The back nine of the 6,973-yard lay-
out offers interestingly designed holes,
including No. 10, a medium-length par 3
that plays across a desert wash. Access to
the tee is via a swinging bridge.
Talon also provides great views of the
nearby McDowell Mountains as well as the
city skyline.
Grayhawk’s courses are near two charm-
ing restaurants. Phil’s Grill, named after
the legendary Phil Mickelson, offers a
rustic, down-home experience with views
overlooking the Raptor course. Comfort-
able and casual, the restaurant features
leather couches, a hardwood bar and a
fireplace for cool nights.
32
If you’re looking for a place to be seen,
check out Isabella’s Kitchen for a casual
country roadhouse atmosphere. The din-
ing room, overlooking the Talon course, is
equipped with large garage-style doors that
can be rolled up for access to the outdoors.
INCORPORATING THE LANDSCAPE
Rancho Mañana Golf Club on the western
edge of Cave Creek is home to a par-70
course that plays through the foothills next
to Black Mountain. With a running creek
as part of the landscape, it’s not unusual
to see area wildlife such as deer, bobcats
and Javelina along the creek. The course
provides dramatic elevation changes on
V I R G I N I A G O L F E R | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 19
some holes along with long views back in
the valley and desert.
After your game, take advantage of the
views and sunsets at the Tonto Bar & Grill.
The rustic, Southwestern restaurant has
views of Skull Mesa, Elephant Butte and
the nearby Tonto National Forest.
Talking Stick Resort features two Bill
Coore and Ben Crenshaw designed cours-
es that take their cue from the natural
setting, allowing for a variety of shots.
Talking Stick Golf Club’s O’odham
Course (formerly North Course) is an
18-hole minimalistic desert-style course
with views of the McDowell Mountains to
the north and east. The 18-hole Piipaash
Course (formerly South Course) features
a parkland-style course with generous,
tree-lined fairways and engaging views
of the Red and Superstition Mountains.
The resort’s signature restaurant,
Orange Sky, on the 15th floor is a great
after-game retreat. The floor-to-ceiling
design provides breathtaking views of the
Valley’s colorful sunsets.
vsga.org
LEFT: Rancho Manana Golf Club is a par-70
course with impressive elevation changes
BELOW: The Phoenician, set in the beautiful
Sonoran Desert, features stunning views and
many amenitites on its premises.