Spring Training Guide: The Southwest Valley

Presented by GolfTEC

Cincinnati Reds/Cleveland Indians
Goodyear Ballpark
1933 South Ballpark Way, Goodyear
goodyearaz.gov; 623-882-3130

PLAY
Palm Valley Golf Club in Goodyear features the 7,015-yard Palms layout by Arthur Hills and the perky par-62 Lakes Course by Hale Irwin. The magnificent Raven at Verrado sits east of the West Valley in Buckeye. With 54 holes crisscrossed by mature trees and water, the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park serves up great old-school golf. The Jack Nicklaus II-designed Golf Club of Estrella, provides a great value.

STAY
The Wigwam’s 440 acres and 331 intimate casitas and suites make it the perfect retreat for post-game cocktails or stargazing.

EAT
The fine dining at Bella Luna Ristorante and Caballero Grill makes them the best non-chain options in the area. Bill Johnson’s Big Apple is good too.
Note: The ballpark serves Stadium Mustard for Cleveland fans and Skyline Chili for a taste of Cincinnati.

DO
Phoenix International Raceway hosts three races February 28-March 2. The Phoenix Coyotes skate in Glendale.


Texas Rangers/Kansas City Royals
Surprise Stadium
15850 North Bullard, Surprise
surprisespringtraining.com; 623-222-2222

PLAY
Your best bets are The Wigwam (Goodyear) and Trilogy at Vistancia (Peoria), both mentioned in connection with other teams. For a classic golf experience, head 45 minutes west to Wickenburg, home of the lush, rolling Rancho de los Caballeros Golf Club. Golf bargains abound in this retiree paradise: Hillcrest, Coyote Lakes and two courses at Surprise Golf Club.

Pictured Above: Rancho de los Caballeros Golf Club

STAY
Resort-wise, you’re looking at 20-30 minutes between the ballpark and The Wigwam, Rancho de los Caballeros, or any of the finer Glendale/Phoenix/Scottsdale properties. In Surprise, The Windmill All Suites ranks highest among the many economy hotels.

EAT
Vogue Bistro adds a delicious French touch to panini, burgers, fries and Continental cuisine. The Irish Wolfhound serves pints and pub fare in a convivial atmosphere. Deli lovers thrill to New York Flavor and Fresh Wasabi combines sushi and sports bar.

DO
The nearby White Tank Mountains provide some of the most enjoyable trails to hike. The centerfield party deck at Surprise Stadium provides an all-you-can-eat buffet, along with a great vibe and view of games every day.


Los Angeles Dodgers/Chicago White Sox
Camelback Ranch
10710 West Camelback Road, Glendale
camelbackranchbaseball.com; 623-302-5000

PLAY
The aforementioned Palm Valley and Raven Golf Club at Verrado. are solid plays here. Other layouts include the active-adult Sun City Country Club and Sun City North Course. Talking Stick, Wildfire, Troon North and the other 36-hole facilities around Phoenix and Scottsdale are also easily accessible by highway from Glendale.

STAY
The major chains all have multiple inns and suites here. The Wigwam Resort is in nearby Litchfield Park, as is Welsch’s Rose Acres, a bed-and-breakfast with pools, miniature horse racing and two chipping holes and putting greens.

EAT
Head to Westgate City Center for nearly 20 different dining options, including Calico Jack’s Cantina, Yard House, Gordon Biersch, and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville.

Pictured Above: Gordon Biersch Hot Dog Flight

DO
Tour Sahuaro Ranch Park, one of the Valley’s oldest and most magnificent ranches, which spreads across a 17-acre Historic Area featuring 13 original buildings, a rose garden, barnyard and historic orchards.


Seattle Mariners/San Diego Padres
Peoria Sports Complex
16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria
peoriasportscomplex.com; 800-677-1227

PLAY
Peoria sits on the 101 Loop, which makes just about any course accessible. But Peoria is also home to the five-star Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia and Quintero Golf Club, a once-private, Troon-managed Rees Jones layout.

Pictured Above: Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia

STAY
The national hotel chains all have Peoria outposts and North Scottsdale’s resorts (Fairmont, Xona, etc.) remain options. In Peoria, Cibola Vista Resort & Spa boasts plush casitas and an expansive lagoon pool with a three-story water slide for family fun and an exclusive adult pool area.

EAT
Peoria features great downhome barbecue at Firebirds Wood-Fired Grill and Dillons. Cucina Tagliani, right by the Stadium, dishes up Italian with great atmosphere.

DO
Explore the final frontier with simulated flights at the Smithsonian’s Challenger Space Center. There’s nothing simulated about sailing, waterskiing or fishing on Lake Pleasant.

RELATED LINKS

Spring Training Guide: Scottsdale

Spring Training Guide: Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa

GolfTEC's Training Camp

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