Promoted article in association with Bird Golf Academy
Golf instruction can often be viewed as being intimidating and restrictive, but the innovative Bird Golf Academy in the United States is altering that perception with a rewarding and personalised approach to helping golfers improve and fulfil their potential. Founded in 1999 by former touring professional Jay Ewing, and following what is described as the “Ultimate Golf Learning Experience”, with 21 locations throughout 11 states in America, Bird Golf Schools are providing their students with the finest professional teachers amongst luxurious surroundings, ensuring that all who take up the opportunity are honoured with the best service.
The Philosophy
Recognising that no two students are the same, Bird Golf School does not subscribe to a specific method or system, because each golfer is different with a variety of skills and requirements. It’s their belief that there are many ways to successfully swing a golf club, dependent on the player.
With a vastly experienced staff of teaching professionals available, students can have their individual strengths and weaknesses diagnosed. This personalised service has helped to set Bird Golf apart from the rest, and ensures that all golfers will be placed on a permanent path to improvement, with these newly implemented lessons and thoughts being taken from practice onto the golf course.
The Professionals
For all that facilities and principles are important, the vital ingredient of what makes Bird Golf special are the superb teaching staff based across all sites in the United States. These professionals have all been PGA or LPGA members for a minimum of 20 years, with that remarkable experience ensuring that they’re ideally placed to effectively work with all potential students.
These world-class professional golf instructors include an LPGA National Teacher of the Year, PGA Master Professionals, multiple award-winning PGA Professionals and winners of the U.S. Open, the LPGA Championship and various LPGA Tour events, as well as six members of various Golf Halls of Fame.
Some of the most notable names on staff include Bird Golf’s founder and former tournament professional, Jay Ewing, 1963 U.S. Open winner Mary Mills, and LPGA tour legend Sandra Palmer, whose status adds a touch of sparkle to a remarkably tenured and knowledge group of instructors, which the School has described as being “the finest staff of golf teaching professionals in the world.”
The Locations
With 21 venues throughout 11 states, Bird Golf can call some of the world’s finest and most highly regarded resorts as home. Several of the affiliated courses have been host to many significant events, including the LPGA’s Samsung World Championship, Champions Tour tournaments, Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, and the LPGA Tour.
Arizona
Bird Golf offers three stunning locations throughout the Grand Canyon State. The Phoenix school is situated within the beautiful Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. With stunning restaurants and spa, it’s one of the most highly regarded golf destinations in the south west of the United States, and the on-site 36-hole Whirlwind Golf Club is equally respected having accumulated prestigious awards.
Whirlwind Golf Club - Bird Golf Academy Flagship Location
Elsewhere, and tucked within the beautiful Sedona mountain range, is the second Arizona Bird Golf school. USA Today memorably declared Sedona the most beautiful city in the country, and it’s easy to see why with the breathtaking backdrop of the red rock aligned with the best instruction ensuring for an experience that would be difficult to match anywhere else.
Situated in Prescott, Stoneridge is the third golf school in the Copper State, and the course has been widely acclaimed by Golf Magazine as being among the best recently opened layouts to play. Like Sedona, this venue offers majestic views and excellent holes, and is conveniently only 90 minutes from Phoenix, which makes for ideal accessibility.
California
Bird Golf can call upon four golf schools based in the Golden State, with the first of them being situated just inland from the central coast. The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort in Santa Barbara offers a scenic and rustic setting that features two championship courses designed by Billy Bell, Jr.
For those who enjoy wildlife, the resort was originally a cattle ranch, and has maintained stables with more than 100 horses and riding programmes for visitors to enjoy. American bald eagles and other notable animals can also be spotted alongside the Alisal Lake, which makes it a special place.
Elsewhere, The Classic Club in Palm Springs is more of a desert oasis, situated only two hours from Los Angeles. Having been a host course of the PGA Tour’s Bob Hope Classic, the venue consists of more than 30 acres of water features, bridges, and incredible views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Golfweek and Zagat have both identified The Classic Club as being among American’s best courses, with the luxury Hyatt Grand Champions also recognised as one of California’s leading premier hotels.
Golf at Palm Springs
Designed by the late great Arnold Palmer, Hiddenbrooke Golf Club is sat alongside the Napa Valley and features both striking views and dramatic elevation changes over Wine County. Following the golf, relaxing at the Tuscan-inspired Meritage Resort and Spa is a delight, with the venue offering excellent spa treatments in addition to a 20,000-square foot wine cave and tasting bar.
Finally, the San Diego School is based at Rams Hill Golf Club, which is regarded as being one of the most spectacular in America, designed by the legendary Tom Fazio. Within a short journey of San Diego and Palm Springs, the accommodation partner is the luxury La Cassa del Zorro, which is rich in history and offers some mouth-watering dining options.
North and South Carolina
On the East Coast of the United States, Bird Golf has two distinct sites for their Carolinas schools, with the North Carolina venue based at the historic Pinehurst, which is considered the home of American golf, while the southern location at Myrtle Beach breathes tradition and the game’s heritage.
There are two facilities in the north, with Foxfire Golf Resort and Club being designed by revered architect Gene Hamm, with 36-holes being sure to test even the most accomplished of games. The two courses vary in terms of difficult, with The Grey Fox being considered as one of the most challenging in the area, while The Red Fox is less punishing off the tee, but remains a strategic test with stunning backdrops on many of the holes adding to the sense of ambience.
