The Sedona Golf Resort: A Perfect Gateway to the Unique Charm of Sedona
SEDONA, AZ - One of the Seven Wonders of the World is the Grand Canyon. Well, one of the seven wonders of Arizona is Sedona. A quaint town of art, outdoor adventures and yes ... even golf.
The Sedona Golf Resort is nestled in the red rocks of one of the most visited towns in the Southwest. The course skirts the desert community creating a perfect gateway to the unique charm and rustic appeal Sedona reflects.
"The scenery is jaw dropping," says Head Professional Mike Madore.
The luxurious 17,000-square-foot clubhouse overlooks the course and the surrounding red rock cliffs. Water trickles down a small rocky stream bed, lining the border between the clubhouse and putting green. Inside is a pro shop, conference room, men's and women's locker facilities and a restaurant. The Clubhouse Grille serves food and drink for seated customers or golfers on the move.
The course itself is very playable for golfers at all levels. From the tips the slope is 129 and 114 from the front. At 6,646-yards and a par 71, it's not an overwhelming distance from any of the four tee boxes but it's still challenging in a number of ways.
The desert weaves in and out the course, so miss hit shots can easily be swallowed by the dense brush. Although the fairways aren't extremely tight for those golfers used to playing a course built into a mountain.
Altitudes on the course range from 3,960 feet to as much as 4,260 feet, delivering elevated tees and a diverse layout. Water comes into play on a few different holes giving players different challenges and capturing a variety of aesthetic backdrops.
The bunkers are unique to the Sedona Golf Resort. The tight packed sand is an earthy red, much like the neighboring soil. Architect Gary Panks knew powdery white sand would be out of place on this course. The red bunkers really magnify the surrounding colors and bring golfers into the heart of Sedona.
The course is kept in excellent shape. A unique feature of the layout is a shared green on holes 5 and 8. One of the most talked about holes on the course is a par 3, number 10, which was voted in 1999 as The Best Par 3 in the state by The Arizona Republic. Golfers have the unique pleasure of teeing off toward a spectacular red rock formation which against the emerald green, sets up a perfect Kodak moment. In fact, this hole is so breathtaking for both the avid golfer and traveler, some actually stop to take a picture while waiting for their turn on the tee box.
"Guests who come here can have their cake and eat it too," says Madore. "They can escape from the heat in Phoenix, and come and relax and enjoy a great round of golf."
Streets winding throughout the course showcase a variety of new homes being built in the area. Guests will also see the Golden Heritage Homes, Sedona Doubletree Resort and Sunterra's Ridge Timeshares. Also nearby is The Ridge Spa & Racquet Club, which offers first-class amenities for fitness and relaxation all year round.
Green Fees: M-Th F-Sun. Twilight
Jan. 1 - Feb. 11 $79 - $89 $89 - $99 $55
Feb. 12 - June 3 $99 - $109 $99 - $109 $59
Aug. 31 - Dec. 2 $99 - $109 $99 - $109 $59
June 4 - Aug. 30 $82 - $92 $92 - $102 $59
Dec. 3 - Dec. 31 $82 - $92 $92 - $102 $59
Prices vary depending how far in advance a tee time is made. There is a $20 junior rate after 2:00 p.m. when playing with an adult.
To get to the Sedona Golf Resort from Phoenix, take I-17 north, about 90 miles. Turn left at the Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon exit #298. Travel 7 miles north to the Sedona Golf Resort entrance located on the left side of the road.
Sedona Golf Resort
Highway 179
Sedona, AZ
Phone: 800-767-3574
Website: www.golfarizona.com/courses/scottsdale/sedona-golf-club.htm
Where to Stay: The Poco Diablo Resort
The Poco Diablo Resort is located 5 miles from The Sedona Golf Resort, just a short drive to Uptown Sedona. The hotel, owned by the Radisson, was the first resort in Sedona and still continues to thrive as one of the only resorts in the area.
"The resort is small enough that guests really get undivided attention and excellent service," said Brad Baer, Director of Sales and Marketing.
The grounds are constructed in a circular pattern with the 138 rooms all surrounding a 9-hole par 3 golf course. This small executive course has both charm and appeal. Guests can practice their short game on a beautiful course designed with lush landscaping, fountains and gazebos instead of on a driving range. Ducks from the surrounding streams will come right up and greet guests in the morning on their outdoor patios, which all snuggle up next to the course.
The resort also offers a heated swimming pool and spa, tennis and a fitness center. Those who just wish to relax on the grounds at night can take advantage of both indoor and outdoor fine dining or a sports bar and grill complete with pool table.
After a full day of golf and tennis, guests can indulge themselves in a therapeutic message available in the tennis clubhouse. Four types of messages are offered including: Muscle Sculpting, Circulatory Massage, Seitai Shiatsu and Reflexology. Hours are Monday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Times may vary in winter months.
Guests at Poco Diablo will feel the same intimacy with their surrounding as a bed and breakfast, while at the same time benefiting from all the amenities of a full service resort.
Poco Diablo Resort
1752 South Highway 179
P.O. Box 1709
Sedona, AZ 86339
Phone: (520) 282-7333
www.pocodiablo.com or www.radisson.com
About Sedona
The small art town of Sedona represents one of the best vacation spots in the Southwest. Once inside her embrace, there is no spot left untouched by the beauty and magic captivated in the red rock community.
Travelers from all over the country come to Sedona for the arts, outdoor attractions and recreation. The town is colored in Native American heritage, which is reflected in the various craft exhibits, entertainment and galleries. Since Sedona usually flourishes from year round good weather, guests can enjoy many outdoor music performances such as Sedona Jazz on the Rocks.
Following the signs to Uptown Sedona, people will find the main street followed by restaurants, over a hundred shops and galleries, and vendors for jeep tours, helicopter tours and horse back excursions.
During the warm months, a popular attraction is Slide Rock State Park. Here those who dare, they can slide down the stream in clothes or a bathing suit on the rock paving the canyon floor. Those who want to enjoy the nearby red rock canyons without getting wet can hike in dozens of places along the way.
A popular place for guests to come both during the day and at night is a replica of an old Mexican village called Tlaquepaque. Inside the vintage gates covered in flowers, travelers will find a variety of restaurants including El Rincon, The Secret Garden Café, Rene, and opening soon, the Oak Creek Bar and Grill. There is a number of different galleries and shops, along with outdoor music, all of which create the perfect illusion of 18th century Mexico.
In Uptown Sedona there are a number of delicious restaurants for all different tastes. There are a few hotels on the street, but the majority of bed and breakfasts are spread out through the canyons. (KS)
Scorecard
Conditions: A-
Layout: B+
Clubhouse: A
Value: A
Overall Rating: A-
June 2, 1999