ARIZONA GOLF AUTHORITY

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  • Best Places to Stay in Northern Arizona

    NORTHERN ARIZONA

    When we locals refer to Northern Arizona, we’re talking about Prescott, Sedona and Flagstaff, the parts of our State that actually experience all four seasons. Traveling to northern Arizona means you’ll leave the 60 foot saguaros of the desert for 60 foot ponderosa pines of the mountains. It is a very different experience than the desert in Central and Southern Arizona.

    Prescott and Sedona offer a break from desert golf. It’s about a 90 minute drive from Phoenix/Scottsdale so you can go up and back in one day. But if you want to extend your stay, there are plenty of places to rest and relax.

    PRESCOTT

    This town was the original state capital of Arizona and is a favorite for summer homes of Phoenix locals. It has a charming downtown area and the famous Whiskey Row, featuring some of the coolest watering holes around.

    Downtown Prescott is charming and home to the St. Michael and Hassayampa Inn, our recommendations for overnight stays. The Hassayampa Inn is reported to be haunted by a ghost named Faith, who checked in for her honeymoon in 1927. Her husband left to buy a pack of cigarettes and never came back. Faith was so distraught she hung herself, but her spirit lives and has been seen many times at the hotel.

    There are also a collection of chain hotels in Prescott so whether you choose this option or those listed above, they will all be a short drive from Antelope Hills, the local muni featuring 36 holes.

    Prescott Valley, just east of Prescott also has a collection of national chain hotels. This option will put you closer to Stone Ridge, the Hassayampa Golf Club and Prescott Lakes.

    SEDONA

    Sedona is famous for two things – the Red Rocks and its vortexes. If you’re a spiritual kind of person, you will no doubt feel the highly concentrated energies of the town. The red-rock monoliths, named Coffeepot, Cathedral and Thunder Mountain are stunning and worth a drive just to see them.

    The must-play gem in town is Sedona Golf Resort and definitely worth the 90 minute drive from Phoenix. It is literally across the street from the Hilton Sedona Resort so if you decide to stay, this is a good choice. The 10th hole is one of the most visually stunning spots on the planet, like the 3rd at Mauna Kea or the 18th at Pebble Beach, that those who don’t play golf never get to see.

    Sedona also has incredible 5-star resorts including L’Auberge de Sedona, Los Abrigados Resort, Sedona Rouge and El Portal. All offer luxury accommodations in tranquil settings plus amenities that will definitely leave you feeling pampered.

    The town isn’t that big, so just about any choice you make will put you with 15-20 minutes of Seven Canyons, a private facility with limited public play, Oak Creek Country Club and Verde Santa Fe.

    FLAGSTAFF

    Flagstaff is home to the 14,000 foot high San Francisco Peaks so attracts skiers, hikers, bikers and fitness buffs and lots of snow in the winter. But it’s a great getaway during the hot summer months if you happen to have friends who belong to one of the four private clubs in the area, Forest Highlands, Aspen Valley Golf Club, Pine Canyon and Flagstaff Ranch.

    Flag, as we call it, it a great place to stop if you’re on a family vacation headed to the Grand Canyon. The most recommended place to stay is Little America which is the only resort in town. Should time permit, Little America will also put you close to Continental Country Club, the only public golf course in town.

    If you’re an explorer, you can see the beauty and diversity Arizona offers with a 1 or 2 day trip to Northern Arizona. Be sure to take the drive between Sedona and Flagstaff on Route 89 through Oak Creek Canyon, it’s stunning.

  • Best Places to Stay in the Southeast Valley

    Best Places to Stay in the Southeast Valley

    TEMPE/CHANDLER/MESA

    You’re thinking about a golf trip to Arizona, good choice. As traveling golfers, we know firsthand that once you decide where to play, you have to decide where to stay. So we’ve tried to take the mystery out of this step for you.

    The Valley of the Sun is what we locals call the Phoenix metro area. It includes Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Chandler and several others. Here’s the inside scoop on Tempe, Chandler and Mesa.

