rocks and water and the 17th with two sets of tee boxes that alternate from day to day, the longer option requiring a carry over desert scrub.
The course tests you throughout, and you often find yourself in the desert by underestimating distances.
GRAYHAWK GOLF CLUB
To say Grayhawk rocks is an understatement. Classic rock songs such as Lynyrd Skynyrd’ s Free Bird, Led Zep’ s Stairway to Heaven and the Stones’ Honky Tonk Woman blast out from discrete speakers as you make your way to the driving range. But then it is called the Rock and Roll Range.
Sadly I didn’ t have time to see if the driving beats helped my swing rhythm before teeing off on the Talon Course. Talon, the shorter of two Tom Fazio designs at the club that stretch either side of 7,000 yards, makes you think as you plot your way around. Tight, contoured fairways edged by desert scrub along with gaping, sculpted bunkers and fast, large greens all add to the challenge.
There’ s even an island green on the par-3 17th, while the 18th is a real three-shot, 588-yard par 5 with ponds and waterfalls on the left as you approach the green.
OTHER SCOTTSDALE COURSES AND ACCOMMODATION
Scottsdale’ s other golf offerings include the spectacular 36 holes of Troon North,
We-Ko-Pa’ s two courses in the Sonoran Desert setting of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Talking Stick Golf Club’ s flat but deceptively-tricky Coore and Crenshaw designs and TPC Scottsdale, home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, famous for its raucous atmosphere and amphitheatre 16th hole.
Golfers who want to play 18 holes but are short of time can try the new Mountain Shadows Short Course, a challenging par 3 layout below Camelback Mountain that forms part of a soon-to-open boutique resort.
The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch offers hacienda-style accommodation with golf on the adjacent McCormick Ranch Golf Course.
Scottsdale’ s latest hotel, the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa, features luxurious art-inspired casita-style bungalows with décor and furnishings that hark back to the 1950s and 1960s.
SCOTTSDALE ATTRACTIONS
Downtown Scottsdale has plenty to do by day and night, notably in its walkable Old Town area. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’ s Museum of the West opened in 2015 and celebrates the Western heritage, art of culture of the region. Close by, you can browse boutique art galleries and shops.
The city has a thriving craft beer scene. Old Town Scottsdale has an Ale Trail with
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