It’s hard to improve upon a morning at the golf course, but with spring training in town, adding an afternoon at the ballpark makes for an full day of good, clean fun.
And with fifteen MLB baseball teams playing in ten baseball parks scattered across the Phoenix – Scottsdale metro area, it’s easy to pair any of several Arizona golf courses you enjoy with a nearby spring training game.
First, the fifteen baseball teams: Dodgers, Cubs, Royals, Giants, Angels, Athletics, Reds, Indians, Brewers, White Sox, Reds, Rockies, Padres, Mariners and the hometown Diamondbacks all train in the Valley of the Sun.
The ten baseball stadiums are located in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Surprise and Tempe. The map of ballparks below, together with the game schedule will get you started. Pair those up with a golf course nearby and you’re ready for a full day of excellent entertainment in Arizona’s perfect springtime weather.
Some pick the game they want to see first, note the stadium location and pick their favorite golf course, nearby. Others pick the golf course first, and are happy to watch whatever teams happen to be playing that day in the stadium, nearby.
Either strategy works, and the Arizona golf course reviews at the Arizona Golf Authority makes matching the golf course to the baseball stadium easy.
You seldom hear anyone complain about playing too much golf, or spending too much time at the ballpark. We guarantee you’ll never hear someone say “I did both today, and it was too much fun.”
It’s time to get your game in shape for the 2016 City of Phoenix Stroke Play Championship. Play begins Friday, April 8 at Cave Creek, moves to Encanto Saturday, April 9 and finishes up at Grand Canyon Sunday, April 10.
Players must carry a handicap index of 13.6 or below and four flights of competition are available. Players will compete in threesomes with assigned tee times each day, beginning at 6:30 each morning.
If 54-holes of individual stroke play is not for you, have a look at the other competitive events offered later this year by the City of Phoenix. You’ll find Men’s Net-Stroke Play event, Gross and Net events for Senior Men, Gross and Net Stroke Play for Women, and a Two-Player Team Gross Score event for men.
The Fifth Annual Phoenix Morton Cure Paralysis Fund Golf Tournament will take place on Friday, March 4, 2016, at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix, Arizona.
The weather will be spectacular so sign-up your foursome today! And contact MCPF at 612-904-1420 for more details on corporate sponsorship opportunities.
Local players know the golf course has quite a long history. Originally called The Pointe Golf Club at South Mountain and later, Phantom Horse, this picturesque layout is one memorable golf experience.
Created by Forrest Richardson, a well-known Arizona architect with a passion for artful design, Arizona Grand dazzles golfers with its blend of traditional links, dramatic elevation changes and strategic routing. Read the full Arizona Grand golf course review at the Arizona Golf Authority.
For more information, please contact:
Morton Cure Paralysis Fund – Minnesota
5021 Vernon Ave., Suite 145
Minneapolis, MN 55436
(612) 904-1420
info@mcpf.org
Morton Cure Paralysis Fund – Arizona
4939 W. Ray Rd., Suite 4190
Chandler, AZ 85226
(612) 904-1420
info@mcpf.org
Put SunRidge Canyon Golf Club on your near-term play list and go enjoy one of Arizona’s most demanding, yet rewarding, championship layouts. Owners Don and Cindy Misheff, who purchased the club in 2010, have implemented some serious improvements during their stewardship and the results are spectacular.
First, the golf course. Long before the term became popular, avid local players respected Keith Foster’s 1995 “minimalist design” for its maximum challenge. The uphill climb home through holes 13-18, dubbed the “Wicked Six”, is one of the most memorable finishes in town.
These six closers require precise play to score well, but whatever you post, the spectacular scenery you traverse while playing them always seems to pay off in spades when the last putt is holed, high atop the property on the 18th green.
Looking down over the climb you just completed you’ll find within yourself a warm feeling of accomplishment and the quiet, rewarding sense of “a day well spent.”
True to form, the Misheff’s used the summer season to raise the SunRidge Canyon playing experience to a higher level by converting all 18 greens to Champion Dwarf Bermuda. Be advised the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Trials concluded that Champion achieved STMP meter speeds approaching two feet faster than other ultradwarf cultivar surfaces.