    TEMPE

    If a college-town atmosphere is what you want for your stay, then Tempe is the place for you. Tempe is home to Arizona State University and major outdoor attraction Tempe Town Lake. Truth be told, Tempe is the place to be if you are into Iron Man competitions, marathons and festivals. But it’s also home to ASU Karsten, Ken McDonald, Shalimar, Rolling Hills, Pepperwood and Rio Salado golf courses. It’s also very close to Papago Golf Club. Excluding ASU Karsten and Papago, golf in Tempe is all about local, low cost golf. The City has more than 30 rooming options, most of which are limited service chain hotels, which do a great job. The Sheraton Mission Palms is more up-scale and located right in the heart of downtown Tempe. For a resort experience, check out The Buttes, a Marriott property located about 10 minutes from downtown.

    CHANDLER

    Wild Horse Pass Resort & Casino
    Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

    We call this section Chandler, but it really encompasses Chandler, Gilbert and Maricopa and a host of golf and hotel choices. Sheraton Wildhorse Pass, a full service resort and casino, is our recommended home-base for southeast Valley golf. It is a full-service property and features the two Whirlwind golf courses on property. The resort is just a short drive away from Southern Dunes and Ocotillo, two great options and very different experiences.

    The San Marcos hotel, built in 1912, is home to one of the oldest 18-hole facilities in the State. A totally different experience from Wildhorse Pass, this quaint, historic property is located in the heart of old-town Chandler.

    Not looking for a resort in Chandler? No worries, there is a plethora of smaller chain hotels located all around the City, providing easy access of Bear Creek, Lone Tree, Springfield and Ironwood golf courses.

    MESA/APACHE JUNCTION

    Mesa boasts over 60 hotels/motels and RV parks, many of which fall under the Comfort Inn, Best Western, Ramada and Courtyard flags. They provide a clean and comfortable place to rest after your round and will put you in the heart of what we call Wrigley West – the Chicago Cubs spring training stadium. The premiere facility in Mesa is Arizona Golf Resort, featuring an 18-hole track on property.

    Just down the road a piece, you’ll find Gold Canyon Ranch, a full service resort, nestled at the base of the Superstition Mountains. The resort offers a range of accommodations including villas, casitas and suites. Once you arrive, you really don’t have to leave as the resort has everything you’ll need on site, including the Dinosaur and Sidewinder golf courses, full spa, restaurants and first-rate service.

    Plan to stay in Mesa if your choice for golf includes Superstition Mountain, Superstition Springs, Augusta Ranch, LongBow, Las Sendas, Mountain Brook and Dobson Ranch. Your drive won’t be longer than 15-20 minutes to any of these options.

    We’ve just touched the top of the waves here, but it will provide you with a start. If you want to know more or we can help answer other questions, just click on the “Ask Us” tab below and we’ll get right back to you.


  • Best Places to Stay in Southern Arizona

    SOUTHERN ARIZONA

    You’re thinking about a golf trip to Arizona, good choice. As traveling golfers, we know firsthand that once you decide where to play, you have to decide where to stay. So we’ve tried to take the mystery out of this step for you.

    We classify Southern Arizona as Casa Grande south. This area includes Tucson, Green Valley, Tubac and Rio Rico. Like the Phoenix metro area, all towns are within close proximity to each other, with your longest drive being from Tucson to Rio Rico, about 40 minutes. This area of the State provides a little cooler weather all year and a much slower-paced atmosphere. But like its big sister, it provides just about any type of golf experience you desire, from great resort courses to challenging municipal options and everything in between.

    CASA GRANDE

    Casa Grande, located half-way between Phoenix and Tucson, is home to 40,000 residents and one of the longest golf courses in Arizona, a 7,400 layout boasting 15,000 mature trees. It’s worth the 45-minute drive from Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix to stay at the Francisco Grande Resort for a night or two. This historic property was originally built to serve as Horace Stoneham’s San Francisco Giants Spring Training Complex and offers a comfortable stay, good food and a great golf experience.

