Talon Course , Grayhawk Golf Club , Scottsdale . Photo : Peter Ellegard Talon Course , Grayhawk Golf Club , Scottsdale . Photo : Peter Ellegard
The 6,726-yard South Course is marginally the tougher of the two , with a slope rating of 140 versus the North ’ s 137 , and is arguably more scenic as it winds around the rocks . None are more iconic that Rosie ’ s Rock , which balances precariously by the tee boxes of the par-3 7th hole , just a few steps from my sumptuous Southwest-style casita room .
Teeing off soon after the December dawn , the early light cast beautiful shadows from the rock outcrops and dotted saguaro cacti , standing tall like sentinels .
The North Course is slightly longer , at just over 6,800 yards , but is more forgiving for higher handicap players with its wide fairways while the back tees will challenger longer hitters .
Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton , the resort has recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation . Service levels are exceptional and guests are truly pampered , particularly in its spa , a haven of tranquillity in the desert . I could have happily stayed there forever after my postround golfers massage .
SUNRIDGE CANYON GOLF CLUB
Laid out on desert mountains just outside Scottsdale , SunRidge ’ s Fountain Hills course is a dramatic layout that takes you on a rollercoaster ride across rock-strewn ridges and cacti-filled canyons , designer Keith Foster using the natural contours of the land .
The 6,823-yard course drops down from the start , before climbing back up to finish with a flourish in a devilish six-hole stretch called the Wicked 6 . Starting with the longest hole on the course , the 578- yard 13th , it comprises two par 5s and two par 4s that play uphill into the prevailing wind and two par 3s , the 14th requiring a downhill tee shot to a green flanked by
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