Which is fine, since most players agree the “Can’t be too thin” and “Can’t be too rich” paradigm includes putting surfaces, “Can’t be too quick.”
The layout remain the terrific test it’s always been: two precise shots over two transition areas at the picturesque par-4 seventh, an elevated, white-knuckle tee shot at the water-wrapped par-3 14th and the solid, uphill 18th closer. The elegant greens only enhance the experience of playing SunRidge’s artful design.
And when the last putt drops, prepare yourself for more great fun: the new Wicked Six Bar and Grill at SunRidge Canyon.
The hacienda-style clubhouse at SunRidge has always provided one of the best “local hang” spots in town, but now it’s been amped up with a new full-service menu, an engaging staff and a comfortably-modern decor.
When you add in the elegant indoor-outdoor patio and that panoramic view of Four Peaks beyond, your card totals: great golf, good vibe, wicked fun.
The Wigwam Gold and Wigwam Patriot golf courses — now that’s a pair to draw to! Split by RTJ, Sr. in 1965, the two original nines are part of the package this holiday weekend.
The Wigwam Golf Club invites players to join in commemorating the 50th anniversary of its iconic Gold and Patriot courses with its Throwback with Bunkerville, an event Memorial Day weekend, May 22nd through May 24th, that includes a two-person scramble tournament complete with tournament prizes, Stay & Play packages, entertainment and more.
All proceeds from the tournament’s Mulligan ticket sales will benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Plus, Wigwam is donating $10 for each room booked that night to benefit Fighter Country Partnership, to support the men, women, families and mission of Luke Air Force Base.
“The Wigwam originally featured just one 18-hole golf course, which was transformed into two separate courses, the Gold and Patriot, by master designer Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1965,” said Leo Simonetta, Wigwam’s Director of Golf. “The Gold and Patriot are true parkland courses woven in and around the natural terrain of trees, lakes, canals and streams. Wigwam is thrilled to celebrate their golden anniversary with fellow golfers who appreciate this rich history as we do, and look forward to introducing these storied courses to those who have yet to experience their magic.”
The weekend’s festivities include:
Lunch, raffle, music by the Big Break’s Rob West and awards celebration
Unveiling of historic photos and golf memorabilia
Contests and giveaways for guests which feature prizes such as Stay & Play packages, $50 gift cards to Wigwam Golf, HgO and more
Live entertainment and dancing with True to Life Band, acoustic guitar with Mary Hoffman and Classic Rock, Jazz, Blues & Country from 60’s to today’s hits with Sunday Drive
Lunch at the new Red’s Bar and Grill
Fun “Throwback” activities
Live Bunker to Bunker Radio remote during the tournament and festivities
Golden Ticket kickoff
And more opportunities to win through Labor Day!
“We have a new superintendent, Jason Snyder, and the conditions are better than they have ever been,” said Simonetta. “The great golf certainly won’t stop after Throwback with Bunkerville. We have plans for the whole summer that include weekly promotions and special rates the whole family can enjoy!”
Every Thursday, Wigwam Golf will feature special greens fees rates of $19.65 in commemoration of the year 1965, when the Gold and Patriot courses first opened. Additionally, every Sunday after 3 p.m., kids can play one round for free with the purchase of an adult round at only twenty five dollars.
May 25th also kicks off Wigwam’s Summer Splash stay package, which includes rates starting at just $99 plus discounts on cabana rentals, golf, spa and more.
And, for more information on the Gold and Patriot 50th anniversary events and offers, including to register for the tournament, please visit www.bunkergolf.com. To book your room reservation visit www.wigwamarizona.com or call (623) 935-3811.
CAREFREE, Arizona – Desert Forest, the first desert golf course ever built is still the best desert golf course ever built. Desert Forest Golf Club enlisted the services of former Coore & Crenshaw protégé, David Zinkand who masterfully designed and implemented a modernization of the golf course in four months’ time, within the club’s $3 million budget.