    TUCSON

    A visit to Tucson, Arizona’s second largest city, will provide a very different experience from its big sister to the north. Tucson is much more laid-back, rustic and charming. It’s proximity to the Mexico border brings a wonderful influence to its architecture and cuisine. The Tucson area has a plethora of golf resorts, including Hilton Tucson El Conquistador (45 holes), Loew’s Ventana Canyon Resort (36 holes), Omni Tucson National (18 holes), Westin La Paloma (27 holes) and the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain (18 holes), which are all located in the north section of town. JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort (27 holes) is closer to downtown, while Tubac Resort (27 holes) and Esplendor Resort (18 holes) require a longer drive as they are located south of the City. All of these properties are within 20 minutes or less of each other, so you can pick your spot and enjoy them all.

    In addition to the resort experience, Tucson offers every other type and variety of accommodations, from national chains, motels and B&Bs to guest ranches and extended-stay facilities. If you pick on in the downtown area, you’ll be close to great muni options including Dell Urich, El-Rio Trini Alavarez and Fred Enke.

    GREEN VALLEY

    Just east of Tucson is Green Valley, a community nestled at the base of the majestic Santa Rita Mountain Range in southern Arizona’s beautiful Santa Cruz Valley. Known as one of the country’s best places to retire, Green Valley sits at a high desert elevation of 2,900 feet, so the climate is cooler than Phoenix or Tucson.

    Lodging options include the Inn at San Ignacio and Wyndham Canoa Ranch Resort, both of which have golf on property. The town also has a Best Western and Comfort Inn. All provide easy access of many golf options, including Canoa Hills, Torres Blancas, Haven and San Ignacio (public tracks) and Quail Creek, Desert Hills, CC of Green Valley, Canoa Ranch Golf Club (private facilities).

    We’ve just touched the top of the waves here, but it will provide you with a start. If you want to know more or we can help answer other questions, just click on the “Ask Us” tab below and we’ll get right back to you.


  • 7 Scottsdale Pros in TOUR Championship

    7 Scottsdale Pros in TOUR Championship

    With the downfall of Tiger Woods and “off years’’ by name players like Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia, Vijay Singh, Lucas Glover and Angel Cabrera, to name a few, opportunity has come knocking at this week’s TOUR Championship for Scottsdale’s “Magnificent Seven’’ – Paul Casey, Martin Laird, Geoff Ogilvy, Bubba Watson, Tim Clark, Ryan Moore and Kevin Streelman.

    Seriously, I don’t remember a TOUR Championship where seven of the 30 elite entries at elegant East Lake Golf Club near Atlanta hailed from Arizona. That’s more than 20 percent of the field from the Grand Canyon State, and it is a sign of more big things to come in 2011. And four of those guys – Casey, Laird, Moore and Streelman – are playing in the $7.5 million event for the first time ever.

    Leading the way is Casey, the former Arizona State star who for some reason or other is about as unpopular in Europe as he is at the Phoenix Open, a tournament he turns down every year in lieu of the bizarre landscape of Dubai.

    According to an in-depth story in The Scotsman of Scotland, the chief reason Casey was recently snubbed by Euro’s egomaniac Ryder Cup captain, Colin Montgomerie, is because his compatriots don’t like Casey. In fact, one of his former European Ryder Cup teammates was quoted as saying in The Scotsman story: “Paul’s toys were forever being thrown from his (crib). He was such a baby.’’

    There even is speculation that if the ailing Lee Westwood can’t play in the Ryder Cup due to a calf injury that hasn’t gotten much better, that Monty will look past Casey and pick Justin Rose to fill Westwood’s shoes. At least that was the view of The Scotsman.

    Despite being Europe’s ugly “part-time’’ American, Casey has had a wonderful season even if he hasn’t won while falling from No. 3 in the world to No. 7. With six top-10s this year, including a runner-up in the WGC-Accenture Match Play and a T3 in the British Open, PC will surpass his best season this week by a whopping $1 million (or more). And don’t be surprised if he hits the $10 million jackpot that will go to the winner of the FedEx Cup on Sunday, as his No. 5 position in the season-ending standings gives him a real shot at winning golf’s greatest annual annuity.

