Tonto Verde Seduces Snowbirds

Given the wicked blast of this week’s cross-country, sub-zero temperatures, Coloradans are probably dreaming less about a white Christmas and much more about a warm-weather vacation.

I certainly am. Having spent 12 years living in Phoenix, I remember with growing affection the sumptuous 60s and 70s winter temperatures of the Valley of the Sun plus its runaway pastime of choice — playing the area’s 200-plus golf courses.

But why make it a short vacation when an active, snowbird lifestyle is so much more enticing? For that reason alone, consider the many benefits of gated Tonto Verde Golf Club.

Located about 50 minutes northeast of Sky Harbor International Airport and Old Town Scottsdale, Rio Verde is just far enough away from the “big city” to fully enjoy the peace, tranquility and privacy of a premier adult-lifestyle community. Further, the locale is encircled by protected land including the Tonto National Forest, Four Peaks Wilderness, McDowell Mountain Regional Park and a 24,000-acre expanse owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

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Amenities are equally appealing, starting with a 36-hole private golf facility crafted by Gary Panks and David Graham. Both the 7,004-yard Ranch Course and the 6,733-yard Peaks Course incorporate the natural desert terrain into strategic routings that are challenging yet eminently playable, underscored by breathtaking mountain and Sonoran Desert scenery.

Additionally, residents and their guests enjoy al fresco dining, an 18-hole putting course, fitness center, saltwater swimming, hiking, mountain and road biking, and meeting and event space, plus a variety of educational and entertainment programs including cooking classes, concerts, special-topic speakers, guided hikes and dancing lessons.

More golf is nearby, including Eagle Mountain, McDowell Mountain, Longbow, 36-hole Troon North, Legend Trail, Rio Verde, Verde River Golf & Social Club and 36-hole We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. And 11 miles south are Fort McDowell Casino and the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center.

Tonto Verde’s real estate offerings include private homes and townhomes ranging in price from $350,000 to $1.5 million, plus lots that start at $80,000. Full golf memberships are available to both residents and nonresidents. Buyers can choose their own builder, and build within their own time frame. For more information go online or call (480) 471-2710.

[box]SPECIAL: Book the Discover Package for $795 including 4 days/3 nights n a luxury townhome, 2 rounds of golf per person, dinner for two, use of the community fitness center and pool/spa and more from January 1, 2017 through April 30, 2017. Learn more here: tontoverde.org/real-estate/discover-program [/box]

RELATED LINKS
We-Ko-Pa Renovates Cholla Course
Going For the Green at Rio Verde Country Club
We-Ko-Pa: A Desert Experience Unlike Any Other
Now Playing in Arizona: Four Dazzling New Courses
2016-17 Travel Guide: Phoenix/Scottsdale
Escape to Tubac 
2016 CAGGY Winners: Travel Categories

Chris Duthie is a Durango-based contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer. Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.