GETAWAYS Special Advertising Section
2018 GUIDE // ARIZONA // CALIFORNIA // NEVADA // UTAH
Go All In The renovated RIO SECCO shares top billing with Cascata among Las Vegas sure bets this winter. (See page 72)
TOP SPOTS
to tee up, check out, kick back, chow down, hike, bike and escape the Colorado cold
CALIFORNIA Troons Up PLUS
Wild in the West SCOTTSDALE, TUCSON, SUMMERLIN, VEGAS
coloradoavidgolfer.com
Off the Grid in Arizona GETTING ON AT TORREON
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Carrying the Canyons
MESQUITE, ST. GEORGE SAND HOLLOW
Fall 2018 | COLORADO AVIDGOLFER
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GETAWAYS // ARIZONA // CALIFORNIA // NEVADA // UTAH 66
An Experience...
that Truly Represents Golf in the Arizona Desert
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Contents 42 ARIZONA
480-488-0398 5734 E. Rancho Manana Blvd Cave Creek, AZ 85331 www.RanchoManana.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2018
Travel from Phoenix and Scottsdale to Tucson and Tubac and on the way experience spectacular golf, intriguing culture, inspired dining and some of the most stunning scenery in the world.
66 CALIFORNIA
Experience the many forms of life along the coast, in the mountains and across the desert through the prism of Troon Golf California’s 11 properties.
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68 NEVADA
Bet on yourself and come home a winner. The golf, gaming and excitement of Mesquite, Summerlin and Las Vegas are always on the money.
78 UTAH
Learn why Sand Hollow Resort is much more than just 27 holes of golf—and why its location amid the brilliant red rock formations in and around St. George have everything to do with it.
coloradoavidgolfer.com
THE DESERT IS WILD Absolutely spontaneous.
AbsolutelyScottsdale.com
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GETAWAYS // ARIZONA // SCOTTSDALE
2 The raucous 16th at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course during the Phoenix Waste Management Open.
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Golf bikes are just one of many cool conveyances at Westin Kierland.
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes evokes the exacting beauty of the Australian Sandhills.
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As Good as it Gets
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes in Maricopa is the go-to course for those who want a test. Ranked by Golf magazine as the #84 Best Course You Can Play in the United States, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club annually serves as a U.S. Open sectional qualifying venue and has thrice hosted the Arizona Amateur. Plenty of length (7,546 yards from the tips), wellpositioned bunkers and subtle yet tricky greens are all part of the challenge. No homes intrude on this Australian Sandhills-inspired course designed by Lee Schmidt, Brian Curley and Fred Couples. Before driving the 40 miles back to Scottsdale, don’t forget to fuel up with a killer milkshake in the clubhouse. akchinsoutherndunescom COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2018
See why the luxurious Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is the longest-running AAA Five Diamond resort in Arizona—27 years. fairmont.com/scottsdale
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Play where the world’s best golf pros have played annually since 1987. Famous for its raucous Roman Coliseum-like 16th hole, The TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course will give you all the golf you can handle. tpc.com/scottsdale
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In keeping with its tradition of creating unique and different golf experiences, the 27-hole Westin Kierland Golf Club boasts a quartet of fun ways to traverse the course: Segways, GolfBoards, Golf Bikes and, the latest, Kierland TurfRiders—easy-to-ride scooters that provide an exhilarating golf experience few have ever had. kierlandresort.com
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This November, The Phoenician will unveil its golf course, which has gone from 27 to 18 holes under the aegis of architect Phil Smith, the designer of Flying Horse North in Colorado Springs. thephoenician.com
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Insta
REIMAGINED ALL FOR YOU Welcome to the prestigious Desert Mountain Club in Scottsdale—a golf and outdoor club that has been reimagined to provide a lifestyle that rises above the rest. Within our expansive 8,000 acres of pristine desert beauty, members enjoy an outdoor playground unlike any other in the world. Jack Nicklaus golf nearly every day of the week. Technology-based golf instruction. 5-star dining for every palate. Tennis on three surfaces. Fitness fit for an athlete. Spa indulgences to pamper the soul. Pickleball, parties, moonlight hikes, and mountain bikes. Making a move? Move up to the Mountain and receive $5K of initiation credits or 3 months of no dues. Call for details. Coming soon, Seven Desert Mountain—our new luxury residential golf community. See opposite page for details.
DESERTMOUNTAIN.COM SCOTTSDALE, AZ
(480) 595-1415
Make Seven your Lucky Number.
CULLUM HOMES customizable & smart
CAMELOT HOMES elegant & modern
F A M I LY D E V E L O P M E N T lock and leave & luxury
You’ll feel like the luckiest person around at Seven Desert Mountain. Opening in early 2019, our exclusive, luxury residential golf community features a Par 54 course, luxury homes constructed by three distinct builders, and a unique gastropub clubhouse. Plus, residents also enjoy Desert Mountain’s exclusive services and amenities. F O R I N F O R M AT I O N O N S E V E N D E S E R T M O U N TA I N H O M E S C A L L ( 6 0 2 ) 3 8 5 - 1 6 7 5 , O R T O L E A R N A B O U T D E S E R T M O U N TA I N M E M B E R S H I P C A L L ( 4 8 0 ) 4 2 8 - 1 4 1 5 .