    Also having a breakthrough type season is Martin Laird, the “Scotsman from Scottsdale.’’ Laird, who at 27 seems to be coming into his own, has a chance to jump almost 50 spots on the money list from a year ago. Now that he’s found his groove, expect Laird, who ranks No. 9 in the FedEx Cup standings, to be around for the next 10 to 15 years, he’s that good.

    Sitting in the No. 12 position is Geoff Ogilvy, who has had a pretty average to below average season, at least by his standards. The Aussie looked like this might be his career year when he won the season-opening SBS Championship in Hawaii. But mediocrity followed, which is why Ogilvy will have his worst season, money-wise, in five years. Hey, it happens to the best of them, just ask Phil Mickelson, who ranks no better than No. 10 this week despite winning the Masters earlier this year.

    Watson, who broke through for his first PGA Tour triumph in 2010, is No. 18 on the FedEx list and even more important to him, playing in his first Ryder Cup in two weeks at Celtic Manor in Wales. Now No. 25 in the world, these are new heights for the big-booming Bubba, who already has accumulated over $3 million – or half as much money as he won in his previous five seasons.

    Tim Clark, the little South African who is No. 21 going into the FedEx Cup, also won for the very first time in 2010. Clark has been a picture of consistency, while rising into the top 20 in the world only to fall back to No. 30. This also will be Clark’s best season money-wise, as he has racked up $3.2 million. He’s already won the $7.5 million Players Championship, so why not the other big-money payout?

    Sitting in the No. 26 spot but with plenty left in the tank after finishing T3 two weeks ago at the BMW Championship in Chicago is Moore, “The Natural’’ that finally seems to be living up to his nickname at age 27. Moore is $100,000 – a pittance when it comes to the TOUR Championship – from eclipsing his breakthrough season of a year ago when he won for the first time. After overcoming a long list of injuries, Moore could become an impact player at any moment.

    If more people knew what a good guy he really is, Streelman would be a superstar, he’s got that type of personality. The winner of last year’s $1 million jackpot in the Kodak Challenge – his biggest claim to fame so far – the experts are in agreement that the 31-year-old Streelman’s best days are ahead of him. He’s just so quiet, however, as evidenced by the fact he’s won at least $1 million or more in all three of his seasons in the big leagues and who would have known?

    There are others from Arizona who have had fantastic years, most notably Ricky Barnes, who looks like the Scottsdale pro is finally here to stay after earning nearly $1.8 million, which ranks him No. 41 on the money list. Scottsdale’s Bryce Molder ($1.4 million, No. 54), another Scottsdale pro, Matt Jones ($1.2 million, No. 66), and Gilbert’s Robert Garrigus ($717,465, No. 112) also will be around to further their careers on the PGA Tour in 2011.

    But what’s really special for Scottsdale’s “Magnificent Seven’’ is that by finishing in the top 30 and competing this week in the TOUR Championship, all are exempt into next year’s four major championships. That will be a first for Laird, Watson, Moore and Streelman, which stamps them into the game’s marquee group that already included Casey, Ogilvy and Clark.

  • Best Places to Stay in Phoenix/Scottsdale

    Best Places to Stay in Phoenix/Scottsdale

    XONA Golf Resort
    Welcome to The Valley of the Sun

    You’re thinking about a golf trip to Arizona, good choice. As traveling golfers, we know firsthand that once you decide where to play, you have to decide where to stay. So we’ve tried to take the mystery out of this step for you.

    The Valley of the Sun is what we locals call the Phoenix metro area. It includes Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Chandler and several others. The entire Valley is approximately 75 miles wide by 45 miles deep. Since we figure you probably don’t want to spend your vacation time driving all across town, we want to help narrow your focus and pick a spot providing convenient access to the courses you choose. So, here’s the inside scoop on Phoenix and Scottsdale choices.

    PHOENIX

    Phoenix, the mega-metropolis of the Valley, is our State’s big city. It is home to the Arizona Biltmore and JW Marriott Resort & Spa, both have 36 holes on property. The Biltmore is in the heart of Central Phoenix; the JW Marriott is in North Phoenix and much closer to tracts like Grayhawk, Troon , The Boulders and Legend Trail Golf Club. Both have lots of shopping and dining adjacent to the properties.