Elsewhere, the Country Club of Whispering Pines also provides two contrasting layouts, with both courses being created by Ellis Maples, who was a student of the great Donald Ross. The Pines is the longer of the tracks, featuring wide fairways and many of the classic Pinehurst characteristics, while the beautiful River Course offers a somewhat different, but equally satisfying experience.
The Myrtle Beach golf schools are based at the stunning Wachesaw Plantation East, which is in the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet that is situated alongside the Atlantic Ocean. Based on the great links course of Scotland, the 18-holes have been designed in that manner, harkening back to the historic origins of the game.
Having been the recipient of several awards and accolades, the most recent being declared Myrtle Beach, “Golf Course of the Year” in 2007, Wachesaw Plantation East was granted Golf Digest’s prestigious, four-star award in their “Places to Play” list and has been the host to the LPGA Tour on four occasions. Legendary golfer, Karrie Webb won both the 1987 and 1998 tournaments, the City of Hope Myrtle Beach Classics, ensuring that it’s a tremendous experience for Golf Bird students.
Colorado
Recognised for its famous mountains and elevations, Golf Bird reaches even greater heights with its two schools based in the Centennial State of Colorado. The most spectacular of which is Crested Butte, designed by Robert Trent Jones II and surrounded by peaks and striking pine and aspen forests.
Acclaimed by Mountain Golf Magazine as “one of the finest golf courses in the mountains, if not the entire country,” it’s a truly magnificent setting to improve your game. With other amenities including tennis, aerobics and fitness centre, indoor pool, full service Spa and the popular Remi’s restaurant, there is much to offer Golf Bird students, who will be staying at The Grand Lodge.
Green Valley Ranch Golf Club is the spectacular venue of the Denver Golf School, and is rated at a more than credible four stars by Golf Digest. Students will enjoy both courses, the 18-hole championship golf course and nine-hole par-three course, to work on their games, with the stunning setting blending into the Rocky Mountains, but crucially still being within proximity of the city.
Taking advantage of the excellent state-of-the-art practice facility, which features a panoramic range area and extensive chipping and putting greens, students could also use the official Titleist Regional Fitting Centre on-site at Green Valley, with welcoming accommodation to be found at nearby Hyatt Place, which offers immaculate rooms and a fine quality of service.
Florida
Bird Golf has five affiliated facilities in one of America’s most notable golf states, which provide a subtropical climate enhanced by beaches, bays, and the unique Bermuda grass. The most recent addition to the portfolio of the Academy, Turnberry Isle Miami and Autograph Collection property, is a local landmark, which boasts two Championship courses, an array of amenities and a lush tropical setting make this the perfect place for your Florida golf school.
Also, situated in the southern half of the state, the Jack Nicklaus designed Club at Boca Pointe is one of the more exclusive schools, offering a stunning championship standard golf course, with accommodation and relaxation provided by the widely-regarded Waldorf Astoria Boca Resort, which combines to ensure for a stunning experience for those fortunate students.
Boca Pointe, designed by Jack Nicklaus
Further west, Golf Bird can share a beautiful academy at the Old Corkscrew Golf Club, which was able created by the legendary 18-time major champion, and it’s held to be one of his finest courses. Surrounded by towering oak, pine and cypress trees, the breathtaking layout opened for play in 2007 and quickly began to accrue many accolades. With accommodation provided at the luxurious Hyatt Coconut Point, this is what the Golf Bird Academy is all about.
Situated just a little north of Orlando you will find the wonderfully historic property at the Mission Inn Resort and Spa. This is home of two award-winning championship golf courses, with the scenic countryside providing a wonderful backdrop. Featuring a backdrop of the scenic countryside and as the recipient of numerous honours, Mission Inn is an ideal setting, with students also having the chance to enjoy the tennis facilities and to enjoy accommodation in the luxurious club suites.
Finally, Daytona Beach at The Shores Resort and Spa is the choice for any lover of the sand and sea, with the venue offering beautiful ocean views from the balcony after a brilliant day of golf at Pelican Bay, which has previously been a host of The Greater Daytona Beach PGA Senior Golf Classic.
Pelican Bay is a 36-hole championship complex, with the North and South Courses providing students with the ideal canvas to go about their teaching, with multiple practice greens and chipping greens on site. Evenings spent within the AAA 4-Diamond hotel will be fondly remembered, with a host of premier facilities and amenities ranking it among the finest you could hope to experience.
Georgia
When it comes to golf, Georgia is unquestionably known as being the host state of the Masters Tournament from Augusta, but it’s also home to a Golf Bird School. Jekyll Island has been named as one of Travel and Leisure’s Best Hotels in the World, featuring 240 acres of riverfront grounds filled with lush gardens and breathtaking vistas, with luxury accommodation and dining options.
For prospective students, there are 63 holes of championship standard golf to choose from, with the Grand Dunes, the Oleander, Indian Mound and Pine Lakes courses combining to create a varied and idyllic setting to play and improve your game. Situated adjacent to Sea Island and St. Simons Islands, it’s a wonderful area to explore and experience, with Jekyll Island at the centre.
Minnesota
The Bird Golf Academy has a base in the Midwest of the United States, and it is Minnesota’s stunning Grand View Lodge Resort & Spa. This is not only the premier venue in the state, but among the finest to be found anywhere in the country, where visitors can sample the immaculate facilities in addition to the Glacial Waters Spa, which is a spiritually relaxing setting to sample.
In terms of the golf, students have unlimited access to The Pines and The Preserve golf courses. The Pines has received significant recognition through the years, having been the recipient of Golf Magazine’s Silver Medal in addition to being rated by Golf Digest as Minnesota’s only five-star course in 2002.
