Scottsdale, Phoenix, AZ

It seems perfectly appropriate that golfers visiting the Phoenix/Scottsdale area are frequently treated to views of Arizona's beautiful but mysterious Superstition Mountains. After all, who could possibly be more superstitious than golfers? One thing these visitors don't have to keep their fingers crossed for, however, is wonderful weather (the area is not known as the "Valley of the Sun" for nothing). On average, Phoenix and Scottsdale are blessed with 330 days of sunshine. Even more appealing, the average daytime high for the months of January, February and March is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Considering that it's probably in the teens and twenties and snowing in the northern half of the country during these months, for golfers arriving in central Arizona this is like finding the "Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine." Maybe even better.

Another thing that golfers visiting the Phoenix/Scottsdale area don't have to worry about is a lack of excellent layouts to choose from. Like the statuesque saguaro cactus that's so prevalent here in the desert, gorgeous golf courses are everywhere. And almost all offer a number of staggering views of the multi-colored landscape and the magnificent, ever-present mountains.

For quite a while now, one of the most popular places to tee it up in the Scottsdale area has been Troon North Golf Club. When its Monument course opened in 1990, this Tom Weiskopf/Jay Morrish design was an instant hit with both the public and most major golf publications. A second Weiskopf/Morrish layout at Troon North, Pinnacle, debuted in 1996 and it, too, continues to draw raves. While it's true that not every golf facility in the Valley of the Sun offers 36 holes, several are equipped with this daylight- and driving-saving feature and it's certainly something to consider when planning your warm weather trip to Arizona. Another 36-hole facility in Scottsdale is Grayhawk Golf Club, featuring the Gary Panks/David Graham-designed Talon course and the Tom Fazio-designed Raptor course. And for a choice between an Arnold Palmer course and one by Nick Faldo, think about visiting Wildfire at Desert Ridge. Better yet, think about playing both. By the way, one of the newest and most beautiful 36-hole facilities in Scottsdale is truly special place called "We-Ko-Pa." In the language of the native Yavapai Indians, and in reference to the majestic, nearby mountains, the name means "Four Peaks." Golfers who have played it, though, are convinced it means "Won-der-ful." The original Cholla course, designed by Scott Miller, and the brand new Saguaro course, designed by Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore, are "Spec-tac-ular."

Since Scottsdale is so close to Phoenix (less than 20 miles), golfers who choose Arizona's capital city as their base for a winter break are still within an easy drive of the courses just mentioned and many more. With so many nice courses in all directions, however, the decision to pass them up will be a hard one. To the east in nearby Fountain Hills, the Golf Club at Eagle Mountain, another Scott Miller gem, offers a great test of golf, impeccable playing conditions, and incredible scenery. Two layouts to the south of Phoenix are Foothills and The Raven at South Mountain. Foothills is another Weiskopf/Morrish design that - due to generously wide fairways - is considered to be one of the more forgiving desert courses in the area. Much tougher is the Raven at South Mountain, another Panks/Graham collaboration that features gorgeous vistas, beautiful flower gardens, tall pines bordering many of the holes, and a back-tee measurement of over 7,000 yards. Should you find yourself in need of a little more bang for your buck, however, you should definitely head for Buckeye to the west of Phoenix. Here you'll find The Raven at Verrado, a brand new John Fought/Tom Lehman layout that's not only a great tract but a great value as well. On top of that - among other welcome amenities - two full meals at the on-site Cocina Grille (breakfast-lunch or lunch-dinner) are included in the cost of the round. Now that is an offer a visiting foursome can't refuse.

Besides wonderful weather and spectacular golf courses, Phoenix and Scottsdale have additional things in common. One is a long list of other outstanding activities (hey, a break from golf just might do your game some good). Depending on the time of year, a great diversion would be to take in a Phoenix Suns basketball game, Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game or Arizona Cardinals football game. Horseback riding is another popular activity and it's an excellent way to see the many wonders of the desert up close. If you're interested in learning what life was like in the "old west," then a visit to the Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse is in order. If you're interested in getting a different look at the course you played yesterday (or the one you're playing tomorrow), a ride in a hot-air balloon is a thrilling way to do it. Lovers of art and culture are in luck, too, because the Phoenix/Scottsdale area is home to nearly forty museums and well over 100 art galleries. Additional enjoyable options include the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Gardens, and Arizona Science Center (featuring 300 hands-on exhibits). Plus, not surprisingly, both of these beautiful cities offer superb shopping and a wide variety of casual and fine dining. And when the desert cools with the setting sun, be assured that the nightlife is just beginning to heat up.

If you're looking for a new place to play golf this year - winter or summer - take a good long look at central Arizona. It's not called "The Valley of the Sun" for nothing.