    Best Pool in Phoenix PointeHilton at Squaw Peak
    Pointe Hilton at Squaw Peak

    If you are a Hilton resort fan, you’ll want to check out the Pointe Hilton at Squaw Peak or its sister property, the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs. The “Tap” has a more north Phoenix location and an 18-hole course on property. The Squaw Peak property is located in mid-town, but provides easy access to the freeway, making for short drive to lots of great golf options.

    The Legacy and Arizona Grand are located in the Southeast area of Phoenix and are close to Sky Harbor International Airport. Both resorts have golf on property and are very close to the Raven at South Mountain, Papago and Whirlwind golf courses.

    The Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondback arenas are located in the heart of Phoenix downtown. If taking in a game or two is part of the plan, then you may opt for the urban experience provided with a stay at the downtown Sheraton or Hyatt. The closest courses to this location are the Raven at South Mountain, Papago, Encanto and the Biltmore, all about 20 minutes away.

    SCOTTSDALE

    No matter what anyone else says, Scottsdale is definitely the heart of golf in the Phoenix Metro area. All major hotel chains have a presence in Scottsdale so the options run the gamut from familiar limited service national flags to 5-star resorts.

    Merdian CondoResort Scottsdale, AZ
    Meridian CondoResorts

    There are two properties in Scottsdale who have well-earned golf-centric reputations, XONA Resorts and Meridian CondoResorts. Both are located in North Scottsdale and are close to TPC Scottsdale, Grayhawk, Troon North and a host of the other golf courses. They are also right around the corner from restaurants and shopping. XONA offers 1, 2 and 4-bedroom suites on a full resort campus, while Meridian features oversize condominiums complete with a wide array of resort-style amenities. When you phone either company, you’ll talk with an experienced golf vacation planner who will help you with course selections, book your rounds and your rooms.

    Should a 5-star resort experience be your desire, the City is home to Fairmont Scottsdale, the Four Seasons, Westin Kierland Resort & Spa and the Phoenician. All either have golf on property or adjacent to it. Plus they are within a 30-minute drive to all the best tracks in town.

    Feeling like you want to hang where the young-guns lay their heads? Then we’d suggest the W or Hotel Valley Ho in downtown Scottsdale. Staying at either of these two hotels will put you in the heart of the trendy bar/restaurant district and a 15-minute drive away from Talking Stick, ASU Karsten and McCormick Ranch golf clubs.

    If the combination of gaming and a brand new hotel is what you want, then Talking Stick Resort is the place. This 400+ room resort offers all the usual amenities like spa and dining, then throws in casino gaming as well. Talking Stick North and South golf courses are on property, so if you want to park in one place and not venture beyond the resort borders, this is a good choice. Baseball fans will like this choice as well since the new home of the Diamondbacks and Rockies are just across the 101 freeway (about two miles away).

    For those out there who are gonna cash in some of those reward points on a no-frills place to sleep, shower and go, you won’t have a problem finding a spot in Scottsdale. Marriott, Hyatt, Holiday Inn, Best Western and Comfort Inn are just a few of the options that come to mind. They are located all across the City so you won’t have a problem finding one that is convenient to your desired home base.

    PARADISE VALLEY

    Nestled between Phoenix and Scottsdale is Paradise Valley, one of the most affluent burbs in the State. This town features two fabulous resorts – JW Marriott’s Camelback Inn and the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort. Both offer a complete resort experience. Camelback Inn features two resort golf courses on property. In our opinion, Padre should be your first choice, although Indian Bend won’t disappoint. Montelucia has has partnered with four golf properties providing their guests with priority tee times and the best pricing options available.

    We’ve just touched the top of the waves here, but it will provide you with a start. If you want to know more or we can help answer other questions, just click on the “Ask Us” tab below and we’ll get right back to you.

  • Meet Derek Crawford – An Arizona Golf Star

    Meet Derek Crawford – An Arizona Golf Star

    There are many things unique about Derek Crawford. He is a third generation Arizonan. He is an identical twin. He can’t talk about himself without talking about his brother. He played catch with Willie Mays. He believes you must treat people right. And he is the first Arizona Golf Authority Golf Star.