SEVENDESERTMOUNTAIN.COM
SCOTTSDALE, AZ
Images are conceptual only and are for the convenience of reference. They should not be relied upon as representations, express or implied, of the final detail of the Community. The Developer expressly reserves the right to make modifications, revisions and changes it deems desirable in its sole and absolute discretion.
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GETAWAYS // ARIZONA // SCOTTSDALE
On-property Mountain biking represents just one of the Desert Mountain’s many amenities.
The Magic Mountain Troon North’s Pinnacle and Monument courses epitomize the excellence of the brand.
Setting the Standard
Troon North Golf Club is the showpiece of Arizona-based Troon Golf’s daily-fee portfolio. FIND YOUR true north at Troon North Troon North Golf Club, which set the gold standard for upscale daily-fee golf when it debuted in 1990 and remains one of the best 36-hole facilities in the country. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, both the Monument and Pinnacle courses present formidable challenges as they wind through the natural ravines and foothills in the shadows of Pinnacle Peak. Giant granite boulders lie strewn across the rugged landscape of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, combining iconic golf with the visual sensation of desert landscape, setting a standard seldom rivaled in the American Southwest. Recent renovations by Weiskopf have added even more luster to these twin gems in Troon Golf’s growing collection of upscale public and private courses. troonnorthgolf.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2018
Check It Out Cheers! If you want to drink in the craft-brew scene, follow the Scottsdale Ale Trail to Bottled Blonde, Brat Haüs, Craft 64, Goldwater Brewing Co., Scapegoat Bar, Sip Coffee & Beer House, Two Brothers Tap House, Vines & Hops. experiencescottsdale.com Prefer wine to beer? Hit the Scottsdale Wine Trail, consisting of Aridus Wine Company, Carlson Creek Vineyards, LDV Winery, Salvatore Vineyards and Su Vino Winery. experiencescottsdale.com
Situated on 8,000 acres tucked into the rolling hills and dramatic scenery of north Scottsdale, Desert Mountain ranks among the finest private golf and recreational communities in the world. It is the only private community worldwide with six Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses, and, as of 2019, an 18-hole par-3 appropriately called Seven in a 90-acre enclave of the same name. An ever-evolving smorgasbord of amenities, activities and events makes the Desert Mountain lifestyle unlike any other. The property encompasses 35 “villages” containing an stunning range of homesites and homes. desertmt.com
After a round or two at Troon North, head to Talavera at Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North, where spiced-up steakhouse fare pairs with sunset views of Pinnacle Peak. talaverarestaurant.com In addition to its contemporary Latin cuisine temple Deseo, a rare treat at the Westin Kierland Resort is its Scotch Library—hundreds of single malts and whisky blends available by the dram with a kilted Scotch Master to guide you. kierlandresort.com
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Talavera Gin Bar
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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
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GETAWAYS // ARIZONA // SCOTTSDALE
2 The architect’s rendering of the clubhouse at Seven Desert Mountain.
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The indulgent Sanctuary at Camelback Spa rates among Arizona’s foremost resorts.
3 Rio Verde’s Roadrunner course.
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Blame it on Rio
Forty-three years young, Rio Verde Country Club continues to enchant members and visitors. ONE OF THE MOST ACTIVE of Arizona’s active-adult communities, Rio Verde takes full advantage of its location in the McDowell foothills adjacent to the Tonto National Forest, offering clubs for hikers, bikers and horse-lovers. Thirtysix holes of Midwestern-style golf, six tennis courts (two lighted), pickleball and bocce courts, heated resort-style pool and fitness and swimming programs help fill members’ days. There is also a first-rate art studio. A clubhouse renovation adds even more to the Rio Verde experience. Visitors and prospective members can rent homes with golf and other club privileges. rioverdearizona.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2018
The neighboring threemillion-acre Tonto National Forest and 21,000-acre McDowell Mountain Regional Park make Rio Verde a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. rioverdearizona.com
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The newest addition to the masterplanned Desert Mountain development is Seven, a 90-acre enclave centered around an 18-hole par-3 course and an informal, family-oriented clubhouse. (For more, see page 82). DesertMountain.com/seven
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An architectural wonder beautifully embedded within spectacular terrain, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa ranks as one of Arizona’s most spectacular and rejuvenating resorts. sanctuary.com
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Since Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain (above) doesn’t offer on-site golf and Mountain Shadows Resort lacks a spa, guests of the latter can get shuttled between the two resorts in a sublimely silent Tesla Model X. mountainshadows.com
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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 Susan Martin (480) 471.3410 smartin@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
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ARIZONA // SCOTTSDALE // GETAWAYS
Check It Out One of Scottsdale’s coolest places is the interactive Musical Instrument Museum, which houses 16,000 instruments from across the globe and hosts concerts. mim.org Hungry? Hit the award-winning Cowboy Ciao on Restaurant Row in Scottsdale’s arts district. A list of 3,200 wines complement its celebrated global menu. cowboyciao.com Toast Old Town Scottsdale’s first Champagne lounge. Located above the popular bar Wasted Grain, The Bubble Room pours more than 21 types of bubbly. wastedgrain.com
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Tonto Verde
Riding with Tonto A top Arizona adult golf community nestled against the stunning Mazatzal mountains, Tonto Verde sports some of Arizona’s best greens on its challenging 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Gary Panks and David Graham. It also features swimming, fitness, tennis, dining and other amenties. Savor it all with a four day/three-night Discover Package stay in a luxury townhome ($995 per couple) or a three-month temporary membership. For details, visit tontoverde.org
