2016 Spring Training Guide: Scottsdale

The golfer and baseball fan’s guide to planning a Spring Training Trip to Scottsdale, Arizona

Colorado Rockies/Arizona Diamondbacks  
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale
saltriverfields.com; 480-270-5000

PLAY: Seven 36-hole facilities wait within a 30-minute drive of Salt River Fields. Start three miles east with the two superbly conditioned Coore/Crenshaw courses at Talking Stick Golf Club (pictured below). Talking Stick’s North course presents an open “links-style” experience, while trees line the South. Adjacent to the luxurious Scottsdale Princess, TPC Scottsdale annually hosts the golf bacchanal known as the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Open on its Stadium Course. The Stadium costs $329 per round for everyone. For half ($157.50), nonresidents can play the overshadowed but not second-rate Champions Course.

A former Tour stop and favorite of Phil Mickelson’s, Grayhawk Golf Club boasts the Tom Fazio-designed Talon and Raven courses. You’ll have to book your tee times at Wildfire Golf Club around the JTBC LPGA Founders Cup, which takes place March 14-20—or just buy tickets to the event.  A line drive west delivers you to the acclaimed 18s of We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, while another pair of two-course treats await further north: the Tom Weiskopf-designed Pinnacle and Monument courses at Troon North Golf Club in North Scottsdale; and Jay Morrish’s North and South Courses at the aptly named Boulders Club in Carefree. 

STAY: For convenience to everything, you can’t top the $440 million Talking Stick Resort  near the fields and courses.The resort includes 497 guest rooms, eight restaurants, a 240,000-square-foot casino, an expansive pool/garden area with 20-plus cabanas and a world-class, 13,000-square-foot, open-air spa. The majestic, sprawling luxury compound of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess features 830 stately guest rooms, suites and casitas, superb restaurants, five swimming pools and a spa.

In addition to playing golf in a kilt or traversing its course on a GolfBoard, a highlight at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is the Scotch Library, showcasing more than 100 single malts and 25 blends. The 1,950-room JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa highlights an expansive spa, numerous pools and the unique Lazy River floating stream. Tucked into the Pinnacle Peak foothills, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North oozes with sophistication.

EAT: The Scottsdale area overflows with dining options. In addition to the stunning Orange Sky Restaurant atop Talking Stick Resort, the above-named resorts also feature signature eateries. For something completely different, hit Toro, a Richard Sandoval creation in the TPC Scottsdale clubhouse that fuses the distinct flavors of South and Central America with ingredients from Japanese and Chinese Peruvian tures. Don’t miss the suviche (sushi and ceviche) bar or a cocktail made from one of 110 varieties of rum. At Grayhawk Golf Club, Isabella’s Kitchen delivers American Italian favorites, while Grayhawk’s Quill Creek Café offers a traditional American menu. Sports bars of note include Don & Charlie’s and Zipp’s.

DO: Stroll the more than 70 stores and restaurants at upscale Kierland Commons, or Bumper-Boat or Go Kart with the kids at CrackerJax Family Fun & Sports Park. For local live music, hit Wasted Grain, and a party always awaits at The Mint and the Red Revolver. The Thursday night ArtWalks along the galleries on Main Street are a 41-year-old tradition.

San Francisco Giants
Scottsdale Stadium
7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale
scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium; 877-473-4849

PLAY: In addition to being close to many of the same courses as Rockies and Diamondbacks fans are, Giants aficionados can tee off on the 27 Scott Miller-designed holes at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (pictured below). Three more nines wait at the The Phoenician Golf Club, as do another 36 holes on the Padre and Ambiente courses at Camelback Golf Club. McCormick Ranch Golf Club boasts two 18s, the Pine and Palm—the latter of which has hosted Canadian Tour events. Formerly known as Sanctuary, McDowell Mountain Golf Club sports a fun 18 owned by Phil Mickelson.  

STAY: The lodging options listed above for Rockies and D-Backs fans apply here. Additionally, look into the J.W. Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa  and The Phoenician.

EAT: Mastro’s Ocean Club and Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar anchor Kierland Commons. Less dear options include The Mission; Rehab Burger Therapy; Eddie’s House; and FnB.

DO: Again, follow the Rockies fans. Oenophiles should head to Kazimierz World Wine Bar in Old Town Scottsdale, where the quaintness the galleries, shops and restaurants contrasts with the chic vibe of Scottsdale Fashion Square, the largest mall in the Southwest.


More Spring Training Golf and Travel Tips:

Spring Training Travel and Golf Guide Home

2016 Spring Training Guide: Florida

2016 Spring Training Guide: Scottsdale

2016 Spring Training Guide: Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix

2016 Spring Training Guide: Southwest Valley


Read and see the full Spring Training Guide below:


Colorado AvidGolfer is 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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