    Derek grew up in the Encanto neighborhood in Phoenix. His parents were not golfers. He and brother Daryl loved sports. They hung with their best friend Vince who played golf. Daryl and Derek played baseball, but they wanted to hang with Vince so they took up golf.

    Derek was immediately hooked on golf. He, Daryl and Vince cut their teeth at Encanto Golf Club, a Phoenix muni course right down the street. “In those days, we had to bring our own balls to the range. You’d hit them and then shag them,” said Derek. The 10th hole was across the street from the golf shop and the staff couldn’t see the tee, needless to say they knew the back nine like the back of their hand!

    School provided another opportunity for Derek to test his skills. Both he and Daryl played on the St. Mary’s High School golf team, and then went on to Phoenix College and ASU. Being part of the ASU team meant Derek received their maroon and gold golf bag with ASU bright letters, which he thought cool to be seen carrying at the golf course.

    The Golf Business Calls

    “After college, Crawford knew he wanted to be in the golf business, something for which he feels incredibly fortunate to know at an early age. “I see so many kids today starting or graduating from college who have no idea what they want to do,” commented Crawford. “I was lucky because I knew right away.”

    Derek’s pursuit of a career in golf began in 1980 with a 7-year stint at Orange Tree Golf Club in Scottsdale, starting out in the bag room. “At that time in the golf industry, you started in outside service and then worked your way up to become an assistant professional and get inside the shop,” stated Derek. Daryl worked at the course too, which created some interesting stories. “I would go out to a car to get a players bag and put it on a golf car, then the guy would go inside the shop and be confused,” Derek told us. “Standing behind the desk was the guy he just saw outside, but now he was wearing a different shirt. The funny thing is that Daryl was tipped a lot for the work I did.”

    After a 2-year stint under Paul Purtzer at Hyatt Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale as the head golf professional, Derek received a call from PING to be a their US TOUR rep. Derek jumped at the chance and spent the next five years on the road.

    Derek stayed with PING until 1995, leaving to get back in the golf shop with stops at ASU Karsten in Tempe and its sister course, StoneCreek in Phoenix. Fast forward to 2001 and a call from OB Sports executive Phil Green. The call came with an invitation to visit a new course being designed in Fountain Hills. “When I met with Phil, the course didn’t even have a name yet,” stated Crawford. “I thought it was really something special. Phil told me there was no title for my role, but what he wanted me to do was network, capture business and then make sure our customers were treated right so they would come back.”

    It’s All About The Customer

    “Dick Hyland (longtime Arizona golf professional) used to tell his staff that the customer deserves your very best every day and I believe that,” commented Derek. “He is absolutely correct as I really believe customer service is a lost art. I think it is simple, yet not easy.

    “We-Ko-Pa could not have opened at a more challenging time (December 2001), so we knew we had to set a different standard for customer service,” commented Crawford. “From the beginning, we tried to do things differently. We set a fair price for golf, not an inexpensive one, but a fair one. We offered Arizona residents a local play rate and most important, we hired people who understood our service would determine whether our customers would not only come back, but tell their friends about us.”

    “No matter what the cost of a round of golf, it is money out of the customer’s pocket so paying attention will be the difference between a good and bad experience,” said Derek. “I like to use the example of seeing a guest with his hands full, it’s not hard to get over there, smile and open the door for him so he doesn’t have to struggle. We ask all our employees to engage with our customers, asking about their round, thanking them for playing We-Ko-Pa and inviting them back. In a world that seems to be less civil every day, I really believe little things make a big impact.”

    We checked in with the dean of golf and customer service, Jim Saunders, who for years made sure everything was just right at Desert Highlands and later at Whisper Rock Golf Club.

    Jim, who now looks after the Nanẻa Golf Club for founders George Roberts and Charles Schwab on the big island of Hawaii, came right to the point. “Derek surrounds himself with a team who believe, and act, as he does” stated Saunders. “Whatever they can do to enhance the guest’s experience today, they do. Because they want to, not because they have to.”