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Special Advertising Section
GETAWAYS // ARIZONA // SCOTTSDALE
2 Cave Creek’s Rancho Mañana Golf Club serves up views of Black Mountain. Festive repasts are a Tonto Grill hallmark.
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
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We Go Play We-Ko-Pa
A spirit-stirring 36-hole golf experience awaits on the land of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. We-Ko-Pa translates to the “Four Mountains” that play an important spiritual role within the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. For golfers, the tribal-owned We-Ko-Pa Golf Club translates into must-play experience ever since the Scott Millerdesigned Cholla course opened in 2001. The Coore-Crenshaw Saguaro course soon followed, offering a one-two punch for players. Neither course features residences to mar views of the Four Peaks, Red Mountain, the McDowells and the Superstitions. The only buildings are the Yavapaiinspired clubhouse featuring the We-Ko-Pa Grille, and similarly styled Saguaro Grille. wekopa.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2018
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A mile from the We-Ko-Pa courses sits the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center, 246 rooms of AAA-rated four-star luxury with dining at the Ahnala Mesquite Room. We-Ko-Pa Resort will open its own 166,000-squarefoot casino in Spring 2020. wekoparesort.com
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What the 6,100-yard Rancho Mañana Golf Club (see page 37) lacks in length, it makes up for in elevation gain. The Cave Creek course rewards golfers with superb conditions and jaw-dropping views. ranchomana.com
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After working up an appetite at Rancho Manana Golf Club, indulge in the brews, views and sublime food at the course’s award-winning Tonto Bar and Grill. tontobarandgrill.com
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Sunrise or sunset, take in gorgeous 5,000-foot views views of the Sonoran Desert during an exhilarating, catered, hour-long balloon ride from Hot Air Expeditions. Both flights end with Champagne and a catered meal. experiencescottsdale.com
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coloradoavidgolfer.com
SMART & BEAUTIFUL 36 HOLES | PLAY CHOLLA & SAGUARO Both the Scott Miller-designed Cholla course and the Coore/Crenshaw-designed Saguaro course made GOLF Magazine’s list of the “Best Golf Courses You Can Play in Arizona, 2016-2017.” And you can experience both within a 3-day period with the 36-hole package. Located minutes from Scottsdale 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
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HOMES IN
GETAWAYS // SCOTTSDALE
SCOTTSDALE
VISIT www.DesertFineHomes.com
Grayhawk Golf Club
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www.DesertFineHomes.com/cag
Wayne Little
COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2018
Circling Grayhawk
The dramatic Raptor and Talon courses give everyone a shot at playing Tour-tested golf. Since opening in 1994 Grayhawk Golf Club in North Scottsdale has welcomed the world’s best amateurs and professionals to its Tom Faziodesigned Raptor and the Panks/Graham-designed Talon layouts. Two WGC events, the Williams World Challenge and three Frys.com PGA Tour Championships were all contested here, and in 2020, the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Division I Championships will take place on the Raptor, beginning an unprecedented three-year run at one location. Phil’s Grill (named for Mickelson, an early regular) and Isabella’s dish up excellent postround eats. grayhawkgolf.com
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Check It Out 1
For a honky-tonking good time, two-step over to the Rusty Spur Saloon, Old Town Scottsdale’s home to live country music since 1951. Be sure to get your photo taken from behind on one of the two “bigbottomed barmaid” barstools. rustyspursaloon.com Hikers take note of the 1.75mile Pinnacle Peak Trail, which clambers up and over the shoulder of its namesake formations. Its manicured path cuts through saguaro, cholla, ocotillo, creosote and more as you reach two benches overlooking the valley. experiencescottsdale.com See why True West magazine named Scottsdale’s Museum of the West the nation’s “Best Western Museum.” Featuring exhibits embracing film, painting, sculpture and artifacts, this interactive museum celebrates the unique stories of the people, places and events of the 19 states of the American West, bordering Canadian provinces and Mexican states. scottsdalemuseumwest.org coloradoavidgolfer.com
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ARIZONA // SCOTTSDALE // GETAWAYS
Check It Out Sun City West isn’t just about golf. It features miles of walking trails, three recreation centers with pools, fitness centers, pickleball courts and more. suncitywest.com Saddle up at Scottsdale’s top stable, MacDonald’sRanch, for the best in individual, group and moonlight horseback and stagecoach rides. macdonaldsranch.com The hills are alive with the sounds of hikers. Discover the best trails by downloading The Scottsdale Hiking + Trail Guide at experiencescottsdale.com/maps-guides
Desert Trails Golf Course at Sun City
Where it’s Always Sunny IF YOU’VE MADE IT TO AGE 55 AND WANT TO PLAY a different course every day of the week, Sun City West just might be your happy place. The Del Webb development, located an hour west of Scottsdale, features four attractively priced 18hole par-72 layouts (Grandview, Trail Ridge, Deer Valley and Pebblebrook) and three par-60/61 executive layouts (Desert Trails, Echo Mesa and Stardust). The courses are all walkable, well-conditioned and offer tee times to non-residents. suncitywest.com
You thought a winter golf trip to Phoenix would be too expensive to take…
think again! Both rounds of golf MUST be played on a Friday afternoon, anytime Saturday or Sunday of the same weekend. for two ro un during th ds of golf e months of Decemb er 1, 201 8April 30, 2019.
