Spring Training Guide: Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa

Presented by GolfTEC

Colorado AvidGolfer

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Tempe Diablo Stadium
2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe
tempe.gov/diablo; 888-796-HALO

PLAY
Play the same course that challenged Arizona State University co-ed Phil Mickelson. The 7,002-yard Pete Dye-designed ASU Karsten Course features three of the state’s toughest holes. Further south in Chandler try the Gary Panks-designed Devil’s Claw and Cattail courses at Whirlwind Golf Club. The Cattail Course hosts the Nationwide Tour’s Gila River Classic. Just southwest of Tempe, the Gary Panks- David Graham-designed Raven Golf Club-Phoenix features Georgia pines along the fairways and multi-tiered greens.

Pictured Above: Raven Golf Club-Phoenix

STAY
The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort boasts 500 rooms, an equestrian center, spa, casino and the two Whirlwind courses on its authentically designed and appointed property. The Buttes is a Marriott property built right into the rock outcroppings with pools and a water slide, spa, tennis and volleyball courts. Tempe Mission Palms right off Mill Avenue in the heart of downtown Tempe near Arizona State University, offers luxury in a college-town atmosphere.

EAT
Quench your appetite for sports at The Tavern on Mill and Four Peaks Brewing. Caffe Boa specializes in upscale organic cuisine and a Wine Spectator award-winning selection of vintages.

DO
Mill Avenue Shopping; Mill Cue Club.

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Chicago Cubs
Cubs Park
2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa
mlb.com/chc/mesa; 800-THE-CUBS

PLAY
The Cubs new home in Mesa makes Whirlwind, ASU Karsten and Raven- Phoenix viable options here. Most Cubs fans favor Longbow Golf Club, a superb Ken Kavanaugh design just minutes from the stadium. Another option is Superstition Springs Golf Club, a lushly treelined respite from desert golf. Slightly east lies Las Sendas Golf Club, a true sleeper etched into the Usery Mountains.

Pictured Above: Longbow Golf Club

STAY
Mesa abounds with Marriotts, Hiltons and Holiday Inns. The Gold Canyon Golf Resort is a half-hour east of the Cubs new 15,000-seat Wrigley replica.

EAT
Diamond’s Sports Grille bills itself as “the winter home of Chicago Cubs.” Vito’s also serves Chicago-style pizza in Scottsdale. For fun, head to Landmark Restaurant, which occupies a 100-year-old LDS church, or head to Gilbert’s swank Postino Winecafé (postinowinecafe.com) or the festive Joyride Taco House.

DO
Get an authentic Old West experience at Rockin’ R Ranch or a Modern Western experience at the upscale Dana Park  or Mesa Riverview.

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Oakland Athletics
Phoenix Municipal Stadium
5999 E. Van Buren, Phoenix
phoenix.gov/SPORTS; 602-392-0074

PLAY
This will be the A’s last spring in Phoenix before moving to the renovated Hohokam Stadium in Mesa (which until this year was home of the Cubs). Closest to the current facility is the 7,300-yard Papago Golf Course, which borders Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. Within 20 minutes, you’ll also find ASU Karsten, Talking Stick and TPC Scottsdale.

STAY
The Phoenician or Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, both AAA Five-Diamond properties with championship golf, high-end spas and fine dining. Another superb option is the JW Marriott Desert Ridge. The luxurious Tempe Mission Palms is just one mile from the stadium.

EAT
Former Phoenix Sun Dan Majerle’s Sports Grill serves up games with its grub. Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant does pub fare right. On the higher end, try Vincent’s On Camelback and the dozens of fine resort restaurants such as La Hacienda at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, T.J. Cooks at Royal Palms and Deseo at Westin Kierland.

DO
Papago Park offers family-friendly hiking and biking trails, and the proximity to Tempe and Scottsdale puts a world of activities within a quick trip in the rental car.

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Milwaukee Brewers
Maryvale Baseball Park
3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix
phoenix.gov/sports; 800 933-7890

PLAY
Maryvale Golf Course, a William Bell (Torrey Pines) classic, boasts plenty of mature trees, doglegs and great practice facilities. The aforesaid Raven Golf Club at Verrado is a straight shot west from the stadium on I-10.

Pictured Above: Raven Golf Club at Verrado

STAY
Budget motels dot the area. Resortand- spa options await east in downtown Phoenix at Royal Palms Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Desert Ridge and Arizona Biltmore.

EAT
The stadium serves Milwaukee-style brats and beer at every home game. Fans of down-home roadhouse food and outdoor patios will enjoy Chelsea’s Kitchen. Sylvia’s La Canasta dishes up authentic Mexican, the Bikini Lounge is Phoenix history. The Original Hamburger Works has nearby franchises.

DO
Head to the West Valley or Peoria’s P83 Shopping District.

RELATED LINKS

Spring Training Guide: The Southwest Valley – Peoria, Surprise and Goodyear

Spring Training Guide: Scottsdale

GolfTEC's Training Camp

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