    In a world where the mantra seems to be “customer non-service”, it’s refreshing to know there are still people out there like Derek Crawford who get it. That is what makes him our very first Arizona Golf Authority Golf Star.

    Editor’s Note:  It was announced on December 1 that Derek Crawford has left
    We-Ko-Pa to join Jeff Lessig at SunRidge Canyon Golf Club.  To read more about the changes at SunRidge Canyon, click here.
  • TPC Scottsdale To Raise Funds For U.S. Troops And Their Families

    TPC Scottsdale To Raise Funds For U.S. Troops And Their Families

    Most all of us go about our daily lives rarely giving thought to the fact our troops put their lives on the line every day to keep our country free and safe. So we applaud and encourage you to support TPC Scottsdale for hosting Birdies for the Brave. This annual event is part of the PGA TOUR’s national military outreach program supporting the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

    TPC Scottsdale will host their Birdies for the Brave event on Monday, December 6, 2010. The day starts with registration and breakfast at 8am. A 10am shotgun kicks off the golf tournament, after which the course will host a luncheon, silent auction and Awards Ceremony.

    Individuals can participate for a $250 entry fee, which includes all activities and tee gifts. Better yet, put a foursome together for only $800 and you’ll not only have a great time, you’ll help nine outstanding Birdies for the Brave Homefront groups directly service military men, women and their families.

    TPC Scottsdale is not in this alone. All TPC facilities and partner properties are hosting Birdies for the Brave events across the country, so they can provide contributions to the nine organizations below:

    Homes For Our Troops, a non-profit organization supported by TOUR Player Phil Mickelson that adapts or builds new homes designed for military men and women returning to America with serious injuries and disabilities. www.homesforourtroops.org

    Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a non-profit organization supported by TOUR Player Phil Mickelson dedicated to providing free college scholarships and educational counseling to the children of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps Special Operations personnel lost in performance of their duty. www.specialops.org

    Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a non-profit that serves the families of military personnel lost in performance of their duty. www.fallenheroesfund.org

    Naval Special Warfare Foundation, a non-profit group supported by TOUR Player Jerry Kelly, Vijay Singh & Frank Lickliter II dedicated to providing educational and motivational support, promoting health and welfare programs for the Naval Special Warfare community, and perpetuating the history and heritage of the U.S. Naval Commandos. www.nswfoundation.org

    Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization supported by TOUR Players Frank Lickliter II, Jason Gore and Nick Watney dedicated to providing unique, direct programs and services to meet the specialized needs of severely injured service men and women. www.woundedwarriorproject.org

    Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization supported by TOUR Player Corey Pavin that provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind, and to wounded warriors when they return home. www.operationhomefront.net

    United Through Reading, a non-profit organization supported by TOUR Player Rory Sabbatini that unites families facing physical separation by facilitating the bonding experience of reading aloud together.  www.unitedthroughreading.org

    Military Warriors Support Foundation, a non-profit organization supported by TOUR Player Ted Purdy that demonstrates support for the men and women of our military through providing practical opportunities to those injured in service to our country. www.militarywarriors.org

    If you have any questions, you can call the TPC Scottsdale at 480.585.4334. Or you can sign up now by visiting www.tpc.com/Scottsdale . The entry form is right on the home page.

  • Sure PURE Grips

    Sure PURE Grips

    For the PURE love of the game

    Just as the team at the Arizona Golf Authority has a passion for golf, so do the founders of PURE Grips. They were always trying to improve their own games and it is what brought them together as a group. They had an idea to give golfers an edge by designing a new kind of grip.

    Designed to Give You an Edge

    The differentiating factor in the PURE Grips product is an injection mold process to ensure their grips provide exceptional durability and a better feel. The grips are made with concentric grip walls of consistent thickness and no seams. Perfectly round, PURE Grips offer +/- 1 gram tolerances and a range of feels designed to meet the needs and preferences of all golfers, from beginners to pros. This advanced technology makes PURE Grips exceedingly well balanced to give every golfer that extra edge.

    “Golf is all about feel, so if it’s feeling good in your hand, it’s only going to help your golf shot.”