Available at ALL 7 golf courses Deer Valley, Desert Trails, Grandview, Echo Mesa, Pebblebrook, Stardust, Trail Ridge
Contact Patrick O’Hara, PGA at patrick.ohara@suncitywest.com or 623.544.6499 to discuss how you can take advantage of this offer. Group size must consist of 4-16 players. Tee times will be booked once fees are paid. coloradoavidgolfer.com
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Fall 2018 | COLORADO AVIDGOLFER
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GETAWAYS // ARIZONA // SHOW LOW
Torreon’s Tower Course
Par for the Pines Torreon’s clubhouse peeks between the Ponderosa pines lining the golf course
Why to Go to Show Low Torreon Golf Club could make you reconsider limiting your highcountry options to Colorado.
As the Front Range’s increasingly sweltering summers find us spending more time on I-70 than in our high-country destinations, maybe its time to look at some alternatives. Maybe Arizona isn’t just an escape from Colorado’s winters but also a reprieve from its summers. Or maybe you’re considering joining a four-season club in Vail or buying a place in Breck so you can play golf and ski, but the long lines on the roads, at the lifts, at restaurants and at Starbucks are making you reconsider. Maybe it’s time to give Torreon Golf Club—a year-round, pine-covered haven located 165 miles northeast of Scottsdale near the town of Show Low—a serious look. The Troon Privé property perches at 6,200 feet, boasts 36 holes and is an easy drive to Sunrise Park Ski Resort and the 11,000-foot Mt. Baldy. torreon.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2018
Check It Out Torreon guests and members can rent a 3-bedroom luxury Golf Villa for up to two weeks at a time. Prospective members can get a “Taste of Torreon” for $375 (double occupancy), which includes a night in a Villa, 18 holes of golf, two dozen Callaway Chrome Softs and other amenities. Each additional night runs $295 and includes a round of golf.
ROBERT VAN HAGGE designed Torreon’s Tower and Cabin courses, both of which thread through stunning stands of Ponderosa pines and large rock outcroppings. The Tower features seven lakes and copious bunkers, but far fewer elevation changes than the younger Cabin course. Both are open April to November. The winter months bring cross-country skiers and snowshoers to the course. Torreon sits on the Mogollon Rim at the eastern edge of the ApacheSitgreaves National Forest. From there it’s a 2.5-hour drive to balmy Scottsdale, making it possible to keep playing golf all year. For real estate opportunities and membership, visit torreon.com
With nearly 120 miles of trails, mountain bikers can pedal for hours without seeing a car or a truck, and hikers can access a trail system of 25 to 30 interconnecting, multi-use loops. Kids have it made with an Arcade and Movie Room, Junior Golf Course, catch-and-release fishing pond, pool, beach volleyball court and more. Torreon’s equestrian center, tennis and pickleball courts and bountiful outdoor activities will work up your appetite for chef Spencer Gorman-Prow’s inspired cuisine in the Torreon Grille.
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Torreon Grille
coloradoavidgolfer.com
CH ASE54.COM
C H O O S E YO U R N OW - FA L L 2 0 1 8 C O L L E C T I O N I n s p i r e d b y t h e p a s t , p r e s e n t a n d f u t u r e o f g o l f s t y l e , t h e C h o o s e Yo u N o w collection boasts nostalgic, modern-classic designs married with the proprietary fabric technologies that sets us apart. F o u n d a t t h e s e fi n e g o l f p r o p e r t i e s :
ELEVATE Your LIFESTYLE
torreon.com
EXPERIENCE A HIGH COUNTRY MEMBERSHIP Located in Show Low, Arizona in the heart of the White Mountains, Torreon Golf Club is more than just championship golf, it’s a summer escape the whole family can enjoy. In addition to golf, our members enjoy a 20,000sf clubhouse, two restaurants, fitness center, family center, pool, equestrian center and summer temperatures in the 80’s!
R E A L E S TAT E I N Q U I R I E S & M E M B E R S H I P O P P O RT U N I T I E S
Carol Heuett clh@torreon.com 928.532.8000
torreon.com
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GETAWAYS // ARIZONA // TUCSON
