One of the latest trends in golfing is a new twist on an old tradition – walking golf. Many high-end golf courses in Arizona, including Troon North, are supporting golfers who want to get more benefit from the game by walking between holes. Arizona is the perfect place for walking golf, with great weather throughout the year.
Golf equipment designers are paying attention to this new trend and coming out with lightweight golf bags that are perfect for walking golf. Golf bags that weight between 3 and 6 pounds, have double straps and a built-in stand are perfect for walking. The Nike Xtreme Stand bag shown here is a good choice for a walking golf bag.
Despite the proliferation of high-end golf carts, the U.S. Golfing Association has endorsed walking golf. David Fay of the USGA has stated that golf carts are actually detrimental to the game. Walking golf can be an important part of any golfer’s fitness program. To find out more about the USGA Walking Program, visit the U.S. Golfing Association website.
Troon North golf course offers the premier Arizona desert golfing experience. Located in the high Sonoran desert outside of Phoenix, Troon North’s Monument and Pinnacle courses are ranked as the top two daily fee courses in the state of Arizona. Troon North also features a Callaway Performance Center and a 37,000 sq. ft. clubhouse.
As the season changes to winter and cold weather descends on many parts of the country, it’s time to think about winter golf getaways. Arizona is one of the best destinations for a golf getaway. With year-round sunshine, beautiful scenery and plenty of golf course resorts, Arizona is the perfect solution to the winter golf blues. You may get talked into making your getaway a family vacation or a romantic trip with your spouse or partner, but make sure to set aside lots of time for golf! You can find information about golf courses and accommodations in Arizona at teetimeslive.com.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, the Christmas tree that will adorn the nation’s Capitol will be cut from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Alpine, Arizona. The location of this year’s 85-foot blue spruce will remain a well-kept secret until Saturday at 9:30 a.m., when the Apache Crown Dancers will celebrate the felling of the tree. The tree will be harnessed for transport and begin a 10-day trip through Arizona, stopping in Show Low on Tuesday, Nov. 10. There will be festivities throughout Show Low to honor of the tree. For more information, see the Show Low website and the Capitol Christmas Tree website.
Each year, the Capitol Christmas tree is brought to Washington, D.C. from a different state. 2009 is the first year that the Capitol tree will originate in Arizona. The tree will arrive in the Capitol in early December and be erected in front of the Capitol building.
This YouTube video of Matt and Steve’s Labor Day trip from Danville, CA to Mount Airy, NC gives you some idea of how spectacular the scenery in Arizona is. The shots of them playing golf in Sedona are amazing! Two dudes and their golf clubs – that’s what you call road trip golfing!
Located between the Sierra Estrella and South Mountains just outside of Phoenix, Wildhorse Pass offers sweeping views of the valley below and of the wild horses that have been native to the area for hundreds of years. If you’re looking for golf in this spectacular area, the Sheraton Wildhorse Pass Resort & Spa is near the Whirlwind golf club, home to two Troon-managed championship golf courses. The Devil’s Claw and Cattail courses have views of the pristine Sierra Estrella mountains and the Gila River. An 8500 square foot clubhouse is fully appointed with pro shop and luxury locker rooms, as well as a restaurant and lounge with outdoor patio. The Dave Peltz Scoring School is available for golf coaching.
The Sheraton features a full-service spa and a variety of recreational activities. Owned by the Gila River Indian Community, the resort’s décor pays homage to the heritage of the Pima and Maricopa Native American tribes.
A customized golf cart can provide the ultimate experience in luxury golfing. The concept goes back to the 1970s, when comedian Jackie Gleason had his cart transformed to resemble a Rolls Royce.
These days you can get almost any type of car lookalike in a custom cart, from A Mercedes to an Escalade to a Hummer. Golf carts are also becoming popular for off-course use, as a vehicle for a country club or retirement community.
This has made the custom models even more popular. At luxuryCarts.com, you can see a wide variety of designs for custom golf carts and custom kits.
There’s nothing like a session with a golf pro to improve your golf swing. If that’s not possible, the next best thing is watching an instructional golf video. You can always buy an instructional DVD, but thanks to the Internet, you can find lots of free golf teaching videos. Check out this very popular YouTube clip called How to swing a golf club like Tiger Woods.
The Phoenician Golf Club is set in the spectacular scenery of the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, Arizona. Golfing variety is available on three nine-hole courses with challenges for every level of golfer. This luxury resort is located on 250 acres and includes over 500 guest rooms and luxury suites, 120 casitas, 10 restaurant and lounges, a world-class spa and nine beautiful pools. On September 23, the Phoenician is hosting the Four Peaks Beer Fest. For more information about this great Arizona golf course, check out the Phoenician Golf Club website.
The Arizona Golf Association is a great way for amateur golfers to stay connected with the game and to learn more about golfing in Arizona. Two different levels of membership are available. The Recreation membership level includes a subscription to either an Arizona golf magazine or Golf Digest magazine and also provides access to discounts and special offers. The Club membership level allows golfers to maintain a USGA handicap. Club membership requires membership in a licensed golf club, and AGA membership is then automatic.
In October, the AGA is sponsoring an October Fest Weekend event at Mayan Palace in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. 36 holes of stableford competition will be held over the weekend, with awards to low Gross and Net winners. Find out more at the Arizona Golf Association website.