Desert Forest now plays at 7,201 yards from the tips and every green complex was returned to its original perimeter profile, including the restoration of putting surface contours which tend to soften over 50-plus years of service.
The most prominent visual change occurs here as well as the greenside bunkers were converted from the original oval-shaped design, a Lawrence trademark, to a more natural scalloped, rugged-edge shape favored by Zinkand, who carefully protected the original course design.
Desert Forest Golf Club – Hole No. 3
“The routing and the way the course sits naturally on the contours is the genius of Desert Forest, rather than having been graded to suit preconceived notions. Leaving this landscape intact was the most important aspect of respecting Mr. Lawrence’s design,” said Zinkand, a graduate of Cornell University.
“As we worked on the fairways, I re-contoured those areas so they appear as they did naturally, before the golf course was built. These tie-ins aren’t something that are readily apparent to many golfers, but removing that unnatural visual distraction enhances their experience nonetheless.”
Over the years, Zinkand has worked for numerous prominent architects, most notably Arthur Hills, Gil Hanse and Mike DeVries. It was as a Design Associate working for Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, that Zinkand contributed his finest efforts, creating feature shaping on many of their projects including Bandon Preserve and Bandon Trails in Bandon, Oregon, Saguaro course at We-Ko-Pa in Fountain Hills, Arizona along with the renovation of Lakewood Country Club in Dallas, Texas.
Desert Forest Golf Club – Hole No. 18
Zinkand is especially proud of the greenside bunkers and his newfound signature look. “The bunker edges are rugged. In fact, they are more rugged than even my bunker shaper, Jeff Bradley, was comfortable with at times. I pushed that envelope though to emphasize the rugged, natural character of the golf course. Desert Forest was the first desert golf course in the world! This place is really in the desert! It deserved to draw from that unique heritage and environment,” added Zinkand.
Celebrating 50 years of unparalleled success in 2012, Desert Forest Golf Club moves forward after an illustrious first half century collecting accolades from Golf Magazine, “50 Greatest Courses in the Last 50 Years,” and “Top 100 Courses in the U.S.”; Golf Digest, “Best 100 Courses in America for 17 Straight Years,” among many other notable awards.
Then, telephone your friend that holds a membership at Desert Forest and do what’s necessary to get it teed up; including an offer to wash and wax their car. It’s a small price to pay to savor the the first, and still the best, desert golf course in the game.
For more information on Desert Forest Golf Club and membership opportunities, call (480) 488-4589 or visit www.desertforestgolfclub.com.
Southern Dunes has kicked off a significant renovation project to maintain playability for leisure players, while refining its famous championship venue shot-values.
Ak-Chin Community ownership brought all the principals back to the design table to make sure things were done properly.
Architect of record, Fred Couples, course architects Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley, and Troon’s design/development experts were tapped to lead the construction project, which will be completed this summer.
Beginning with a complete bunker renovation phase, turf area expansion will occur between many of the forward tees and landing areas, eliminating forced carries for those choosing to ‘tee it forward,’ and re-vegetation of several areas of the elegant, native grasses will occur throughout the Southern Dunes layout.
New tees will be constructed for several holes, including No. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, all 4-pars, and the notorious 3-par 17th. Plans describe a significant redesign here, with an expansion of the green, reshaping of a large dune on the left side, to open sightlines to the hole, and changes to the bunker complexes around the green – the family of three front right, and the “gobble up anything long” beast lording above the back-middle of the green.
The final component of the construction project is a hybrid conversion of the practice facility, which will be artfully modified to act as a six-hole, “practice ground” short course in the afternoon, serving the Club’s “Player Development/Grow The Game” mission, while remaining one of the best pre-round driving ranges during busy morning hours and peak tee periods throughout the day.
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — Long known for its popular Segway golf vehicles, the innovative Kierland Golf Club at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa has introduced yet another new way for golfers to enjoy the course – by bicycle.