2 El Conquistador’s scenic and familyfriendly Cañada Course.
Sewailo means “Land Where Flowers Grow” in the native Yaqui language,
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A Golfer’s Paradise
Featuring more than 40 courses, the Tucson region appeals to players of every skill level. PRO GOLFERS AND PGA TOUR events have been coming to Tucson since 1945—a rich tradition that continues March 1-3 at the Tucson Cologuard Classic, a PGA Tour Champions event at Omni Tucson National’s Catalina Course, the longtime home of the Tucson Open. Phil Mickelson won a Tucson Open held at Starr Pass Golf Club; The Gallery Golf Club in Marana hosted the WGC Match Play in 2007 and ’08; and PGA Tour veteran Notah Begay co-designed Sewailo Golf Club in 2013. But you don’t always have to follow in the pros’ footsteps. Twenty-seven of El Conquistador Golf’s 45 holes are perfect for families. So are the 18s at Crooked Tree and the City of Tucson’s five outstanding municipal layouts: Fred Enke, Dell Ulrich, Randolph, Silverbell and El Rio. visittucson.org COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2018
Check It Out 1
In addition to the Tourworthy Catalina Course, the Omni Tucson National boasts the somewhat gentler Tom Lehmandesigned Sonoran Course. Both take in the beauty of the Catalina Mountains. tucsonnational.com
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The Troon Golf-managed Cañada Course at Oro Valley’s El Conquistador Golf & Tennis provides fun for all, as does its spunky Pusch X9 executive course. elcongolfandtennis.com
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Part of the stunning tribally owned Casino Del Sol Resort, Spa and Conference Center, the Ty Butler/Notah Begay-designed Sewailo Golf Club boasts 40,000 native plants, 14 acres of lakes and five sets of tees. sewailogolf.com
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Roadrunner, Rattler and Coyote comprise the Arnold Palmer-designed nines at Starr Pass Golf Club at the J.W. Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. After 3 p.m. adult-accompanied kids 15 and under play free. starrpassgolfclub.com
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ARIZONA // TUCSON // GETAWAYS
Tucson’s vibrant art scene spills into the streets. Get a murals map at tucsonaz.gov/ muralmap
Tubac Golf Resort & Spa’s Hacienda Embrace Body Treatment is as fun as its island green.
Surrounded by five mountain ranges, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort features 398 rooms and 36 golf holes,
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Something to Chew On THREE years ago, Tucson became the first UNESCO Creative City in the United States selected for Gastronomy. The Old Pueblo sizzles with authentic restaurants serving carne asada, ceviche, empanadas, raspados, elote and the ubiquitous Sonoran hot dog—a frank wrapped in bacon and grilled, served on a boule-style bun, and topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes and condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard and jalapeños. For more upscale cardiologist-friendly fare, head to The Grill at Hacienda del Sol (haciendadelsol.com) or a golf resort restaurant: Epazote Kitchen (Hilton El Conquistador); AZul (Westin La Paloma); Primo (JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass); or the Flying V Bar & Grill (Loews Ventana). visittucson.org
Check It Out 5
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You’ll enjoy Tubac Golf Resort & Spa’s 27 golf holes (p. 34) even more with one of the masterful massages, body treatments (including acupuncture) and skin care provided by its expert spa staff. tubacresort.com
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Ventana Canyon Golf Club spotlights Tom Fazio’s Mountain and Canyon courses. Canyon’s Whaleback Rock appears on hole 10; to see the Mountain’s third, flip the page. loewshotels.com/ ventana-canyon
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The 3.9-mile Sun Link Tucson Streetcar route rolls through the heart of Tucson. Check out the hip restaurants, bars and shops of 4th Avenue, Downtown Tucson and the Mercado San Agustín. visittucson.org
Fall 2018 | COLORADO AVIDGOLFER
F O E G N A CH
E S R U CO 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
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GETAWAYS // CALIFORNIA Tribally owned Yocha Dehe Golf Club rates four stars from Golf Digest and Four AAA Diamonds for its luxury resort.
“Love and hate can be found here,” Pete Dye said of his PGA West Stadium Course.
Shoot 90 in La Quinta
California Troons Up
Troon Golf’s Golden State footprint now extends from San Diego County to north of Napa. WITH COURSES in 33 countries and 37 states flying the Troon Golf flag, it may seem surprising that the golf-management giant now operates nearly as many daily-fee/resort courses in California as it does in its home state of Arizona. Six of those Cali courses (Classic Club, Indian Wells, La Quinta, PGA West, Shadow Hills and The Westin Mission Hills) account for 216 holes in the Palm Desert region alone, while a seventh SoCal layout—the 18-hole Maderas Golf Club—lies in sunny San Diego County. Troon’s four NoCal properties (Diablo Grande, Hiddenbrooke, Silverado and Yocha Dehe) total 90 holes. This empire benefits Troon Rewards members who earn points towards free rounds and myriad perks, as well as preferred tee-time booking at TroonCA.co COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2018
Check It Out 1
Vallejo’s apparently aptly named Hiddenbrooke Golf Course—an Arnold Palmer design—has quietly earned 4.5 stars from Golf Digest. In California, only Pebble and Spyglass have scored a perfect five. troonCA.com
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Host site of the 2006-’08 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, The Palmer-designed Classic Club eschews target golf for rolling terrain, pine trees and five sets of tees on each hole. troonCA.com
THE PETE DYE-designed Mountain and Dunes courses at La Quinta Resort and the PGA WEST troika of the Dye-designed Stadium Course, Nicklaus Tournament Course and Greg Norman’s eponymous layout comprise a 90-hole complex famed for its challenging layouts and stunning visuals. Arguably the most famous of the five, the PGA WEST Stadium Course currently co-hosts (along with the Nicklaus Tournament Course and private La Quinta Country Club) the latest incarnation of the PGA Tour’s Bob Hope Desert Classic, now known as the CareerBuilder Challenge. Get Troon Golf Rewards and book tee times at this Waldorf-Astoria Resort at TroonCA.com.
