Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/208368
26 11/7/13 1:09 PM Page 1 phoenix BY LISA "LONGBALL" VLOOSWYK Takin' Dead Aim In Phoenix With the winter golf season upon us, anxious Canadians are already planning their warm southern destinations in preparation for the frigid temperatures, ice and snow. a 4 star rating from Golf Digest, is a challenging desert course. It winds and weaves its way around the base of Dinosaur Mountain and offers fantastic vistas and natural vegetation peppering the course including native cholla, prickly pear cacti, mesquite and palo verde trees. The second course on site, Dinosaur Mountain, is vastly different than most flat desert golf encountered in Phoenix. There are dramatic elevation changes that offer incredible views of the nearby Superstition Mountains and accurate club selection is essential. There are large cacti around the course, many decorated with golf balls that have been hammered with bad tee shots with good intentions. These soon to be golf starved tourists need to look no further than Phoenix, Arizona to satiate their golf addiction. Phoenix is a bona fide treasure trove for stay and play golf destinations. With hundreds of courses in the Phoenix and surrounding area, there is no shortage of tees and greens. Some of the most popular courses include Troon North, TPC Scottsdale, Superstition Springs, Gray Hawk and The Boulders. All great courses and must plays, but if you are looking for some lesser known tracks that are gems here are a few suggestions. Though difficult to narrow it down, the signature holes are early in the round on #3, #4 and #5 and will have you reaching for your camera rather than your wedge. The Dinosaur Mountain course has been rated in the Top Ten most "Under-rated" golf course in the country by Sports Illustrated and #1 public course in Arizona. It is a course that is a little off the beaten track but well worth the drive. Gold Canyon located 35 min. from Phoenix offers two distinctively different courses that will appeal to all levels of golfers. Sidewinder, which has received IMAGE CREDIT LISA "LONGBALL" VLOOSWYK IGT13 In addition to championship golf Gold Canyon provides an intimate resort experience with 88 Casitas offering a variety of amenities such as indoor and outdoor spas, suites, wood burning fireplaces, and private patios with spectacular views. The layout of the resort has a community feel perfect for people not looking for the large hotel experience. The walking paths lead through the resort and give that warm South-western feel. There are two main dining options on property. One is the recently renovated Bar & Grille perfect for a 19th hole stop or a casual dining experience. Also on site, Kokopelli's Restaurant offers spectacular views of the setting sun over the Superstition Mountains and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The dinner menu specialities include Pork Osso Bucco and Grilled Cajun Ribeye Steak not to be missed. There are also many amenities on property to suit the active guest and those looking for a little R & R. Activities include hiking, biking, swimming pool, jeep tours, fitness center, and massage and spa services. It is truly a "get away from it all" resort (www.gcgr.com). Another hidden gem is Las Sendas Golf Club owned by Canadian brothers Lloyd and Wayne McBean. Built in 1995, this was the foray into golf architecture in Arizona for Robert Trent Jones Jr. There are no accommodations on property but many of the members of this semi-private facility reside in the neighbourhood, chock-full with Canuck snow birds. The desert course is a great test of golf that will bring players back again and again. Located 1,800 feet above the desert floor through the Usery Mountains in east Mesa, this course offers fantastic views of the Phoenix metropolis. This is not a tricked out gimmicky course. Rather it offers golfers the opportunity to take risks and be rewarded for well placed golf shots. Sometimes laying up is the smart play and with other holes it is wide enough to grip it and rip it down the pipe. Many of the sloping greens are the course's defence and can turn birdies into bogeys quickly but putt fast and true. The 18th hole is a fantastic eagle opportunity for long hitters and a great finishing hole (lassendas.com). Another property in the Phoenix area that offers fantastic golf is the Phoenician located in Scottsdale on 250 stunning acres. It is a luxury resort that is rated AAA 5 diamond and offers breath taking views of Camelback Mountain tucked in the Sonora Desert. Accommodations range from single guest rooms to luxury suites. This resort caters to visitors looking to be pampered. There are 10 unique restaurants and lounges on property in addition to an acclaimed spa, shopping and a worldclass tennis complex. One of the most attractive features of the property is the 27 hole golf facility. There are three distinct 9's that offer a variety of challenges and delight every time you tee it up. The Desert Nine is the most requested of the three layouts and is popular for its dramatic elevation changes and unique design. The views are spectacular and easily distract you from the task at hand. The Oasis Nine offers a traditional layout with lush fairways that are tree lined coupled with attractive water hazards that penalize errant shots and missed Continued on next page