New golf bikes allow golfers to enjoy the game while getting a workout. Designed to create minimal impact on the course and maximum fun and fitness for the golfer, the bicycles feature small-diameter wheels outfitted with wide rubber tires, and two custom-designed golf bags, mounted to the rear of the bike and sized to carry a full set of clubs.
Nancy Dickens, director of golf at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, shares her resort’s players are looking for fun, new ways to enjoy the game through innovative programs and products.
“The new golf bikes are another opportunity for us to make golf even more enjoyable for those who enjoy the fitness aspect of riding on the course and who may want to trim the time it takes to play a round,” she said. She estimates that it takes an average of one hour to play nine holes when playing on bikes.
For information about the new golf bikes at the Kierland Golf Club or to book a tee time, call 480-922-9283 or visit www.kierlandgolf.com
The Kierland Golf Club is a Troon-managed course designed by Scott Miller featuring 27 holes. The three nines, each with its own unique routing and strategy, pair up together nicely for an equally enjoyable challenge. Golfers rave about the air-conditioned golf carts and covered driving range.
Kierland Golf Club’s innovative FORE-MAX program helps golfers step up their performance through improved fitness, flexibility and nutrition. With its customized workouts, FORE-MAX is also a popular fitness option for those who don’t play golf.
For a unique golf experience, Kierland Golf Club offers a Scottish golf program, where golfers play in a traditional Scottish kilt, and Segway Golf, where golfers traverse the course on a Segway specially crafted to carry their golf bag. Traditional golf instruction by award-winning instructors Mike and Sandy LaBauve is offered at the LaBauve Golf Academy and ProFit custom club fitting also is available.
Then visit the Arizona Golf Course Reviews for a player’s review of every golf course in Arizona – all 325 of ’em. Our Arizona golf course reviews are just one part of “All Things Arizona Golf” at the Arizona Golf Authority.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
In the heart of “new” Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa provides contemporary amenities and design while helping its guests to experience the Essence of Arizona through an ever-changing collection of paintings, rare photographs, and commissioned artworks as well as an educational wildlife program.
The Resort’s full-service spa, Agave, The Arizona Spa, showcases traditional therapies handed down from Arizona’s many cultures of healing, as well as rare ancient treatments infused with the essence of the Far East.
The rejuvenation continues at the Resort’s 10 unique dining venues, with its renowned Heavenly Bed®, and with premier shopping and dining destinations located adjacent to the Resort.
Complementing the Resort’s award-winning FUN program for all ages is its Adventure Water Park complete with 110-foot-long waterslide, 900-foot lazy river and the Kierland FlowRider board sport simulator.
Great news from Shelby Futch, Scottsdale Golf Group CEO: Orange Tree Golf Club practice facilities will receive a complete makeover this summer by Ken Kavanaugh Golf Course Design.
Shelby Futch and Ken Kavanaugh
Ken Kavanaugh is a local design hero in these parts and the master golf course architect has worked with SGG for over 15 years.
We have all enjoyed his enhancements to Red Mountain Ranch Country Club and Painted Mountain Golf Club, both courses owned by Scottsdale Golf Group.
This summer, the Orange Tree practice range will be lengthened and the tee area enlarged. When finished in the Fall of 2014, the facility will grow to more than twice its current size and be one of the largest “all-turf” practice facilities in Arizona.
Three large putting greens and a chipping green are included in the redesign to provide expanded areas for the short game work we all need.
Shelby Futch, founder & CEO of Scottsdale Golf Group owns six Phoenix metro-area golf courses and a private club in the Texas Hill Country, River Crossing Club.
As founder of the John Jacobs Golf Schools and Academies with 12 locations across the USA and two Canadian locations underway, he has earned an international reputation as an industry leader whose career incorporates every phase of the golf business. Shelby was inducted in the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame last year in an awards ceremony in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Orange Tree Golf Club has always been a convenient and comfortable all-turf practice facility. Now it’s going to be roomy as well.
Orange Tree’s traditional tree-lined golf course is a great play this time of year. Read the Arizona Golf Authority Orange Tree Golf Course Review, make a tee time and go enjoy the Johnny Bulla design.