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Indian Wells Golf Resort’s Celebrity and Players courses both made Golfweek’s list of Top 25 Best Municipal Courses in the United States. This October, the resort will introduce “Shots in the Night”—glow-in-the-dark putting and range games troonCA.com
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Not to be confused with the home of the ANA Inspiration Dinah Shore Tournament, the Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage makes a splash with its Gary Player Signature and Pete Dye Resort courses. troonCA.com
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California Dreamin’
Play the very best golf in the Golden State
Indian Wells Golf Resort, Indian Wells, CA
Silverado Resort and Spa, Napa, CA
EXPERIENCE CALIFORNIA’S BEST: •
Classic Club
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Diablo Grande Golf & Country Club
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Hiddenbrooke Golf Club
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Indian Wells Golf Resort
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La Quinta/PGA WEST
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Maderas Golf Club
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Shadow Hills Golf Club
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Silverado Resort and Spa
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The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa
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Yocha Dehe Golf Club
Maderas Golf Club, Poway, CA
From the moment you drop your sticks at the bag drop to holing out on the 18th, you’ll experience the finest playing conditions and the friendliest customer service in the game. Then, as the sun sets on another glorious California day, you’ll be winding down, swapping stories and enjoying exceptional dining at the world’s greatest golf destinations in the Golden State. TroonCA.com is your one stop shop for: •
Booking Tee Times
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Planning Group Outings
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Discovering Stay & Play Packages
TroonCA.com
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GETAWAYS // NEVADA // MESQUITE
2 The Nicklausdesigned Coyote Springs Golf Club turns 10 this year.
A pair of Arnold Palmer layouts highlight the Oasis Golf Club.
The par-71 Falcon Ridge sits on the ruddy cliffs above Mesquite.
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A One-Stop Shop
To golf Mesquite, Nevada, simply key in a URL with those three words. Omit spaces and commas. Few golf-vacation packagers custom-fit an itinerary with the efficiency of Golf Mesquite Nevada. This turnkey operation builds a golf trip that hits the sweet spot between your budget and your appetite for great golf. Realtionships with area hotels and courses—including the toprated Sand Hollow and Coral Canyon in nearby St. George, Utah—ensure the best possible deal. Additional courses include both the Palmer and Canyons layouts at Oasis Golf Club, Coyote Springs, Falcon Ridge and a trio of St. George-area layouts: Sunbrook, Sun River, Green Spring and Sky Mountain. golfmesquitenevada.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2018
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Strike it rich at the Eureka Casino Resort, a 60-acre property with welcoming rooms and suites, resort pool, dining at Gregorys Mesquite Grill and acres of gaming activity, including sports book. golfmesquitenevada.com
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Equidistant from Mesquite and Las Vegas and flanked by mountains, Coyote Springs Golf Club bobs and weaves around 11 lakes and ponds and crushedstone waste areas. Warm up on the 19-acre practice facility. coyotesprings.com
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Oasis Golf Club’s two Arnold Palmer designs—Canyon and Palmer—both traverse rugged landforms with fairways and greens tucked between escarpments. The King said holes 5, 6 and 8 on the Palmer were among his best ever. theoasisgolfclub.com
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A 50-minute drive from Mesquite brings you to the 46,000-acre Valley of Fire State Park, a recreation area aglow with red sandstone formations and strikingly dramatic views of the Virgin Mountains.
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Special Advertising Section
GETAWAYS // NEVADA // MESQUITE
Conestoga, Mesquite’s newest course, opened in 2009.
