Courses, Travel & Tee Times

Arizona's West Valley offers diversity near Phoenix

When it comes to sports, the West Valley area of Phoenix is known for being the home of NFL and NHL teams. But there are also several golf courses in the area. They're not as bunched together as those in north Scottsdale, but they're also not as expensive. In fact, given the quality of the layouts -- from Wigwam Resort to Quintero G.C. -- and the lower-priced tee times, they're some of the best bargains in Arizona.

Wet and wild Ocotillo Golf Resort brings a south Florida feel to Chandler Arizona

Water is the first thing golfers notice as they drive toward the clubhouse at Ocotillo Golf Resort in Chandler, Ariz. They might think they're in the wrong place. After all, this is the Arizona desert. But that's what makes Ocotillo so unique. Fact is, there's no other golfing experience like it in the Valley, Scott Bordow writes.

Phoenix-Scottsdale: Must play golf in the East Valley

You don't have to head to north Scottsdale to find great golf in the Valley of the Sun. The East Valley offers a collection of it's own courses worth sampling, and most are more affordable.

Urban escape: Arizona Grand Golf Resort shines near downtown Phoenix

Arizona Grand Golf Resort, a 18-hole golf course near downtown Phoenix, is a little slice of peace in a built-up area. The golf course, opened in 1989 and designed by Forest Richardson, presents one of the desert's most unique plays with three very different environments. Conditions and hole variety make this course standout amongst the crowded Phoenix golf scene.

Playable Heritage golf course is a standout at Wigwam Resort in Phoenix

Playing golf in Arizona can be a daunting task. The desert and golf balls don't get along. That's why the Wigwam Resort and its three courses -- including the standout Heritage Course -- is such a nice change of pace. Heritage, which is located in Litchfield Park about a half-hour west from downtown Phoenix, is parkland golf. There's no cholla, no cacti, no clue that you're playing golf in the desert.

New ownership and Jim McLean Academy gives new life to SunRidge Canyon Golf Club

SunRidge Canyon Golf Club opened back in 1995, but in the spring of 2012, it feels like the Scottsdale golf scene's shiny new kid again. New ownership, a fresh commitment and some star power are helping to put this golf course back into the mix in terms of the Valley of the Sun's top must-play courses. Any truly great hangout needs a golf course that locals and snowbirds alike will want to play again and again.

Maryvale Golf Course in west Phoenix ranks among the best municipal layouts in Arizona

One of best municipal layouts in Arizona is Maryvale Golf Course in west Phoenix. It was designed in 1961 by William Bell, who also was the architect at Torrey Pines, and it holds up well today as a classic, tree-lined course with gentle elevated greens and subtle doglegs in both directions. And, at a benign 6,500 yards, the par-72 layout is an ideal course for juniors, beginners or weekend hackers hoping to make a birdie or two.

Talking Stick Golf Club and Troon North A tale of two Troons in Scottsdale

Troon Golf is the world's premier management company for upscale resort, public and private golf clubs and courses. Today, Troon operates 14 facilities in Arizona, including two different, highly acclaimed, public, 36-hole facilities not far from each other in the Sonoran desert: Troon North and Talking Stick. Each were designed by A-list architects, and all four courses are high on the list of any golfing visitor to the Valley of the Sun. So how do they compare -- or more accurately, how do they differ?

Spring Fling: Cactus League baseball and awesome golf in sunny Arizona

If it's March in Arizona, getting into the swing of things has two meanings: Baseball and golf. It's the perfect double-header for a sports fan. Play a round of golf at any of the Valley's great courses in the morning, and then hit a Cactus League game in the afternoon. The best part: There are so many terrific golf clubs in the Valley of the Sun that golfers can play just about anywhere and have no more than a 30-minute drive to the nearest Cactus League ballpark.

Corporate Golfer: Shoot birdies and machine guns in Phoenix-Scottsdale

Corporate business plays a big part in Scottsdale's tourism industry. The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau reports that 60 percent of all resort and full-service hotel business results from meetings-related travel. It's not hard to understand why: There's great golf, trendy resorts, major sports venues and cool surprises that live and thrive under the Arizona sun. Here's a handful of reasons why you should consider Scottsdale for your next convention or corporate retreat.