Great Scottsdale

The little city in the Arizona desert comes alive at tee time

Set in an otherworldly desert landscape, Scottsdale, Ariz., has featured some of the best golf in the country — if not the world — for about two decades. But as a destination for golfers, Scottsdale has always been mentioned in the same breath as its big brother, Phoenix — until now. With several significant recent course openings and renovations, a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene, and a handful of posh new hotels, Scottsdale has established its own identity and is generating the buzz it so richly deserves.

The leading light on the golf front is the Saguaro course at We-Ko-Pa, set on a vast tract of hilly, cactus-studded land owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, an indigenous tribe. Designers Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw worked their minimalist magic with the Saguaro, thoughtfully laying holes in the rugged, red-rock terrain. The layout takes full advantage of the ethereal setting. From tee boxes planted on the desert floor, golfers gaze up at fairways that form a green horizon against a backdrop of jagged, rust-colored mountains or clear blue sky.

Standout holes include the modest, par-3 ninth — just 137 yards from the back tee, but with three gaping sand traps guarding an undulating green that sits precariously close to the busy halfway house. The split-fairway 14th is a risk-reward par-5 that tempts players to hit a tee shot to the smaller landing area on the right for a chance to reach the little green with two strokes.

In September 2008, Golf magazine ranked the Saguaro a lofty 44th among all public courses in the country. That’s high praise for a venue that’s two years old — and one big reason Scottsdale has come into its own.

Local Favorites

Stay

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. A $17.5 million makeover has returned the luster to this chic, 210-room property. Rates from $295 until January 15, then $545 and up. 480.515.7500, fourseasons.com/scottsdale

Fairmont Scottsdale. This 20-year-old hotel has undergone a $30 million facelift and features new additions like the Willow Stream spa. From $295 a night, but rates are subject to change. 480.585.4848, fairmont.com/scottsdale

W Scottsdale. This modern 224-room hotel features the Sunset Beach bar and the circular Sushi Roku sushi bar. From $489 a night. 480.970.2100, whotels.com/scottsdale

Eat

Bourbon Steak at the Fairmont Scottsdale. Chef Michael Mina poaches his steaks in butter before cooking them on a mesquite-fired grill. 480.585.4848, fairmont.com/scottsdale

Digestif. Dishes at this casual-but-refined restaurant include seared sea scallops with roasted cauliflower and raisins, and flatiron steak with charred cherry tomatoes and bleu cheese. 480.425.9463, digestifscottsdale.com

Other Courses

The Pinnacle Course at Troon North. This classic, undulating desert layout is meticulously maintained and a pure joy to play. 480.585.5300, troonnorthgolf.com

Deals & Discounts

Brackenridge Park Golf Course. Recently reopened following a highly touted renovation, Brackenridge Park Golf Course, in downtown San Antonio, is offering a sweet deal. Mention this article in the Brackenridge golf shop to receive a 50 percent discount off the normal greens fee of $85 on weekends and $75 on weekdays. Offer good through June 1, 2009. 210.226.5612, playsanantoniogolf.com

Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort. The Fairways and Greens Package at this AAA Five Diamond property in Rose Hall, just outside Montego Bay, includes accommodations in a suite or deluxe room, one round of golf per day, and daily breakfast in the resort’s Horizon restaurant — all for $599 a night. Mention this offer and receive 50 percent off the club rental fee and 15 percent off lessons with European Tour veteran and resident golf pro Kevyn Cunningham, for a total savings of $75. Valid through March 1, 2009. 876.953.2800, ritzcarlton.com/rosehall

La Quinta Resort and Club. La Quinta’s Golf Spectacular Package offers unlimited play on five courses at the sprawling PGA West club, just over an hour’s drive from Ontario (Calif.) International Airport. Priced at $389 a night, the deal includes accommodation in a deluxe casita, use of the practice facilities, and a cart to speed you through your round. (Or should we say rounds?) Available through April 30, 2009. 800.598.3828, laquintaresort.com

Fairmont St. Andrews. Just a chip shot from the legendary Old Course and about an hour from Edinburgh, the Fairmont St. Andrews features a worthy layout of its own, the Kittocks Course, which underwent a multimillion-dollar facelift prior to its reopening this past October. With the winter golf package, a foursome plays for just 99 pounds sterling (about $40 per golfer). Mention this offer (code 2U8CTN) to also receive complimentary balls for the driving range and a sausage roll for breakfast. Offer good until March 30, 2009. 800.257.7544, fairmont.com/standrews

Newport Dunes Golf Club. At this Arnold Palmer–designed gem on Mustang Island, between the Gulf of Mexico and Corpus Christi, the first 250 readers who mention this article when paying their greens fee will receive a complimentary Newport Dunes Special Edition Arnold Palmer Signature golf cap by Ahead Headwear, a $24 value. Offer good through February 28, 2009. 361.749.4653, newportdunesgolf.com

Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman. Children 15 and under accompanied by an adult guest at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman play for free after 4 p.m. on the spectacular, Greg Norman–designed Blue Tip. Offer good year-round. 345.943.9000, ritzcarlton.com/grandcayman

TPC Scottsdale and Grayhawk Golf Club. As part of the Championship Golf Package, guests at the AAA Five Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale resort receive one round of golf per person, per paid night at courses that include the TPC Scottsdale Stadium and Champions courses, Grayhawk, We-Ko-Pa, and Troon North. (Troon North is an additional $100 per round, per person.) Transportation to and from the courses is provided, along with complimentary golf concierge services. The package starts at $739 per person (double occupancy). 800.344.4758, fairmont.com/scottsdale — J.B.

Getting There: All the destinations covered in “Golf” can be reached by flying Continental Airlines. To book your trip, visit Continental Airlines Vacations at covacations.com.