Hitch Up Your Team CasaBlanca Golf Course hosts the final round of this year’s Nevada Open (Nov. 6-8) and co-hosts the two preceding it,
Easy as OneTwo-Three One two-person, three-day team championship spotlights a threesome of classic Mesquite-area courses. NOBODY WILL confuse the rotation of courses used for the CasaBlanca II-Man with those used in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. But the second-year event will showcase to participants and onlookers the enjoyment of competing on three distinct layouts in the Mesquite region. Taking place Nov. 9-11, the II-M opens with a two-man scramble at The Palms Golf Course in next-door Littlefield, Ariz. Day two brings you to Conestoga Golf Club for a best-ball competition. CasaBlanca Golf Club hosts the final day’s action, a modified alternate-shot format to decide the champions. Open to men and women, the handicapped event features 9 a.m. shotgun starts all three days. The entry is $350 per player, and players receive discounted rates at the CasaBlanca Resort & Casino. casablancaresort.com/ii-m COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2018
Check It Out 1
A 10-minute drive across the Arizona border from Mesquite lies the co-host of the first two rounds of this year’s Nevada Open. Debuting in 1990, The Palms Golf Club boasts dramatic back-nine elevation changes, including a 114foot plunge from tee to fairway on the par-4 15th. palmsgolfclub.com
NAMED FOR the wagons that once carried settlers westward, Conestoga Golf Club invites golf-car-riding pioneers to traverse the myriad washes, arroyos, ravines, bluffs and bunkers that marble its lush fairways. Golf and Golfweek rank the 7,232-yard Gary Panks layout—located in the community of Sun City Mesquite—among the top 10 public courses in Nevada. After 18 holes, hit the 1880 Grille, which takes its name from the year pioneers arrived via the Old Spanish Trail, and gives its name to the enormous signature 1880 wings and 1880 Burger. Wash it all down with privatelabel 1880 Ale, a red beer available only on tap. conestogagolf.com
Crafted by Cal Olson, the walkable 7,011-yard CasaBlanca Golf Course takes in sweeping desert vistas, numerous water features and views of the Virgin Mountains. casablancaresort.com In addition to clean-air gambling, the 500-room CasaBlanca Resort & Casino features live shows, a lagoon-style pool, co-ed spa the fine-dining Katherine’s restaurant and more. casablancaresort.com CasaBlanca’s sister property, The 700-room Virgin River Resort & Casino features 24 bowling lanes, two restaurants and countless gaming tables. Guests also can access The Palms and CasaBlanca golf courses. virginriver.com
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Las Vegas Golf’s Perfect Pair -
High pairs are typically a great thing on the felt and they are even better on manicured turf, especially when they are the perfect Las Vegas golf pair of Rio Secco and Cascata. Experience two of Las Vegas’s best with these truly stunning and spectacular VICI golf courses. Located just minutes from the strip, Rio Secco has hosted the Wendy’s 3-Tour Challenge, Tiger Jam and is the home of the Butch Harmon School of Golf. Book using promo code CAG1018 and save as much as $25 off the best available rates. * *
10% off the prevailing rate. $25 savings quoted is 10% off the dynamic Priced Peak Season rate of $249. Peak season rates valid through November 18, 2018. Savings may vary for alternative start times. Discount may not be combined with other discounts, specials, or other promos. Not valid to Double Down. Not valid to tournament or event play. Expires 01/31/2019.
Rio Secco Golf Club · riosecco.com · 702.777.2400
Rio Secco and Cascata.
No trip to the City of Entertainment is complete without a round at Cascata. Ranked #2 in Nevada “Best Courses You Can Play” by Golfweek, a round at Cascata is an experience unlike any other complete with forecaddies, jaw dropping elevation changes, waterfalls and rivers that cascade through the course and meanders through the clubhouse. Book using promo code CAG1018 and save as much as $40 off the best available rates. *
10% off the Peak Season rate of $399. Peak season rates valid through November 18, 2018. Savings may vary for alternative start times. Discount may not be combined with other discounts, specials, or other promos. Not valid to Double Down. Not valid to tournament or event play. Expires 01/31/2019.
Cascata · cascatagolf.com · 702.294.2005
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GETAWAYS // NEVADA// SUMMERLIN Cascata (above) and Rio Secco form a formidable one-two punch in Las Vegas,
2 Palm Valley is Golf Summerlin’s oldest, longest and most challenging course.
Summerlin’s Highland Falls abounds in riskreward decisions.
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Bet on This Pair
Rees Jones’ stellar Cascata and his recently renovated Rio Secco are the two money plays in Vegas. OWNED BY the VICI, the same folks who run Caesars Palace, the Rees Jones layouts at Cascata and Rio Secco epitomize upscale Las Vegas golf. A gated entry, palatial clubhouse, 418-foot natural waterfall, mandatory forecaddie, surreal course routing and flawless service make a day at Cascata feel like a steal at $295. The similarly dramatic Rio Secco, home also to the Butch Harmon School of Golf, last year celebrated its 20th birthday with a $2.1 million refurbishment by its original designer, who enhanced playability for the casual golfer, while adding nuances to challenge top players. cascatagolf.com; riosecco.net COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2018
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Among the many upgrades Jones made on his original Rio Secco design were regrassing and recontouring all putting surfaces, overhauling all greenside bunkers and installng new forward tees to reduce yardage and limit forced carries. riosecco.net
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Summerlin may be identified with the TPC that hosts the PGA Tour’s Shriner’s event, but for half the price of playing there, try the equally challenging and scenic 6,849-yard Palm Valley Golf Course. golfsummerlin.com
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Another great Summerlin find is Highland Falls Golf Club, a Billy Casper-Greg Nash design that rewards players with spectacular conditions, elevation changes, strategic bunkering and cameraworthy views of the Las Vegas Strip. golfsummerlin.com
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Perfect for a quick quality round, Summerlin’s par-60 Eagle Crest Golf Course even lets you hit driver. Designer Billy Casper said any hole here would ”fit right in” on a championship layout. golfsummerlin.com
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Special Advertising Section
GETAWAYS // NEVADA // LAS VEGAS
Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino
Staying in Summerlin Bear’s Best Las Vegas skillfully strings together 18 holes from the more than 5,000 Jack Nicklaus has designed.
