTERO GOLF CLUB Surrounded by the protected lands of the Hieroglypic Mountains and originally planned as a private club, this highly scenic Rees Jones creation spans desert, mountain ridges, lakes and washes. It recently cracked Golf Digest’s list of 100 Greatest U.S. Public Courses as the highest ranked course in the state. quinterogolf.com TRILOGY GOLF CLUB AT VISTANCIA Spanning 5,461 to 7,291 yards, this Gary Panks designed layout sports 70 bunkers to challenge all levels of player (as well as visitors of every age) in this active adult community. trilogygolfclub.com BLACKSTONE COUNTRY CLUB Also part of the Vistancia community, this private Jim Engh layout has earned plaudits from Golf Digest and Golfweek. Part of the Troon Privé network, Blackstone boasts a stunning, visit-worthy 30,000-square-foot Hacienda-style clubhouse. vistancia.com/blackstone-country-club
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Cactus League Mileage Chart GLENDALE GOODYEAR MARYVALE (A’S) MESA (CUBS) MESA PEORIA SALT RIVER SCOTTSDALE SURPRISE TEMPE GLENDALE 12 9 33 31 12 37 28 13 26 GOODYEAR 12 17 37 33 23 41 32 19 30 MARYVALE 9 17 25 22 12 29 19 18 18 MESA (A’s) 33 37 25 4 40 12 19 18 18 MESA (Cubs) 31 33 22 4 39 9 6 47 10 PEORIA 12 23 12 4 39 30 36 10 34 SALT RIVER 37 41 29 12 9 30 6 38 17 SCOTTSDALE 28 32 19 9 6 36 6 39 10 SURPRISE 13 19 18 45 47 10 38 39 38 TEMPE 26 30 18 13 10 34 17 10 38
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WEST VALLEY EAST VALLEY PHOENIX SKY HARBOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CINCINNATI REDS/CLEVELAND INDIANS Goodyear Ballpark 1933 South Ballpark Way, Goodyear goodyearbp.com; 623-882-3130 Closest Courses: Estrella, Palm Valley, Verrado, Wigwam TEXAS RANGERS/ KANSAS CITY ROYALS Surprise Recreation Campus 15960 N Bullard Avenue, Surprise surprisespringtraining.com; 623-222-2222 Closest Courses: Rancho de los Caballeros, Surprise Golf Club, Trilogy at Vistancia, Wickenburg Ranch, Wigwam SEATTLE MARINERS/SAN DIEGO PADRES Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria peoriasportscomplex.com; 800-677-1227 Closest Courses: Quintero, Trilogy at Vistancia LOS ANGELES DODGERS/CHICAGO WHITE SOX Camelback Ranch 10710 West Camelback Rd, Glendale camelbackranchbaseball.com; 623-302-5000 Closest Courses: Palm Valley, Verrado, Wigwam coloradoavidgolfer.com
MILWAUKEE BREWERS Maryvale Baseball Park 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix phoenix.gov/sports; 800 933-7890 Closest Courses: Maryvale, Verrado SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS Scottsdale Stadium 7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium; 877-473-4849 Closest Courses: Camelback, McCormick Ranch, McDowell Mountain, The Phoenician, We-Ko-Pa, Westin Kierland LOS ANGELES ANGELS Tempe Diablo Stadium 2200 W. Alameda Dr. Tempe tempe.gov/diablo; 888-796-HALO Closest Courses: Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, ASU Karsten, Raven-Phoenix, Whirlwind
COLORADO ROCKIES/ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N. Pima Rd, Scottsdale saltriverfields.com; 480-270-5000 Closest Courses: Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, Grayhawk, Talking Stick, The Boulders, TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, We-Ko-Pa, Wildfire OAKLAND ATHLETICS Hohokam Stadium 1235 North Center Street, Mesa hohokamstadium.com; 480-644-4451 Closest Courses: Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, ASU Karsten, Longbow, Raven-Phoenix, Superstition Springs, The Legacy, We-Ko-Pa, Whirlwind CHICAGO CUBS Sloan Park 2330 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa sloanpark.com; 800-THE-CUBS Closest Courses: Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, ASU Karsten, Longbow, Raven-Phoenix, Superstition Springs, The Legacy, We-Ko-Pa, Whirlwind
FOR DETAILS on stadiums, games to see, buying tickets and more, visit cactusleague.com or coloradoavidgolfer.com.
