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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