Monday, June 29, 2015

SCOTTSDALE GOLF NEWS: SUMMER 2015

URBAN SIZZLE MEETS DESERT SOLITUDE
Scottsdale may be one city, but it has two distinctly different tales to tell. Stay and play in Scottsdale’s energized urban core chockfull of hip resorts, vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment districts or head to North Scottsdale, where world-class luxury resorts and celebrated golf courses showcase the spectacular beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
       For urban explorers, among the lodgings of choice is the iconic Hotel Valley Ho, which exudes an undeniable mid-century modern cool that feels charmingly retro, though smartly current at the same time. Nearby, W Scottsdale Hotel is a chic modern oasis in the heart of the city’s standout entertainment district, walking distance to nightlife options, fine dining restaurants, designer shops and exhilarating art galleries. Another choice option is Firesky Resort & Spa, less than a mile from the Entertainment District and in close proximity to Scottsdale Fashion Square and the burgeoning Scottsdale Waterfront.
       Golfers looking to play all day and night will find several top layouts just minutes from their downtown base camps. These include the manicured perfection of the Phoenician Golf Club’s breathtaking 27-holes of golf and Camelback Golf Club’s two outstanding 18-hole championship-caliber courses, including the Ambiente Course, one of Scottsdale’s newest.
       Up north, the name of the game is Southwestern-inspired luxury and relaxation. And no place pegs the needle for both of those requirements quite like Boulders Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Each offers a spectacular natural setting imbued with quiet sophistication. World-class spas, luxurious accommodations and inventive dining are par for the course at all three of these standout properties. And each provides easy access to some of the state’s best desert golf courses.
       The Boulders Golf Club features two acclaimed courses that are laced among otherworldly rock formations along the foothills of Black Mountain. Nearby, Rancho Manana Golf Course is a true hidden gem featuring a dramatic layout that plays along a natural riparian area with flowing water, mature native trees and spectacular elevation changes and vistas. For media information, contact Jerry Rose at jrose@commlinks.com or 480-348-7540.

A COURSE IN NATIVE CULTURE
Long before Scottsdale was a city, the area was inhabited by the Hohokam people, an ancient civilization and the ancestors of some current American Indian tribes. Today, Scottsdale is steeped in American Indian history and culture, bordering the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community and Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Experience a one-of-a-kind golf trail that couples luxury and culture as you tee off on stunning courses and stay overnight at resorts within these American Indian communities.
       Three of the area’s premier golf facilities – We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Talking Stick Golf Club and Ak-Chin Southern Dunes – are owned by American Indian communities. We-Ko-Pa boasts GOLF Magazine’s No. 2 ranked course in the state, The Saguaro Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Cholla, its sibling course, was designed by Scott Miller and is ranked No. 3. Talking Stick Golf Club’s two courses, North and South, both designed by Coore and Crenshaw, are considered among the top resort courses in the state by Golfweek, as well. And, the publication recently named Southern Dunes’ exceptional Fred Couples-designed golf course among the 100 Best Resort Courses in the nation. For media information on Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, contact Kris Strauss at kstrauss@troongolf.com or 480-477-0485.
      
In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the recently revamped We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center is both intimate and scenic. Here guests will find luxurious accommodations, a charming spa, enchanting swimming pool, gaming and entertainment at Fort McDowell Casino and excellent dining options. Other attractions include Fort McDowell Adventures, featuring trail rides, desert excursions and more. For media information on We-Ko-Pa Golf Club and We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center, contact Jeff Locke at jlocke@commlinks.com or 480-348-7540.
      
Fun awaits at Talking Stick Resort, which offers a casino and accompanying nightlife that rivals Vegas competitors. Dig into a hearty steak and take in sunset views from the 15th floor restaurant, Orange Sky. And the party atmosphere at the pool is a scene entirely unto itself. Couple this with a concert schedule packed by nationally known artists, as well as nearby shopping, and you have one of the most robust resort facilities in the Southwest. For media information on Talking Stick Golf Club and Talking Stick Resort and Casino, contact Satara Williams at swilliams@riester.com or 602-462-2266.

UNDER THE “PAR”DAR
Scottsdale boasts 51 golf courses within the city and more than 200 in the surrounding area. With such volume, it’s easy to overlook a few hidden gems that provide an outstanding golf experience at an exceptional value.
       Starfire Golf Club was built on the former site of one of Scottsdale’s original golf courses. Located in north central Scottsdale, Starfire is a daily-fee club featuring 27 holes of golf designed by Arnold Palmer. The layout takes players on a winding journey through thick eucalyptus, pine and cottonwood trees as they navigate three 9-hole layouts (King, Hawk and Squire). Each track presents unique challenges including many scenic par 3s that carry over water, while the sporty and narrow 339-yard par-4 finishing hole of the Hawk requires the perfect combination of distance and accuracy. For media information, contact Matthew Lupton at mlupton@starfiregolf.com or 480-948-6000.
      
Not far from Starfire, Gainey Ranch Golf Club is located at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. Its lush greenery and sparkling waterways set the standard for Scottsdale’s classically-styled golf courses. The first of the club’s three nine-hole courses, The Lakes, is a gorgeous challenge with gently cascading water features on six holes. The aptly-named Dunes course is similar to a Scottish-style links course with natural hazards and sand dunes. And the Arroyo course, the longest of the three nines, requires both power and placement, especially on the peninsular green of the finishing hole. While the club is a private facility, guests of the hotel are permitted to play. For media information, contact Kristin Bodmer at kristin.bodmer@hyatt.com or 480-483-5536.

SCOTTSDALE’S FAMILY FRIENDLY SUMMER SOIREES
School’s out for summer and with rates of up to 60 percent off in Scottsdale, there’s no better time to pack the family in the car and head off for a Scottsdale golf soiree.
       Those looking for a great base camp when traveling with family to the “World’s Finest Golf Destination,” can combine golf with surf, sun and fun at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. With rates available from $169 per night now through Sept. 7, guests may choose to fuel up with the daily $50 dining credit per room, or hang ten with two complimentary sessions on the resort’s popular FlowRider wave simulator. Other island-themed fun activities include daily poolside games such as Pass the Coconut (the Hawaiian version of Hot Potato), Island Limbo, Hula Skirt Relay Racing and Grass Skirt Hula Hoops. Adults can get into the games with the Mai Tai Putting Challenge. And shaded from the sun, the “OK Corral” offers lawn chess, basketball and other outdoor game tables.
       While the family is enjoying all the poolside fun, golfers can take in Kierland Golf Club’s 27 holes of golf with the 3-Day or 5-Day Golf Experience. These include: unlimited golf and use of practice facilities; Nike rental clubs and one sleeve of golf balls; Nike rental shoes; VIP credentials; 20-percent discount in the golf shop; 20-percent food and beverage discount at the golf club; 20-percent discount on spa services and fitness offerings; and a complimentary one-hour golf clinic. For media information, contact Jennifer Franklin at jennifer.franklin@westin.com or 480-624-1315.

Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Contacts:
Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications
Direct: 480-429-2253
lmcmurchie@scottsdalecvb.com

Megan Neighbor, Director of Communications
Direct: 480-889-2716
mneighbor@scottsdalecvb.com

Stephanie Pressler, Communications Manager
Direct: 480-889-2719
spressler@scottsdalecvb.com

Jerry Rose, Vice President, Communication Links
Phone: 480-348-7540
jrose@commlinks.com



from Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona | http://ift.tt/1GIo3Ft
via IFTTT

No comments:

Post a Comment