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SPRING TRAINING
tucson
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Cup Café
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass
The Southern Swing FROM 1993 THROUGH 2010 the Rockies made their Spring Training home at Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, which now serves the University of Arizona Wildcats baseball team. Less than a two-hour drive from Scottsdale, the city known as “The Old Pueblo” remains a hot spot for golf (see below) and other adventures. visittucson.org SEWAILO GOLF CLUB (Tucson) A spectacular amenity of the Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond Casino Del Sol Resort, this Notah Begay-designed layout blends the native landscape with 14 acres of lakes, 70 bunkers and enough challenge to have the University of Arizona golf teams make it their home course. Troon Golf manages the 7,283-yard course for the Pascua Yaqui tribe, which owns and operates the resort. sewailogolfclub.com OMNI TUCSON NATIONAL RESORT (Tucson) For 30 years, the resort’s Catalina course hosted the Chrysler Classic of Tucson. The event’s gone, but the 7,262-yard parkland challenge remains, as does the Omni’s Sonoran course, a 6,552-yard Tom Lehman desert layout that opened in 2005. Throw in a Forbes 4-Star spa, 128 oversized guest rooms, four lighted tennis courts and myriad other amenities and you have an ideal destination. tucsonnational.com THE GOLF CLUB AT DOVE MOUNTAIN (Marana) The one-time host of the PGA Tour’s WGC Accenture Match Play Championship is a 27-hole expedition through dense desert foothills of the Tortolita Mountains. Access to its three nines—as well as to the two John Fought-designed 18s at The Gallery Golf Club (which also hosted two WGCs and a Tucson Open)—come via a stay in one of the 250 rooms at the adjacent, superlative Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. The 850-acre resort blends seamlessly into its saguaro-studded surroundings ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain.com WESTIN LA PALOMA RESORT AND SPA (Tucson) Another 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus-designed golf highlight a stay at this majestic property nestled in the high Sonoran Foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains westinlapalomaresort.com JW MARRIOTT TUCSON STARR PASS: Yet another 27-hole golf complex, this one authored by Arnold Palmer, Bob Cupp and Craig Stadler. The AAA Four-Diamond resort features 650 rooms and suites, a spirit-resurrecting spa and the soul-replenishing cuisine of Primo from James Beard Award-winning Chef Melissa Kelly. jwmarriottstarrpass.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Spring 2017
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Tucson To-Dos CONGRESS SESSION Eat some of the best food in all Tucson at Cup Café. Based out of the historic Congress Hotel, it makes an art of three square meals, cocktails and bar food. Manadtory breakfast: the cast-iron baked eggs. hotelcongress.com/food GASTRO INTENSITY In 2015, Tucson became the First UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Discover the many mouthwatering stops on the “Best 23 Miles of Food” at visittucson.org/food-drink DEATH IN THE AFTERNOON What could be hipper than a craft cocktail bar in an old funeral home? Snug quarters, stained glass, and savvy barkeeps make Owls Club more than a hoot. owlsclubwest.com LACE UP YOUR BOOTS Hundreds of miles of scenic hiking trails zigzag through Sabino Canyon and Saguaro National Parks. The former features the Coronado National Forest, Sabino and Bear Canyon trails; the City of Tucson divides the latter into the Rincon eastern Rincon Mountain and Western Tucson Mountain District. nps.gov coloradoavidgolfer.com
THE
EXPERIENCES YOU’LL TAKE AWAY
CAN’T BE RECORDED ON A
Play like a pro at the premier Omni Tucson National Resort.
SCORECARD.
With two championship courses along the Santa Catalina Mountains, an award-winning spa and luxurious resort-style pools, no other golf experience brings you closer to the true spirit of the place you’re in.
OmniHotels.com/Tucson • 800-843-6664
Golf in Tucson means a break from the average links. Challenge your game on daring desert layouts or hit it long on fairways that host the champions. Whatever your style, Tucson has it in the bag. Find Your Course at VisitTucson.org/Golf