Virginia Golfer Sep / Oct 2019 | Page 35

RE-CONTOURED AND RENOVATED Last November The Phoenician trans- formed its 27-hole facility into an 18-hole course with natural rhythm and flow. The course was rerouted and fairways re-con- toured. The new course plays to a par of 71 and captures the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Tees are player friendly, ranging from 4,594 yards from the forward tees to 6,518 yards from the championship tees. The renovation of the golf course coincided with the third phase of The Phoenician’s multi-year enhancement, the most extensive in its 30-year his- tory. In addition to the golf course, the most recent renovations include the spa, athletic club and golf clubhouse as well as J&G Steakhouse with its panoramic views of the Valley and The Phoenician Tavern with tasty gourmet burgers on the menu. The Phoenician’s luxurious oversized rooms were also renovated during the transformation to feature a modern, sleek design and easy flow. OFF THE COURSE Scottsdale offers a slew of family-friendly options when it comes to activities. The unique Musical Instrument Museum, for example, is the only global musical instrument museum in the world. Just vsga.org Talking Stick Golf Club’s O’odham Course offers views of the McDowell Mountains. slip on your pair of high-tech headsets and explore music and instruments from all over the world. The immersive experience at OdySea Aquarium puts you up close and personal with all types of sea creatures, everything from sharks and penguins to otters and sea lions. You’ll step on a massive esca- lator that transports you down into the ocean where the seas surround you. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Even the aquarium’s restrooms feature large windows that look into the shark exhibit. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, Scottsdale’s only National Historic Land- mark, is yet another site you shouldn’t miss. Wright designed the house to blend into the scenery so as not to disturb the natural look and feel of the area. The home was built with the rocks and sand of the Sonoran Desert and sits among the lower McDowell Mountains. The design also incorporates natural light with an abundance of windows and a roof that hangs over the walls to keep the home shielded from the hot rays of the sun, especially in the summer. Guided tours of the house give you a greater knowledge of Wright and his thought process in building his South- western winter home. Scottsdale always has its eyes on the future while keeping its attention on the environment as well as the history and the culture that is the Southwest. So next time you visit think beyond the greens. S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 19 | V I R G I N I A G O L F E R 33