Beat Back the Golf Gods in the Valley of the Sun

5 Reasons Why Phoenix Will Renew Your Bliss

The announcement of this year’s CAGGY Awards sadistically coincided with a blizzard and prolonged cold snap. If you’re tired of doing battle with Old Man Winter and those wickedly nefarious golf gods, renew your bliss with a quick trip to Phoenix’s heavenly Valley of the Sun:

1. Sublime Golf Resorts: Last week’s 2015 CAGGY Awards (Travel) turned the spotlight on six sensational metro Phoenix resorts where “stay-and-play” is regarded world class. Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North (pictured above) led the field, followed closely by We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center and The Boulders. Also receiving well-deserved acclaim were JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (pictured below).

Photo: Westin Kierland Golf Club, © Chris Duthie

2. Premier Daily Fee Golf: Who doesn’t enjoy being treated like a valued member of an affluent golf club? Phoenix courses that have made an indelible art of this pampering concept include TPC Scottsdale, Camelback Golf Club and Talking Stick. Insider’s tip: At just-opened Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club, guests are being treated with explosive golf and a bevy of first-tee schwag, including a custom polo shirt and a pullover valued at nearly $170.

Pictured: Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club

3. Elevate Your Game: Adding to Phoenix’s considerable attributes are an amazing selection of peerless golf schools, including the LaBauve Golf School at Kierland Golf Club, Vision54 at Talking Stick Golf Club, Grayhawk Learning Center at Grayhawk Golf Club, John Jacobs’ Golf Schools & Academies at Legend Trail Golf Club, and the Purtzer Golf Academy at Stonecreek Golf Club.

Pictured: Mike LaBauve, © Chris Duthie

4. MLB Spring Training: Starting March 3, Major League Baseball resumes it popular Cactus League Spring Training with a 220-game, day-and-night schedule that continues through April 4. A tradition since 1947, metro Phoenix offers America’s highest concentration of professional baseball facilities, now home to 15 big league teams including our very own Colorado Rockies.

Pictured: Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies

5. Super Special Events: On any given weekend, Phoenix tempts residents and guests with an eye-candy array of outdoor events and celebrations. Two of the winter’s best include the annual NASCAR CampingWorld.com 500 (March 13-15 at Phoenix International Raceway) and the LPGA’s JTBC Founders Cup (March 16-22 at Wildfire Golf Club).

RELATED LINKS

February and March in Phoenix is Fabulous

Spring Training Guide

Where to See a Pro in Scottsdale

2015 CAGGYs: The Best Nationwide Golf Destinations

Chris Duthie is a contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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