Golf in USA - Arizona

This country profile highlights some of the key aspects of golfing in USA - Arizona.

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About the Country
The interplay of desert and mountains provides a very special and scenic golf environment here in Arizona. Given the "desert" habitat, there is a surprising amount of wildlife to see; the bird varieities include ever-present desert quails, as well as doves, hawks, eagles, roadrunners, humming birds, plovers, bright red cardinals and the like. Beware, some are very adept at stealing snacks and sandwiches from your golf buggy. On the ground watch out for jackrabbits, chipmonks, coyotes, bobcats and be very careful of rattlesnakes and many other venomous snake varieties. Unless it is the hibernation season, stay out of the desert scrub at the side of fairways - snakes are a real danger. In the Spring the abundance of many flowering plants adds additional colour to the desert setting, and all-year round the cacti - small and large - abound. Most impressive are the ancient and giant cacti - called Saguaros.

About the Golf
Golfing in Arizona follows distinct seasons - with associated prices. From early-October until mid-May, green fees are at their most expensive, with a round at many courses costing $150 - $ 200 per person, and occasionally higher than this in the very high season from mid-January until early-April. Green fees are often half the high season rate from mid-May until end-September (often less than $100 per round) - but then daytime temperatures are usually very hot. On the courses themselves, many fairways are crossed by "wash" areas, desert wasteland which allows surface water to run off the course. Desert rule generally applies, whereby desert areas may be played as water hazards.

Golf Good Points
The quality and number of courses n Arizona is almost without parallel, with many resort courses offering much more than just golf. This is a real golfers' paradise, where courses are plentiful, generally well maintained and often very scenic.

Less Good Points
Scorching hot weather in the summer, which brings out the dangerous species of snakes, rattlers among them. That means no searching for wayward drives in the bushes and desert areas.

Golf - Booking
Tee times can generally be reserved any length of time in advance, although some courses restrict booking to a few days in advance. Look out for special rates at golf clubs under common ownership and golf packages combining hotel accomodation and golf. As is usually the case in the US, you can take a telephone booking to be a firm booking, unless a fax or follow-up e-mail is specifically requested.

Weather
The highest green fees are charged, naturally enough, during the most comfortable periods for golf, usually October through early May. During the summer the day-time tempeartures can get very hot, with most golfers preferring to go out as early in the morning as possible. Although desert, it does rain from time to time, and the wind can blow - but year-round golf is why many golfing Americans choose to live in Arizona.

Getting around
Tucson and Phoenix are just 100 miles apart and connected by an Interstate Highway. There is great golf in both places, so don't forget Tucson if you are planning a trip to Phoenix or Scottsdale. Also some very good golf on offer away from these cities, although not yet covered on this site.

Accomodation
In the big cities of Phoenix (and surrounds), Tucson and Flagstaff there is the usual array of American and international hotels. Household names like Marriott, Holiday Inn, Rennaisance, Hilton, Sheraton, Comfort Inns, etc. are all to be found. In addition, since this is prime golfing country, there are many resort hotels with spas, tennis and great golf facilities - these can be found in the Where2Stay section of the individual golf courses, described on this site. .

Currency
US Dollar

Language
English with Spanish also spoken in many communities.

Visit our USA - Arizona Golf Course Guide for ratings, reviews and contact information for USA - Arizona?s main golf courses.

Useful Links

Accommodation
Places to Stay Global on-line accommodation finder service
Best Western Hotels Accommodation directory covering a wide range of hotels in the Best Western hotel chain.