Desert golf courses have found a home in the hearts of golfers everywhere for their beauty and style of play. The state of Arizona is home to over 350 courses, many of which accentuate the state’s serene Southwestern geography for quintessential desert course play.
Unique geological formations and a hospitable year-round climate make Arizona’s desert courses a stunning setting that golfers of any experience level can appreciate. The numerous expertly designed, professional-level private and public courses offer creative layouts and clean play that attract travelers to Arizona golf vacations. This popularity has led to a booming golf resort industry that provides luxuries individuals, groups, and families can enjoy for world-class golf vacations.
The near-endless activities provided on resort premises as well as diverse options offered by laid-back Arizona cities Scottsdale, Tucson, and Sedona encourage itineraries suitable for golfers and non-golfers alike.
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Scottsdale
Scottsdale golf resorts are luxury-forward with opulent accommodations, indulgent spa experiences, and upscale on-site dining. Retreat to luxurious enclaves each evening after a world-class golf outing at a variety of Scottsdale resorts. Those who plan to make golf the entirety of their stay will be happy the area is densely packed with desert courses.
Mountain Shadows Resort is a legacy Arizona golf resort enjoying a resurgence after a 2017 renovation. Tee off on one of the most highly-regarded Par 3 courses in America on Mountain Shadow’s thoughtfully designed The Short Course. Or venture just a few minutes from the resort property to partake in 18 holes at a number of challenging and well-reviewed public courses.
For downtime between rounds, the recently refurbished rooms at Mountain Shadows are set at the base of captivating Camelback Mountain and provide panoramic views of the surrounding Arizona desert. Gaze at Camelback’s impressive peak while lounging by one of two 75-foot pools before hitting the day’s back nine. Diver deeper into luxury with lavish poolside cabanas featuring plush daybeds for a dose of private serenity after a day on the course. Then, spend evenings taking in the vibrant self-contained community of private clubs, scheduled events, and nighttime entertainment at Mountain Shadows.
Scottsdale also offers a range of resort options that are home to a mix of non-golf attractions suitable for all ages. Alternate lodgings take full advantage of the wide open spaces and protected Arizona lands for an extravaganza of outdoor fun.
Tucson
If you love golf, Tucson, Arizona beats with the thrill and passion of world-class golf courses in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Set among beautiful landmarks such as the scenic Sabino Canyon and Gates Pass are luxury and boutique resorts that complement the region’s stunning natural beauty.
This plethora of exciting desert golf options makes Tucson an unforgettable destination for avid golfers and their families. Make it a group golf getaway and treat your closest golfing companions to a 3-, 5-, or 7-day retreat at a number of stunning Arizona resorts offering generous golf vacation packages.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort stands out among several exceptional options, offering lavish digs and two impeccably designed par 72 courses, the succinctly named Mountain Course and Canyon Course. Loews Ventana Canyon treats golfers to breathtaking views as they navigate challenging doglegs and deceivingly fast greens. Courses can be played daily with the purchase of a Loews Ventana Canyon Stay & Play Golf Package. You may want more than one crack at Loews Ventana Canyon’s famous (perhaps infamous, for the unlucky) hole three, with an elevated tee hovering above a wide desert canyon chasm separating the player from the green.
Tucson, Arizona—known for its arts and music scene, famous Saguaro cacti, and cultural sites important to the region’s history—provides a bevy of options for the non-golfers in your travel group. A collection of museums, sightseeing tours, and historical sites can round out any itinerary for a balanced Arizona golf vacation.
Sedona
Sedona may be primarily known as a wellness destination but its amenities and attractions also make for great golf vacations.
If you seek to put golf at the top of your Arizona itinerary, Sedona has some of the best courses in the Southwest. Top-rated golf options in the Sedona area include the luxury Seven Canyons, where every hole brings an air of polish and prestige to the beautiful game. Across 200+ acres of rolling expanse, ancient cypress trees and well-concealed sand traps test your golf skills and provide picturesque views while you select your next shot.
The area is recognized the world over for its natural geography, namely the otherworldly rock formations that make Arizona’s unique desert landscapes so special, such as Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. Sedona has a variety of activities available within city limits as well but perhaps its best attractions lay beyond the city, past the golf greens, and into the desert expanse. Tourism has gained such traction here due to alluring natural attractions just beyond Sedona’s city limits. Horseback riding, biking, and rock climbing bring you closer to the region’s unique geography, with mountains, mesas, and winding canyons found only in America’s Southwest.