What’s more, those with Bird Golf can practice in the private range area and take advantage of three separate putting greens with a complete short game practice area, which is all set among softly rolling hills amid the splendour of birch, maple and ash trees. It’s a beautiful place.
Nevada
Las Vegas is one of the most famous and iconic cities in the United States, and it’s therefore fitting that Golf Bird has a presence in Nevada, based at the Paiute Golf Resort and its three Pete Dye courses, which are just a few miles from the legendary Strip.
The Wolf, which is the longest course in town, and is most celebrated for a stunning island green on the fifteenth hole, witnessed Karrie Webb and Annika Sorenstam marking the official opening some years ago, on Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, and shot 64 and 65 respectively in a classic match. Sun Mountain, which is the more playable and friendly layout, features sweeping slope changes, idyllic desert landscape and monstrous mountain backdrops. Snow Mountain, the oldest of the three boasts traditional Dye railroad-tie bunkers and water hazards, with four sets of tees ensuring for an enjoyable experience to all standards of golfers. There are also state of the art practice facilities.
After the golf, the luxurious JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa is an ideal venue to unwind and relax, providing a choice of six restaurants in addition to all the amenities you could hope for.
New Jersey
America’s northeast also features a Golf Bird affiliated venue, with the historic Seaview Resort and Spa being the perfect location for a school. Resting amid 670 acres of pineland on the New Jersey Shore, Reed’s Bay, and provides those lucky guests with spectacular views of the ocean.
Situated just outside Atlantic City, it’s an ideal spot for golfers travelling from New York, Pennsylvania and Washington DC, with the resort, a favourite of politicians and statesmen, having received several prestigious accolades, including being ranked third on Travel and Leisure’s Golf Magazines’ list of “World’s Best Golf Resorts in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
The two championship golf courses are steeped in tradition, with The Bay having been designed by the legendary Donald Ross. It’s a classic links-style course that meanders around Reed’s Bay, with the ocean as a backdrop on many of its holes. This masterpiece is complemented by The Pines, which unsurprisingly, is heavily framed by impressive trees, contrasting with the more open layout.
Walking in the footsteps of champions like Sam Snead and Juli Inkster, Seaview is an incredible setting to experience, and idea for a Golf Bird School.
Tennessee
Home to Elvis Presley and much of the cultural identity of the past century, Tennessee is another state that features a Golf Bird Academy. Based at the superb Bear Trace Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, the facility is among the most highly regarded to recently emerge in the south, and its excellent practice areas are the ideal setting for golfers to hone their game.
Visiting students will enjoy the comfort of a suite at the Crossville Holiday Inn, conveniently located minutes from the course. The Holiday Inn is within minutes of Cumberland County Playhouse, Catoosa Wildlife Reserve, and several of Tennessee’s other finest golf courses, not to mention being accessible from Nashville or Knoxville airport.
The Services
Bird Golf School offers three all-inclusive packages to prospective students, The Eagle (One Student/One Pro), The Champion (Two Students/One Pro) and The Buddy (Two Students/OnePro. Each of them provides private, individualised instruction from a PGA/LPGA Professional, resort accommodation, and unlimited use of the golf and practice facilities over a three, four or five-day period.
The Eagle
This is an individual format, where the student receives one on one tuition from their professional over each day, which will include a playing lesson over nine or eighteen holes, with access to the golf courses and practice facilities upon completion of the day’s instruction.
Inclusions:
The Champion
This is for those enrolling as a twosome, and the pair will work alongside a Bird Golf Professional and share lodging. Each student will two hours of personal analysis and instruction each day, and then join their partner and coach for a full 18-hole playing lesson. Eight hours of tuition each day.
Inclusions:
The Buddy
Like the Champion package, this is for those enrolling as a twosome, and the pair will work alongside a Bird Golf Professional and share lodging. Each student will enjoy personal analysis and instruction each day, and then join their partner and coach for a playing lesson over nine or eighteen holes. Overall, this accounts for six hours of tuition each day.
Inclusions:
For more information on how you can attend a Bird Golf Academy, you can request a brochure via their website or follow them on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.
You can also read testimonials from golfers who have attended a Bird Golf Academy by - Clicking here
USA Best In State Golf Course Rankings Launched Top 100 Golf Courses extends its rankings to “Best In State” The independent website, Top 100 Golf Courses, is excited to announce that it is extending its golf course rankings to focus on the USA’s “Best In State” golf courses. Top 100 Golf Courses features thousands of golf courses in more than 150 different countries in numerous ranking categories. After having extended our rankings for British & Irish counties and regions in 2011, we have progressed naturally to the USA. The Best In State process has started and will hopefully complete by June 2012. Numerous golf magazines have published Best In State rankings for some years, so our process is not unique. However, we have decided, in the case of a number of US states, to increase the number of ranked courses. This means that we will provide not only a more comprehensive list, but also far more information that will be permanently and freely available online to browsers. We’ve focused our attention initially on eight US states; Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina. The process included gathering all historical golf course ranking/rating data and polling professional and amateur golfers and golf journalists. Development of this new Best in State initiative is at an early stage, but we’ll keep you updated via periodic announcements across the Top 100 News Channel on the website and via Twitter. So, if you are not following us already, we hope you will now! To find out more about our Best in State rankings please navigate to our dedicated US state pages by clicking on the following links: Alabama Best In State Golf Courses (Top 10) Arizona Best In State Golf Courses (Top 30) California Best In State Golf Courses (Top 50) Florida Best In State Golf Courses (Top 50) New Hampshire Best In State Golf Courses (Top 10) New York Best In State Golf Courses (Top 40) North Carolina Best In State Golf Courses (Top 30) South Carolina Best In State Golf Courses (Top 30) The Top 100 Team If you are passionate about your home state’s golf courses and would like to help us further develop this initiative, then please send an email to info@top100golfcourses.com. We’d love to hear from you.
Scottsdale stands apart as America's premier year-round golf destination, where desert landscapes create a completely different golfing experience from traditional parkland courses. This Arizona gem delivers an unmatched combination of championship-calibre layouts, stunning Sonoran Desert scenery, and golf culture that permeates every aspect of the city. The numbers tell the story: over 200 golf courses within the greater Phoenix-Scottsdale area, home to the PGA Tour's most popular event (WM Phoenix Open), and desert conditions that allow play 365 days a year. Unlike Florida's humidity or California's premium pricing, Scottsdale offers golfers a unique desert challenge. What sets Scottsdale apart is the sheer volume of quality golf options. Visitors routinely spend entire winters here and still haven't experienced every worthy course. The city combines exclusive private clubs designed by the likes of Tom Fazio and Jack Nicklaus with outstanding public facilities from architects like Coore & Crenshaw, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the McDowell Mountains. The desert golf experience differs fundamentally from links or parkland courses – target golf where precision trumps power, elevated tees showcasing panoramic vistas, and the constant presence of native wildlife from javelinas to roadrunners adds an adventurous element you won't find elsewhere. Championship Golf in Scottsdale Private Clubs in Scottsdale The crown jewel remains Scottsdale National Golf Club, ranked among America's top 100 courses. This Jay Morrish design represents Bob Parsons' vision of ultimate desert golf, featuring the notorious "Bad Little Nine" where legend says only one player has ever broken par. Estancia Club delivers Tom Fazio's desert masterpiece with Pinnacle Peak views dominating every hole. The conditioning here rivals any course in America, while the routing takes full advantage of the dramatic desert terrain and elevation changes. Whisper Rock Golf Club offers two distinct experiences across 36 holes. The Upper Course provides the scenic desert journey with that spectacular stretch from the 12th through 15th holes, where you wind down mountainsides with panoramic valley views. The Lower Course challenges better players with a more strategic, target-style layout that demands precision over power. Desert Forest Golf Club deserves recognition as the genesis of championship desert golf. Red Lawrence's design, dubbed the father of desert golf, appears deceptively simple but reveals subtle contours and strategic challenges. Without Desert Forest, Scottsdale wouldn't have become the golf destination it is today. Desert Highlands showcases Jack Nicklaus's interpretation of desert golf with significant elevation changes and that remarkable back nine sequence from the 12th through 17th, where each hole seems to outdo the previous one. The conditioning here stays tournament-ready year-round. Silver Leaf Golf Club represents another Bob Parsons property where Weiskopf created a players' course that's home to Jon Rahm and Tony Finau. The strategic challenges here reward course management and precision. Desert Mountain features six different courses, each designed with unique character and challenges. While access varies, the diversity within this complex showcases how different architects interpret desert golf. Public Clubs in Scottsdale We-Ko-Pa Golf Club stands out as the premier public facility with two distinct Coore & Crenshaw designs. The Saguaro Course offers wide, generous fairways with natural bounces and big greens – a more forgiving interpretation of desert golf. The Cholla Course provides the target-style desert challenge, where better golfers excel through strategic play rather than relying on spectacular views. TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course hosts the WM Phoenix Open and delivers the full tournament experience. While green fees can reach £385 (€460/$500) during peak season, this famous Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish design includes the legendary 16th hole "Coliseum." The Champions Course offers similar quality at approximately 30% lower rates. Troon North Golf Club represents the member-for-a-day concept with two Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf designs. The Pinnacle Course emphasizes scenic desert vistas, while the Monument Course challenges players with strategic design. Forecaddies are included during peak season, with rates around £200-285 (€240-340/$260-370). Arizona's Best Kept Golf Secrets Beyond the headline courses, Scottsdale offers exceptional value at lesser-known tracks that deliver quality experiences without premium pricing. Quintero Golf Club provides some of Scottsdale's most spectacular views courtesy of Rees Jones's design. Each hole plays through its own mountain corridor, with elevated tees creating dramatic vistas. Peak season rates around £155 (€185/$200) make this an exceptional value for the scenery and challenge. Grayhawk Golf Club hosts NCAA Championships on courses designed for serious players. The Raptor Course, where championships are played, emphasises strategic challenge, while the Talon Course features an island green as its signature hole. Summer rates drop to £75 (€90/$102) from peak season rates exceeding £270 (€325/$350). Talking Stick Golf Club showcases Coore & Crenshaw's interpretation of desert golf on relatively flat terrain. The O'odham Course (North) proves far superior to the Piipaash Course (South), demonstrating what skilled architects can accomplish with challenging land. Extremely walkable for desert golf, with rates around £115 (€140/$150) in peak season. Verrado Golf Club offers outstanding value on the western side of the metro area. The Founders Course provides excellent desert golf with spectacular views, while the Victory Course (Tom Lehman/John Fought design) features that remarkable par-5 18th that turns twice. Approximately £85 (€100/$110) makes this excellent value. Southern Dunes Golf Club sits 45 minutes south but rewards the journey with Fred Couples' design that's hosted US Open qualifying. The course gained fame through social media coverage and delivers championship-level challenges at approximately £95 (€115/$125). Las Sendas Golf Club in Mesa provides mountain golf where you play around elevated terrain for six to seven holes. This semi-private facility offers excellent value when public access is available. Sample Itinerary: 5-Day Scottsdale Golf Adventure Day 1 - Arrival & Acclimatisation Arrive at Phoenix Sky Harbor, collect rental car, check into accommodation. Late afternoon round at Silverado Golf Club (£45/€55/$60) to adjust to desert golf and time zone. Evening dinner in Old Town Scottsdale. Day 2 - Premium Public Experience Morning: 36 holes at We-Ko-Pa - start with Saguaro Course to understand desert golf, follow with Cholla Course for the strategic challenge. This represents the finest public golf in Arizona. Day 3 - Tournament Golf Experience TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course for the full PGA Tour venue experience, including the famous 16th hole. Afternoon: TPC Champions Course or explore downtown Phoenix/Tempe area. Day 4 - Scenic Desert Golf Morning: Quintero Golf Club for the most spectacular mountain views in Scottsdale. Afternoon: Troon North (Monument or Pinnacle depending on preference) for the classic member-for-a-day experience with forecaddie service. Day 5 - Value & Variety Morning: Grayhawk Raptor Course where NCAA Championships are played. Afternoon: Explore Cave Creek area for Old West culture, or play additional round at Talking Stick if time permits. Seasonal Adjustments: Summer visitors should book earliest possible tee times (dawn starts), focus on multiple rounds during cooler months, and take advantage of dramatically reduced rates. Scottsdale Travel Logistics Getting There & Ground Transport Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport serves the metro area with excellent connectivity. The airport sits centrally, requiring approximately 20-30 minutes driving to reach most Scottsdale courses via the well-designed ring road system (Loop 101). Rental cars prove essential for golf travel in Scottsdale. The metropolitan area sprawls across multiple cities (Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale), and courses are spread throughout. Public transport doesn't serve golf facilities effectively. Weather Patterns & Seasonal Planning Peak golf season runs from October through April when temperatures stay comfortable for walking and playing. Expect daytime highs of 18-24°C (65-75°F) during winter months with minimal rainfall. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 38°C (100°F) from May through September. While courses remain open and rates drop dramatically, early morning tee times (dawn starts) become essential. Afternoon golf becomes challenging even for cart riders. The "shoulder seasons" (April-May and September-October) offer moderate weather with reduced rates compared to peak season. However, courses are typically overseeded during autumn, potentially closing for 2-3 weeks as they transition grass types. Equipment Considerations Sun protection becomes crucial year-round. Wide-brimmed hats, high SPF sunscreen, and UV-protective clothing are essential even during winter months due to elevation and reflection from desert terrain. Course Etiquette & Pace of Play Desert golf culture emphasises target golf - losing balls in desert areas is common and accepted. Most courses operate ready golf protocols due to the volume of play. Cart usage is standard due to heat and terrain, though many courses allow walking during cooler months. Forecaddies are common at premium facilities during peak season. Where to Stay for Scottsdale Golf Golf Resort Integration Several courses offer on-site accommodation that eliminates travel time between the hotel and the first tee. The Phoenician provides luxury resort amenities with an 18-hole course, while properties like We-Ko-Pa feature casino resort accommodation adjacent to their 36-hole complex. Scottsdale resort properties typically include spa services, multiple dining options, and concierge assistance with tee time bookings at other area courses. Expect premium pricing during peak season. Central Scottsdale Accommodation Staying in central Scottsdale provides easy access to the highest concentration of premier courses while putting you within walking distance of Old Town Scottsdale dining and nightlife. This location works well for visitors planning to play multiple courses. Hotels here range from luxury properties to mid-range options, with most offering golf concierge services and club storage facilities. Phoenix/Tempe Alternative Accommodation closer to the airport in Phoenix or Tempe can offer cost savings and position you well for courses on the southern and eastern sides of the metro area. The trade-off involves slightly longer drives to North Scottsdale's premium facilities. Rental Properties & Extended Stays Monthly rentals become cost-effective for extended golf holidays, particularly popular with Canadian and northern US visitors escaping harsh winters. These often include garage space for secure club storage and kitchen facilities. Scottsdale's Culinary Scene Premium Golf Dining Many championship courses feature restaurants that operate independently of golf operations. TPC Scottsdale's clubhouse dining rivals standalone restaurants, while Troon North's facilities offer scenic desert views alongside quality cuisine. Isabella's at Grayhawk provides family-friendly dining right on the practice facility, creating the perfect atmosphere for post-round meals while watching golfers hone their skills. The setting combines quality food with golf course ambience. Old Town Scottsdale Experiences The Mission provides exceptional Mexican cuisine with multiple locations, including one near TPC Scottsdale. This local favourite represents authentic southwestern flavours that define regional cuisine. Tapas Papa Frita offers excellent Spanish cuisine in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, providing authentic tapas and Spanish specialities in a vibrant downtown setting. North Scottsdale Dining The Living Room offers upscale casual dining with outdoor seating, popular for post-golf socialising. Located in North Scottsdale, the atmosphere captures the area's relaxed luxury vibe with mountain views. Regional Specialities Mexican and southwestern cuisine dominate local dining culture, reflecting Arizona's cultural heritage. Sonoran-style Mexican food differs from Tex-Mex, emphasising fresh ingredients and regional preparations. Desert-area restaurants often feature outdoor dining year-round, taking advantage of the dry climate and spectacular sunset views over the McDowell Mountains. Cave Creek Old West Experience Indian Village in nearby Cave Creek serves authentic southwestern cuisine, including fry bread – fried dough topped with cinnamon and sugar that represents traditional Native American cuisine adapted for modern tastes. The area maintains Old West character with rodeo venues and western-themed restaurants that provide authentic cultural experiences beyond golf. Booking Golf in Scottsdale Advance Planning Requirements Premium courses like Troon North and We-Ko-Pa recommend booking 90 days in advance during peak season (January-March), particularly around the WM Phoenix Open in early February when demand peaks and rates reach annual highs. Many courses use dynamic pricing similar to airlines, with rates fluctuating based on demand, weather forecasts, and seasonal patterns. Seasonal Availability Patterns Peak season booking requires significant planning, while summer months often have substantial availability even for same-week bookings. Shoulder seasons offer moderate availability with better rates than peak periods. The overseeding period (typically late September through early October) sees some courses close entirely for 2-3 weeks. Planning around these closures requires careful timing. Package Deals vs Individual Booking Stay-and-play packages can provide value, particularly for multiple-round trips. However, individual bookings often allow more flexibility in course selection and timing. Local golf specialists understand which courses offer the best value on specific dates and can navigate the complex seasonal pricing structures effectively. Weather Contingency Planning While rain is rare, winter months can see occasional weather delays. Summer bookings should include contingency plans for extreme heat warnings, when even early morning golf may become inadvisable. Explore Beyond Golf Natural Desert Experiences Hiking opportunities abound throughout the Sonoran Desert surrounding Scottsdale. Pinnacle Peak offers accessible hiking with views over the entire metro area, while Camelback Mountain provides more challenging terrain with spectacular summit vistas. Desert botanical gardens showcase native flora, including the massive saguaro cacti and jumping cholla that golfers encounter on courses. Understanding desert ecosystems enhances appreciation of course design and environmental challenges. Cultural Attractions & Local History Cave Creek maintains an Old West character with working rodeos, western bars, and authentic cowboy culture. The Buffalo Chip Saloon hosts rodeos and provides a genuine frontier atmosphere just minutes from championship golf courses. Native American cultural sites throughout the area offer insights into the region's original inhabitants, including casino resorts that combine gaming with cultural education. Sports & Entertainment Spring training baseball runs from February through March, when approximately half of Major League Baseball teams train in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Combining golf with spring training games creates popular holiday themes. Professional sports include the Phoenix Suns (basketball), Arizona Cardinals (American football), and Arizona Diamondbacks (baseball), with the area regularly hosting major events, including Super Bowls. Arizona State University The Tempe campus, located between Phoenix and Scottsdale near the airport, features one of America's most successful college athletic programs. The golf program has produced numerous PGA Tour professionals, including Phil Mickelson and Jon Rahm. Campus tours and athletic events provide additional entertainment options for visitors with extended stays. Insider Local Knowledge Common Visitor Mistakes Don't underestimate summer heat – even 7 AM tee times can become challenging when temperatures exceed 38°C (100°F). Always carry significantly more water than seems necessary and recognise heat exhaustion symptoms. Avoid walking into desert areas to retrieve balls without proper footwear and caution. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and jumping cholla cactus pose legitimate dangers that locals respect. Course-Specific Insights At We-Ko-Pa, play the Saguaro Course first to understand how desert golf differs from parkland courses, then tackle the Cholla Course for the strategic challenge. TPC Stadium Course plays firmer and faster than television suggests – approach shots require more precision than power, particularly on the famous 16th hole. Troon North's forecaddie service provides invaluable local knowledge about wind patterns and green complexes that can save several shots per round. Cultural Etiquette Desert golf culture emphasises ready golf and pace of play due to high volume. Don't spend excessive time looking for balls in desert areas – take penalty drops and keep pace. Strategic Planning Wisdom Book accommodation before confirming all tee times – peak season hotel availability often constrains golf planning more than course availability. Consider playing afternoon rounds at courses known for spectacular sunset views over the mountains, particularly during winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Mix walking opportunities (courses like Desert Forest and Talking Stick) with cart courses to experience the full spectrum of desert golf. Budget Planning & Travel Value Course Fee Reality Check Peak season green fees at premium public courses range from £155-385 (€185-460/$200-500), with TPC Stadium Course and Troon North at the premium end. Private clubs accessible through connections or resort guests can exceed these rates. Mid-tier public courses typically charge £75-155 (€90-185/$100-200) during peak season, offering excellent golf at more accessible pricing. Summer represents dramatic value with the same premium courses charging £45-115 (€55-140/$60-150), though early tee times become essential. Value Package Opportunities Stay-and-play packages often include breakfast, airport transfers, and preferential tee times. Multi-round packages at facilities like We-Ko-Pa and Grayhawk provide better per-round value. Summer "Crazy 8s" type promotions (eight rounds for approximately £310/€370/$400) deliver exceptional value for heat-tolerant golfers. Money-Saving Strategies Playing 36-hole facilities reduces travel time and often provides second-round discounts. We-Ko-Pa, Troon North, and Grayhawk all offer multi-round advantages. Booking tee times at courses 30+ minutes from central Scottsdale (like Quintero or Southern Dunes) typically saves £40-75 (€48-90/$50-100) per round while maintaining quality. Consider accommodation near less expensive courses on the periphery if budget constraints are significant, accepting longer drives to premium facilities.
US Mountain Division Best in State Rankings 2020 We recently embarked on the biennial exercise to revise the rankings for all of our US Best in State charts, starting with updates for the five Pacific Division states. We’ve now moved away from the west coast to the Mountain Division, where we’ve refreshed the numbers for two hundred and twenty courses in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. In an area encompassing around 856,000 square miles, this region enjoys some of the most diverse natural terrain imaginable, ranging from towering mountain peaks to large desert waste lands and flat rolling plains, so many of the golf courses are laid out on fantastic landscapes that you’ll not find anywhere else in the entire country, with wonderful panoramic views thrown in for free. We’ve added another ten courses to Arizona to create a Top 60 and that chart, taken in combination with the Top 50 for Colorado, comprises half of all the golfing layouts which are ranked in our Mountain Division. Looking across the board, eighteen courses appear as new entries in our refurbished tables, with five of the top tier tracks in those eight states also residing in our national Top 100. Arizona The top four courses remain in the same place as last time, which means the Canyon course at Forest Highlands Golf Club in Flagstaff retains its #1 status, a position it has held since our revision in 2014. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, it’s been in operation now for more than thirty years, having first opened for play in 1988. Our regular contributor M. James Ward had this to say about it a while back: “Morrish and Weiskopf did a fine job in creating a fun course meant for the day-to-day audience of seasonal property owning members and their guests. The Canyon course has often been touted as being one of the best courses in Arizona and for a time a member of various top 100 courses of America. I don’t doubt the merits of the course and salute what the architects did with the final routing.” Forest Highlands Canyon course All of the courses at the Desert Mountain Club make impressive positional gains – Chiricahua is up three to #9; Geronimo is up four to #11; Renegade is up six to #12; and Outlaw is up seven to #18 – but the biggest leap forward is made by the Cochise layout (up ten to #38) which, although the shortest of the six courses at this gargantuan golf complex, formerly hosted the Tradition Championship between 1989 and 2001 on the PGA Tour Champions circuit. Desert Mountain Club - Renegade course The highest of our ten new entries appears at No. 17 and it’s The Other Course at Scottsdale National Golf Club. The Jackson Khan design team spent months on site overseeing the construction of this layout, shifting many tons of material to transform a rather flat and featureless landscape into the finished article. Anybody now playing the course that isn’t aware of the property’s former topography might well think the architects were fortunate to have had such great natural contours to work with. The Other Course at Scottsdale National Golf Club Rank/ Click the link to see full details of our latest Arizona Best in State rankings Colorado The No. 1 course in the state is still Tom Doak’s design at Ballyneal Golf Club in the chop hills of north eastern Colorado. Not only does it occupy a place in the US Top 100, it’s also ranked highly (currently #47) in our World Top 100, which tells you everything you really need to know about this remarkable inland links. Reviewers this year have passed comment such as: “I feel extremely blessed and lucky to have played Ballyneal. It’s a place where you want to head right back to the first tee after your initial round and play until dark… fun shots abound when using the slopes in the fairways and around the greens… I have travelled the globe playing this game and, without failure, no matter what corner of the world I find myself in, it doesn’t take long for people to identify Ballyneal as one of the most sensational golf courses they’ve played.” Ballyneal Golf Club The biggest climber in the top half of the new table is the Jack Nicklaus Signature course at The Country Club at Castle Pines in Castle Rock, rising twelve places to No. 15. Jim Lipe, senior design consultant at Nicklaus Design, has worked at the club for more than thirty years, carrying out various improvements. His latest project involved a four-hole renovation, with a new greenside pond and waterfall installed on the 16th hole and mountain streams realigned on both the 9th and 14th holes. The Country Club at Castle Pines The first of five new entries arrives at #20 and it’s the course at the Cornerstone Club in Montrose. Opened in 2008, this mountain layout closed just a few years later due to ownership issues but it’s been revived again, thanks to the renovation efforts of architect Matt Dusenberry (who worked on the original build when he was with Greg Norman Design) and Jason Stroehlein, the club’s former superintendent who was called back in to help bring the course back to life. Cornerstone Club Click the link to see full details of our latest Colorado Best in State rankings Idaho The course at Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club in Coeur d’Alene held off a strong challenge for the No.1 spot from David McLay Kidd’s 18-hole layout at Tributary (formerly Huntsman Springs) when we last updated the listings for the Gem State and it’s done the same again this time. It’s probably the most non-typical Tom Fazio course you’re ever likely to play, which came as something of a surprise for our US Correspondent Fergal O’Leary when he last visited: “It is far and away the best Tom Fazio track I have ever played. It doesn’t look like a Fazio, feel like a Fazio, or play like a Fazio. Without question or debate, Gozzer Ranch looked, felt and played so much like a Coore & Crenshaw with its ragged edges to bunkering, wonderful use of fescue, holes perfectly placed on the land and fitting together beautifully… the course definitely grows on you through the round while you try to convince yourself that Ben Crenshaw didn’t sneak in after dark and cut out a few bunkers with his shovel before the sun came up again.” Gozzer Ranch Five courses make upward moves in the new standings and the biggest of these is Canyon Springs Golf Course in Twin Falls, a new entry two years ago and now easing up from No. 14 to No.10. Situated on the banks of the Snake River, it was described in a review last month as a “fun, albeit quirky course” where “the scenery is titillating.” In addition, “bunkers are few and far between, the layout is a bit choppy [so] pay attention to the course map.” Canyon Springs Click the link to see full details of our latest Idaho Best in State rankings Montana The Rock Creek Cattle Company course in Deer Lodge was our first No.1 for the Treasure State back in 2012 and it’s still top dog in our Top 20 for Montana. Texan owner Bill Foley was the man who engaged Tom Doak to design the layout and it opened for play in 2008, competing for attention with the spectacular Flint Creek Mountain Range setting. As Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design website states: “the sheer scale of Montana is beyond the scope of a mere golf course, but our 18 holes alongside the rugged mountain stream give a small preview of the natural beauty and variety of this part of the world.” Rock Creek Cattle Company Advancing four places to the #6 slot, the 18-hole layout at Yellowstone Country Club in Billings is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design dating back to 1959, when the Billings Club as it was known then sold its old property and moved to a new site. A bunker renovation was carried out in the early 1990s and a number of other course improvements have since occurred, including the complete replacement of the irrigation system in 2007. A multi-million dollar new clubhouse was also built just a couple of years ago. Yellowstone Country Club Click the link to see full details of our latest Montana Best in State rankings Nevada Shadow Creek in North Las Vegas remains the No. 1 layout in Nevada. Constructed from scratch in the late 1980s at a reputed cost of sixty million dollars, it was once the preserve of only a select few but now you can pay and play – for a pretty price – if you really want to follow in the footsteps of golfers like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, who served up their contribution to growing the game of golf here a while back with their winner-takes-all match play challenge in November 2018. Shadow Creek Heading six places in the right direction as they move up to #19 in the new listings, the Desert Hawk and Coyote Run nines at the 27-hole Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City are well worth the half-hour drive from the Las Vegas strip to play. M. James Ward was here last year and his verdict was “if you’re seeking an exceptional golf experience and don’t want to spend much cash to do so then a visit to Boulder Creek should be explored… it amazes me how so few people – even those who play in the Vegas area frequently – fail to mention it.” There’s one re-entry in our Nevada chart, reappearing at No.13, and it’s the course at Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas, which owner Steve Wynn and Tom Fazio co-designed twenty years ago. It closed for renovation in December 2017, re-opening only last October after an extensive makeover from the original architect and his son Logan Fazio. Now reduced in length to 6,722 yards and playing to a par of 70, the course presents players with “topography that was reimagined to offer significant elevation changes, set against water features and mature trees” according to the Wynn Las Vegas publicity material. Wynn Golf Club Las Vegas Click the link to see full details of our latest Nevada Best in State rankings New Mexico The 1st & 2nd nines at the 27-hole Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club in Sandia Park maintain their grip on the No. 1 spot in the New Mexico chart. A new millennium design from Ken Dye, the course is routed around rocky outcrops, arroyos and a variety of native vegetation, with holes set out in wooded surroundings at elevations of between 6,500 and 7,000 feet above sea level. New owners took over at the start of 2018, leading to a revitalization that was termed by a recent reviewer as a “hard scrape, clearing and re-seeding” of the layout. Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club Only five courses make any sort of chart progress and the biggest move is made by the Scott Miller-designed course at Sandia Golf Club (up three to #9) outside Albuquerque. Operated by the Pueblo of Sandia Tribe, this 18-hole layout is part of a huge hotel and casino complex located in rugged high desert territory, where the scale of the course somehow manages to match the enormity of the backdrop. The Land of Enchantment's only newcomer is the Albuquerque Country Club course at No.13. It was designed by John Van Kleek in the late 1920s when the club moved to its present location, and it’s been renovated several times since then, most notably when the greens were rebuilt to USGA specification in the late 1990s by an in-house team using plans drawn up by Ron Fream. It’s been called “the most western course associated with Stiles and Van Kleek and decidedly different from any other course the architects produced”. Albuquerque Country Club Click the link to see full details of our latest New Mexico Best in State rankings Utah It’s a case of “as you were” with the top four positions in the Beehive State listings so the Championship course at the Sand Hollow Resort near Hurricane continues to hold sway as the #1 in Utah. Constructed entirely out of native red sand by architect John Fought, this 18-hole layout is complemented by a delightful 9-hole Links course at an entertaining 27-hole golf complex. A 5.5-ball post from three months ago concluded with this comment: “I have driven past Sand Hollow for 15 years heading for ‘other’ golf courses. That will never happen again…” Sand Hollow Championship course All the notable chart activity for Utah takes place in the bottom half of the new standings, with a couple of courses both making 4-place upward moves: the Mountain course at Wasatch Mountain State Park (up to #14) in Midway is the newer of two 18-hole layouts at a superior public golf facility, while the Pointe and Woodbridge nines at Sunbrook Golf Club (up to #15) provide pay and play golfers with a very enticing 18-hole municipal offering in St George. Wasatch Mountain - Mountain course Click the link to see full details of our latest Utah Best in State rankings Wyoming Shooting Star in Jackson Hole took over as the No.1 course in in our Wyoming chart back in 2014 and it prevails in that position after our latest reappraisal exercise. Laid out between the Snake River Ranch and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, this outdoor recreation facility occupies a large 1,300-acre property that was once nothing other than flat pasture land. Tom Fazio is said to have shifted more than one and a half million cubic yards of soil to fashion the fairways here but you’d never know that now, which is a great measure of how well the course now integrates into its environment. Shooting Star The Rochelle Ranch Golf Course in Rawlings rises two places to No.6. It measures an eye-watering 7,925 yards from the back markers, which is pretty extreme, even at an altitude of 6,800 feet above sea level. The course was gifted to the City of Rawlings by a local sheep farming family and even though it operates as a successful municipal recreation outlet there are plans in place to make further improvements to this Ken Kavanaugh design. Click the link to see full details of our latest Wyoming Best in State rankings Next up – the West South Central Division states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Jim McCann Editor Top 100 Golf Courses