Jack in Spades
A “greatest hits” of Nicklaus holes, Bear’s Best Las Vegas lets the public peek into his private portfolio. ONLY THE privileged few have had the pleasure of playing Colorado’s Castle Pines Golf Club, but if you want to experience its par-5 14th hole, head to the eighth tee at Bear’s Best Las Vegas for a faithful re-creation. But with few exceptions, this collection of 18 Jack Nicklaus holes fittingly comes from his private and high-end desert courses at Desert Highlands, Desert Mountain, PGA WEST, Las Campanas, El Dorado and Cabo del Sol. Despite their disparate provenances, they come together stunningly in the Las Vegas desert, unified by flawless bentgrass greens and approaches, as well as by a private-club atmosphere as welcoming as that of the clubs inspiring the holes. Enjoy casual dining Jack’s Place and the Bear’s Den BBQ while savoring views of Red Rock Canyon. bearsbestlasvegas.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2018
Check It Out 1
One of Summerlin’s finest eateries is Vintner Grill, a Continental bistro with an outdoor seating area and two illuminated cabanas. vglasvegas.com All parking for the PGA Tour’s Shriners Hospitals for Children Open (Nov. 1-4) at TPC Summerlin is at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino. The tournament provides complimentary shuttle service to and from the course. pgatour.com
GOLF SUMMERLIN’S lodging partner, Suncoast Hotel & Casino, serves up incredible views of the Las Vegas Valley and the nearby Spring Mountains. The property offers 388 newly remodeled deluxe guest rooms at 550 square feet and 39 lavish guest suites ranging from 1,100 to 2,300 square feet. The casino features every conceivable game of chance. SC Prime Steakhouse and Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant provide fine dining, while the 90 Ninety Bar & Grill dishes up great casual fare. There’s also the Spa at Suncoast, bowling, movie theaters, bingo and a 500-seat showroom that harkens back to the glitzy Vegas showrooms of yore. suncoastcasino.com
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Bear’s Best Las Vegas features a FASTEE COURSE defined by a Green Bear tee marker approximately 100 yards in front of the red tees on every hole. The 3,004-yard distance is perfect for juniors, seniors, beginners and those ooking to improve their short game. bearsbestlasvegas.com Summerlin features a vibrant downtown as well as 19 subdivisions and a 150-mile trail system that will soon connect to the 200,000-acre Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. summerlin.com
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coloradoavidgolfer.com
What do you do when your golf course is covered in snow?
You head for warmer weather and Play the BEST Bear’s Best Las Vegas.
A course like no other, Bear’s Best Las Vegas is a unique golf course made up of 18 holes hand selected by Jack Nicklaus. This upscale, daily-fee Las Vegas golf course offers a high-end private club experience in a public facility.
Plus, our winter rates are HOT! Call the golf shop at (702) 804-8500 and ask about our special gift—only for Colorado AvidGolfer readers!
Special Advertising Section
GETAWAYS // UTAH
2 Sand Hollow’s John Fought-designed Championship Course continually earns raves from the national press.
Sand Hollow’s Wee Course allows players of all ages to pitch in and chip together.
3 Sand Hollow Resort tucks into its vibrant red-rock setting PH
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Aye of the Hurricane
Due west of St. George, Sand Hollow Resort has stormed to the forefront of Utah golf destinations. LOCATED IN HURRICANE, Sand Hollow Resort has blended the jaw-dropping beauty of its 27 award-winning golf holes with a magnificent resort that also takes full advantage of the glorious red-rock setting with six types of foursome friendly suites, spaciaous villas and luxury homes, two swimming pools and other amenities. The Clubhouse Grill turns into a live music venue Friday and Saturday nights. Equipment rentals and local opportunites for boating, biking, motorsports and hiking at Sand Hollow Reservoir, Snow Canyon State Park and Sand Mountain Dunes complete the picture. sandhollowresort.com COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | Fall 2018
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Celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year, Sand Hollow also just staged its fifth Sand Hollow Open. Won twice by Zac Blair, the event was won this year by Taylor Montgomery, who pocketed $18,000. sandhollow.com
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Sand Hollow’s 7,300-yard John Fought-designed Championship Course perpeually tops Golfweek’s list of best Utah courses. It takes brilliant advantage of the red-rock outcroppings, natural vegetation and indigenous sand bunkers that define the region’s beauty. The back nine holes tightrope along ledges, undulate wildly and perch along a towering ridgeline. sandhollowresort.com
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Sand Hollow now includes two 9-holers: the 3,600-yard Links Course (complete with sheep fencing) and the family-friendly Wee Course.sandhollowresort.com
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Proximity to Sand Hollow State Park (2 mi), Zion National Park (33 mi) and other natural treasures adds mightily to Sand Hollow’s appeal. sandhollowresort.com
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Escape. Play. Discover. Relax. Home to one of America’s most prestigious golf courses, Sand Hollow Resort is also positioned perfectly for respite and adventure in the heart of the southwest near Zion National Park, Sand Hollow Reservoir, and the Sand Mountain Dunes.
Sand Hollow Resort Golf Course Rated #54 by Golfweek. Ranked #1 course in Utah for 9 consecutive years. Brian Oar
Book online at SandHollowResort.com or call 435-656-GOLF.
VACATION RENTALS | CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF | OUTDOOR ADVENTURES sandhollowresort.com | 5662 W. Clubhouse Dr. Hurricane, UT 84737 | 435-656-4653
sandhollowresort.com | 5662 W. Clubhouse Dr. Hurricane, UT | 435-656-GOLF