Great 48: Scottsdale, Arizona

GETTING THERE

PHX

Sky Harbor, dubbed America’s Friendliest Airport, serves more than 100 domestic and international destinations. With 1,200 daily flights— about 500 of them nonstop— Sky Harbor is one of the most convenient airports in the United States. The airport is located in the middle of Greater Phoenix, less than ten minutes from downtown, and within 20 miles of almost all the area towns and cities.

A QUICK BITE

Hash Kitchen

Hash Kitchen is a creative eatery that boasts a social dining experience and is designed to be the go-to spot for locals and a culinary destination for visitors. It features creative dishes, mimosa flights, and one of the most amazing bloody mary bars you’ll ever see. Hash Kitchen has four locations in the Phoenix area.

TWILIGHT ROUND

Starfire

The Starfire Golf Club provides an exceptional golf experience at an affordable price. The course now sports a full length driving range and 27 holes. Best of all, Starfire is an Arnold Palmer designed golf facility. Starfire is an excellent way to shake the rust off after a long flight.

WHERE TO STAY

Talking Stick Resort

If you’re looking for fantastic lodging options surrounded by plenty of entertainment, Talking Stick is your best bet. The resort is close to everything, has an excellent casino, a variety of food options, and is within walking distance to Top Golf.

THE LONG DAY

We-Ko-Pa

This is one of the original destination golf facilities in the Scottsdale area. With two courses, players get the opportunity to hit just about every club in their bag. We-Ko-Pa makes it easy to play 18 holes in the morning, eat a great lunch in the clubhouse, and play one more round before heading off to dinner and a night on the town.

DINNER TIME

Dominick's

On top of an exquisite menu, Dominick’s Steakhouse aims for an ambiance that will make for a memorable dining experience from the moment you pull up to the moment you leave. All of the entrees were delicious, but the dessert tree took the cake (pun intended).

ONE LAST ROUND

Troon North

If you only have time for one round before you leave Scottsdale, Troon North has two fantastic options. Whichever course you choose, you’ll find impecible conditions and interesting golf holes. When you’re all done, make sure you stop in and pick up a souvenir from one of the most well-stocked pro shops in the nation.

DESERT LANDSCAPING

Saguaro

You can’t go far in Scottsdale without finding a fine selection of these gorgeous cacti. Some grow as high as 60 feet tall.

BONUS FEATURES

Wok ‘n Roll - Japanese and Chinese Soul with a lot of Rock ‘n Roll

This was a great, centrally-located restaurant that was just plain fun. On top of amazing Japanese Sushi, sake, and beer, Wok ‘n Roll also features a variety of delicious Chinese and Southwest Asian Fusion dishes. The restaurant - a dedicated Chicago Bears establishment - is decorated with a rotating collection of Rock ‘n Roll memorabilia. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or want to have drinks and watch a game, Wok ‘n Roll is for you.

Baseball Spring Training

The beginning of March may not be the easiest time of year to visit Scottsdale, but Spring Training is a lot of fun. On top of having the chance to see 15 baseball teams from around the country, there’s a great chance you’ll run into a player or two in town. Game tickets aren’t as cheap as they used to be, but the Cactus League parks spread throughout the Phoenix area are a good way to spend time away from the golf course.