Something For Everyone In Scottsdale
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2017-07-25
TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course (Photo/Lisa Vlooswyk)
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (by Lisa Vlooswyk) — Scottsdale, AZ, has long been heralded as one of the favorite golf destinations of travelers, particularly from Canada during our far too long off season. The warm sunny desert spring days are a welcome relief from many Canadian snow-capped cities.
(Photo/Lisa Vlooswyk)
The city is home to more than 200 area golf courses, none more famous than the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale. This is the host site of the best party on the PGA Tour, the Waste Management Phoenix Open. This tour stop consistently draws the largest crowds of any professional golf tournament smashing attendance records in 2017 with 655,434 crossing the gates that week.
The tournament is dubbed “The Greatest Show on Grass”, largely due to the 16th hole. The stadium seating surrounds this hole and cold drinks are flowing throughout the day. Spectators will cheer fantastic shots and just as enthusiastically boo poor ones, and these fans are picky.
Famed Hole No. 16 (Photo/Lisa Vlooswyk)
Many PGA Tour players have said they start thinking about that tee shot on 16 on the first hole. This short par 3 from the tips, only measures out to 163 yards but is definitely the knee knocker on the course. Several players have embraced the crowd by bringing swag and tossing it to zealous fans as they walk from the tee to the green.
The tournament will be held January 29 to February 4, 2018. It is free for all Juniors accompanied by an adult, Monday and Tuesday are free for all spectators, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday are $40 and Friday and Saturday the cost is $50. Tickets available at www.wmphoenixopen.com.
You too can play where the pros play. The Stadium course, designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish was renovated in 2014 and is opened to the public 51 weeks a year. It is always a thrill to play holes that you watch tour pros navigate on TV each year.
(Photo/Lisa Vlooswyk)
The course strives for a high level of conditioning throughout the year, even with the heat of desert summers. The emerald green fairways are a stark contest to the desert accents complete with a variety of cacti.
After the renovations 73 bunkers were whittled down to 66 strategically placed on the course to challenge the advancements of today’s equipment and added length off the tees, especially that of the tour pros.
(Photo/Lisa Vlooswyk)
A must stop photo op comes into play on the 13th hole where guests will find Tiger Woods’ boulder. In 1999 Tiger was given relief from this one ton boulder, and after being deemed a “loose impediment” fans banded together to move the boulder clearing Tiger’s path allowing for him to birdie the hole. A plaque marking the spot and the actual boulder can be found on the left side of the fairway.
Water comes into play on 6 of the holes. This course has a fanatic finish with a risk reward par 5 on #15, the famed 16th hole par 3, a reachable par 4 on the 17th hole and a truly beautiful finishing hole as you come down #18.
(Photo/Lisa Vlooswyk)
For those interested in playing 36 holes, the sister course at TPC Scottsdale is the Champions Course, a favorite of the locals.
(Photo/Lisa Vlooswyk)
An ideal accommodation if you are going to tee it up at TPC Scottsdale is neighbouring property the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. It is located just off the 4th hole of the Stadium course. It is a speculator luxury property situated on 65 acres overlooking the McDowell Mountains. They offer 750 beautifully appointed guestrooms, including 222 suites.
(Photo/The Fairmont)
There are five awards winning restaurants on property including the popular La Hacienda. This offers fine Mexican dining with a contemporary twist and has won an award for the #1 Mexican restaurant in Arizona. The Spanish style architecture compliments the modern fire pit patio seating.
(Photo/The Fairmont)
Over 240 varieties of tequila are available. A Tequila Goddess is on hand to offer suggestions and recommendations based on your preferences. Getting a flight of tequila with 3 different varieties is highly recommended as is the Guacamole Sampler.
(Photo/Lisa Vlooswyk)
(Photo/Lisa Vlooswyk)
The Fairmont Princess also has many amenities to help you kick back and relax when not on the links. There are 6 pools on property including the newly opened Sunset Beach with a pristine pool and beaconing white sand beach.
Swimming Pool Overlooking TPC Scottsdale (Photo/The Fairmont)
The Well & Being Spa is a 44, 000 square foot facility that fuses vitality and well-being. They offer unique fitness classes such as Pilates, TRX, aerial yoga and Surfset.
(Photo/The Fairmont)
(Photo/Lisa Vlooswyk)
From the moment you enter the spa you begin to unwind. Delicious prickly pear juice greats you to quench your thirst as you enter the locker room.
(Photo/Lisa Vlooswyk)
Arrive early and stay well after your appointment to enjoy all of the amenities including, steam room, Eucalyptus inhalation room, Swedish dry sauna, hot therapeutic whirlpool, cold plunge pool, Swiss shower, access to the fitness center, rooftop adults-only pool with private cabanas, co-ed grotto waterfall and garden atrium.
(Photo/The Fairmont)
Every service imaginable is offered including massage treatments, body scrubs and wraps, facials, skin care services, manicures, pedicures and a full hair salon. The experience at Well & Being Spa is relaxation and pampering personified.
(Photo/The Fairmont)
Visiting the Scottsdale area is also the perfect destination for sports enthusiasts. Professional teams for the MLB, NBA and NFL are all on hand. Baseball fans must plan their visit during the annual Spring Training of the Cactus League.
(Photo/Lisa Vlooswyk)
The Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers all call Arizona their spring training home.
(Photo/Lisa Vlooswyk)
There are ten facilities that host 15 teams. It gives guests an up-close and personal view of all their favorite players complete with candy, peanuts, hot dogs, popcorn and a seventh inning stretch. The season typically starts late February and runs through to early April. www.cactusleague.com.
(Photo/Lisa Vlooswyk)
See you in Scottsdale!
About The Author
Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk is a 7-time Canadian Long Drive Champion and currently ranked Top 5 in the World. She is a Keynote Speaker, Golf Journalist, Golf Entertainer and just launched a new Instructional Video. Lisa can be reached through her website www.lisalongball.com or through Twitter @LisaLongball.