    -PGA Tour Player Matt Jones

    Durability Guaranteed

    The proprietary 100% rubber formula makes PURE Grips exceedingly durable in all weather conditions. Even the most avid golfers will have trouble wearing out our grips. In fact, all PURE Grips are guaranteed to remain tacky and supple and perform in all conditions for up to twelve months. If you manage to wear one out before then, the PURE Grips team will happily give you a replacement for free.

    A New Way to Install Grips

    In our opinion, this is the coolest part of the PURE Grips product – the installation. We had the opportunity to visit their Tempe manufacturing facility and see firsthand whether their “easy to install” claims were accurate. PURE Grips has five styles from which to choose and to make the choice easier, they installed one of each on five different clubs. After picking the option that felt the best, it wasn’t 20 minutes before all 14 clubs were done. After 2 more minutes of tweaking the grip position, we were ready to head to the first tee. No mess, no fuss.

    PURE Grips Tapeless Golf Grip Installation Process
    How can they make it so easy? The installation of PURE Grips requires no adhesive tapes or solvents. Using the PURE Grips proprietary quick-connecting tools, the simple power of air pressure installs the grips as securely as any adhesive tape. Once installed on a steel or graphite shaft, the grip provides optimal stability while the elasticity of the rubber combines with friction to create “rubber memory,” ensuring the grip will not loosen or slip.

    PURE Grips Making Their Mark

    The PURE Grips team debuted their new line at the 2010 PGA Show in Orlando, and was quickly recognized for their innovation, being named one of the best new products at the show. Since that time, they have been the star of demo days across the country.

    Professional players are taking notice as well. PGA TOUR player Matt Jones uses their product and had this to say, “PURE Grips gave me a better feeling when hitting a golf shot. It felt a little softer and my hand molded to the grip better. Golf is all about feel, so if it’s feeling good in your hand, it’s only going to help your golf shot. I definitely think this product will give me an edge over the competition.”

    PURE Passion

    Wes Brasher (CEO), Mike Smith (National Sales Manager) and the entire PURE Grips teams are passionate about golf and now golf grips. “We know smart change can make a big difference in the quality and consistency of our shots,” said Brasher. “A better grip is one of those smart changes. We’re glad to be able to help our fellow golfers hit more of the pure shots we all love.”

    We love that.

    For more information about PURE Grips or to purchase your own set, visit www.puregrips.com

  • Troon Golf Launches Troon Golf & Travel

    Troon Golf Launches Troon Golf & Travel

    E-magazine combines cutting-edge technology with compelling travel and lifestyle content

    Scottsdale, Ariz. (September 10, 2010) – Troon Golf,® the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing is proud to announce the launch of Troon Golf & Travel, an online magazine combining vivid imagery and insightful reporting with cutting-edge digital technology.

    Troon Golf & Travel delivers compelling content covering the unique and expansive lifestyle around the game of golf. Issues will preview enticing travel destinations from around the globe, spotlight exciting Troon-managed facilities, share interviews with the game’s most interesting personalities, preview Major golf tournaments, provide a glimpse into the changing business of golf, review the latest products and equipment, and much more. The versatile functionality of Troon Golf & Travel, which is also available in iPad and iPhone versions, provides a reading platform that is both informational and interactive. This creates an opportunity to reach a readership in ways print magazines never could before – utilizing high-definition videos, photo slideshows, Twitter and Facebook interaction, and instant surveys.

    “At the clubs we manage, Troon Golf strives to provide some of the very best experiences in the world,” stated Hud Hinton, president and CEO, Troon Golf. “We believe Troon Golf & Travel will enhance our audience’s reading experience in the same way.”

    Flagship Custom Publishing led by George Fuller, an award-winning editor and publisher, will produce the monthly e-magazine along with an annual print edition in partnership with Troon Golf. The print edition will be circulated at Troon-managed courses, partner hotels, and across national and international newsstands in 2011.

    To view the inaugural issue of Troon Golf & Travel, visit http://www.troongolf-digital.com/troongolf/20100910#pg1

     

    About Troon Golf

    Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon Golf is the world’s largest golf management company, overseeing operations at properties located in 31 states and 26 countries. Additionally, 39 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications.