NWO Golf Links February 2016

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Few golf destinations in the world provide
such an abundance of first-class golf courses
quite like the Phoenix area.
, and
are a minute sample size of the
more than 200 courses that dot the landscape
in the ‘Valley of the Sun.’ Perfect playing
conditions and pristine golf courses are open
to play nearly every day of the year.
Former British Open Champion, golf course
architect and Ohio State Buckeye Great, Tom
Weiskopf said in a interview,
“Thirty years ago when you thought about a
vacation to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, you
thought about three things: images of theWild
West mountains, cactus and horses, the Grand
Canyon up north, and the good weather.
Championship courses weren’t part of the
package. Today we can compete against any
market in the country in terms of the quality
of the golf courses and golf experiences.”
With snowbirds flocking to Arizona during
the winter months, January through March
are by far the busiest for golf courses in the
area. Tee sheets are virtually full, and with high
occupancy rates, fares at hotels and resorts
will cost a premium. For the traveler looking
for value, lower prices come June through
October, but the temperatures can reach triple
digits nearly every day.
The
part of the nearby JW Marriott Camelback
Resort, carries some local significance, it was
designed by Toledo resident Arthur Hills.
The unique parkland course in the desert is laid
out in the shadow of Camelback Mountain. It
opened for play in 1999 and was redesigned
in 2012. The practice facility is one of the
area’s best, complete with an oversized driving
range, putting and chipping greens, as well as,
a practice bunker.
The golf course features wide fairways and
a plethora of water hazards. Bunkers are
strategically placed around many of the greens,
but the penal layout, with five sets of tees, is
very playable for the average golfer.
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of the
course is the trickeration on the greens, many
contain severe undulation with false fronts and
sides. Accurate iron-play is required.
The sights of palatial homes and views of
surrounding mountains are as enchanting as
the golf itself. The fairways are lush and as
green as any PGA Tour facility.
The finishing stretch offers three spectacular
holes -- 16 (par 4), 17 (par 3) and 18 (par
5). Each contains water near the green and a
difficult putting situation once you’re on the
green.
Golf Travel
Phoenix Offers First-Class GolfBy Kyle Rowland
NWO Golf Links