In Phoenix on business? Top golf courses for entertaining clients and colleagues
PHOENIX -- From October through March, the greater Phoenix area is paradise for the business traveler -- and his or her clientele.
There's no snow, plenty of amenities -- and did we mention there's no snow?
It's not a bad idea to pack your golf clubs, either. The Valley is awash in great golf courses, from the pricey and challenging layouts in north Scottsdale to resort courses that are meant to be enjoyed rather than suffered.
So if you're in Phoenix on business and want to host colleagues or clients, here are just a few of the courses that would make for an ideal business/golf outing:
Raven Golf Club Phoenix
Located on Baseline Road in south Phoenix, Raven Golf Club Phoenix is just a couple of minutes off the I-10 -- thus easy access from anywhere in the Valley -- and a popular stop for both locals and tourists.
The Raven, a Gary Panks design, was built as a parkland course in the middle of the desert. More than 7,000 pine trees were imported to give the course a Midwest feel. It's not as difficult as some of the Valley's notorious desert courses, but it will test the low handicapper because its diversity of holes require golfers to use every club in their bag.
Wigwam Resort
Since Wigwam Resort has been upgraded by a group led by former Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks owner Jerry Colangelo, it has become a popular destination for business travelers or conventions on the west side of town.
The Wigwam features three courses, two of which were designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. All three tracks are old-fashioned, straightforward courses, with few blind shots or forced carries. Plus, many of the resort's casitas are right on the grounds, so it's as convenient as possible.
Adobe Course, Arizona Biltmore
It's no secret that the Arizona Biltmore is one of Phoenix's finest resorts. What's not so well known is the welcoming simplicity of the Adobe Course.
Designed in 1928, the Adobe has wide fairways -- some as spacious as 50 yards -- accessible greens and plenty of room to spray a few shots and survive.
It's the ideal course for the business traveler who wants to play a few holes but doesn't have the game to challenge some of the Valley's tougher layouts.
Golf Club of Estrella
Another west-side gem, the Golf Club of Estrella is located in Goodyear, just a few miles south of University of Phoenix Stadium and Jobing.com Arena, the homes of the Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Coyotes, respectively.
The Golf Club of Estrella is one of the most underrated desert courses in the Valley, but beware: It has some of the deepest sand traps this side of the Sahara. It may not be the ideal diversion for business travelers who struggle with a sand wedge in their hand.
TPC Scottsdale
Staying in north Scottsdale? Then make sure to book a round on TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course, site of the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
The course is always in spectacular shape and it's a kick to play the same holes Phil Mickelson walked on.
And, of course, there's nothing like standing on the tee of the par-3 16th hole and imagining 20,000 rowdy fans ready to jeer if your tee shot misses the green.
Vistal Golf Club
The revitalization of downtown Phoenix over the last 20 years has been accompanied by a boon in hotel construction and, thus, an increase in business travelers who stay downtown and rarely get beyond the Phoenix Convention Center.
Unfortunately, there aren't any great courses in downtown Phoenix, but one option just a few miles west is Vistal Golf Club. Vistal, a 7,013-yard par 71, was re-designed in 2000 with consultation from local PGA Tour players Tom Lehman, Billy Mayfair and Howard Twitty.
The emphasis at Vistal is on having a good time. Classic rock music is played throughout the facility and practice area.
Lookout Mountain Golf Club
Part of the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in northeast Phoenix, Lookout Mountain Golf Club weaves its way through the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.
Fortunately, the desert isn't as lush or as prevalent as other desert courses in the Valley, so it's possible to hit your ball a few yards off line and still find it.
The resort features the Falls Water Village, which includes a 138-foot enclosed water slide, private cabanas and whirlpools.
Troon North
The low-handicapper staying in north Scottsdale will have no problem paying the $200 -- or more -- to play the Monument Course or Pinnacle Course at Troon North.
The Monument is a links-style course. The Pinnacle features greens that are tiered and incredibly fast. And from December through April, forecaddies are available for $30 per player.
The Valley has more than its fair share of quality golf clubs, but Troon North stands alone.
June 27, 2012
Scott Bordow, Contributor
Scott Bordow is the golf columnist for the Arizona Republic. Follow him on Twitter at @sbordow.