Arizona plays host to scores of top golf courses. Yet despite the summer heat, there’s actually never a bad time to plan an Arizona golf trip. Below we share six of our favorite resorts across the state for un-fore-gettable golfing goodness.
There’s no denying that Arizona is a true golfer’s paradise. The state is a tourist attraction for plenty of reasons, not to mention the world-famous Grand Canyon.
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And golf is certainly one of those. The Grand Canyon State boasts more than 370 golf courses, ranging from challenging municipal layouts to upscale resort courses.
What makes Arizona even better for golf travelers is that most resorts offer something for everyone, especially when it comes to wellness activities.
You can relax at the spa after a long and tiresome day on the golf course, or your family and friends can start the morning with a quick session in the gym while you tee off in paradise.
Six Tee-Rific Arizona Golf Trips
Peak golf season in Arizona is from January to April. However, die-hard golfers still find their way to the fairways during the “warmer” summer months — teeing off at sunrise and chilling out with quality spa and pool time afterward. Here are six fantastic resorts that tick all of the boxes of a tee-rific Arizona golf trip.
1. Arizona Grand Resort & Spa — Phoenix
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa is a luxurious haven in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. The resort is Arizona’s only AAA Four Diamond all-suite resort, so you can expect nothing but luxury and exquisite service during your stay.
This beautiful resort has it all, from the Arizona Grand Golf Course, a links course with panoramic views and a par 71 layout, to the facilities, ranging from dining venues to exceptional meeting spaces.
Water plays a key role at this six-acre property, which features the Oasis Water Park that will no doubt keep everyone splashingly happy. There’s also a serene spa complete with a comprehensive menu of massages and body treatments.
2. Inn at Eagle Mountain — Fountain Hills
Somewhere out there, in the stunning Sonoran Desert, lies a boutique hotel with facilities from another world. This tranquil retreat is home to Eagle Mountain Golf Club, one of Fountain Hills’ highest-rated courses.
The course, a beautifully maintained par 71 layout, is designed by Scott Miller and lies between canyons, rolling hills and valleys that paint a gorgeous backdrop to your game.
The resort also houses a full-service mountainside spa known as The Life in Balance Wellness Center. The name should say it all but the entire focus of this center is taking care of your relaxation and health needs.
The spa offers various services, including massages, skincare, body treatments, aromatherapy, raindrop therapy and even life coaching. That’s right, you can make use of any of these services on a magical Arizona golf trip in the desert.
3. Gold Canyon Golf Resort & Spa — Gold Canyon
Gold Canyon’s namesake, the Gold Canyon Golf Resort & Spa, is a retreat nestled at the base of Superstition Mountains. The resort features two world-class golf courses that can accommodate groups of 300+ golfers.
The first course, Dinosaur Mountain, is a challenging yet playable layout with dramatic elevation changes. The second, Sidewinder, is a highly-rated course with glorious views of the mountains.
The resort is more than fun and games. They also have fantastic wellness facilities on site. The Spa at Gold Canyon Golf Resort offers every imaginable service that could relieve you of your stress.
From mind to body, their treatments range across all spectrums. You can book a therapeutic massage, treat yourself to a soothing facial, or get your hair and makeup done for a big event.
4. Mountain Shadows Resort — Paradise Valley
If you ever find yourself in Paradise Valley, you have to make time for a stay at Mountain Shadows Resort. This 1959 resort was entirely rebuilt in 2017, revealing the modern-day ultra-luxurious establishment that houses world-class facilities and incomparable accommodation options.
The resort’s golf course, The Short Course, is a favorite amongst Paradise Valley visitors, featuring a 1961 Arthur Jack Snyder design with 18 par 3 holes.
The resort also caters to weddings, meetings and other big events with an array of venues that are anything but boring. Round out your desert escape with indulgent wellness and relaxation amenities. There are two 75-foot pools, an expansive fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and in-room massage services.
5. Tubac Golf Resort & Spa — Tubac
Nestled at the foothills of the Santa Rita and Tumacacori Mountain ranges, a relaxed golf retreat awaits at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. You’ll find the resort just south of Tucson, where it spans over 500 acres of the Otero Ranch.
There are various dining establishments to choose from but Stables Ranch Grille & Bar stands out above the rest when it comes to picking favorites. The property is also home to the Red Lawrence-designed golf course that was made famous by Kevin Costner’s 1996 movie, Tin Cup.
While the course is a huge attraction thanks to its role in the Hollywood production, the resort is also very focused on the well-being of its visitors. This is evident in the on-site “earth-inspired” spa, which boasts nothing but world-class services, facilities and botanically derived products.
6. Rancho de Los Caballeros — Wickenburg
If you’re looking for a getaway in true cowboy style, Rancho de Los Caballeros has been waiting for your visit for more than 75 years. The ranch is nestled on 18,000+ acres of beautifully maintained desert land. Horseback riding forms the backbone of this resort and they cater to all ages, with popular children’s riding experiences.
Rancho de Los Caballeros also houses premier golf facilities, including a pro golf shop, a golf clinic and the Los Caballeros Club Grill, which is the perfect place to end your game with ice-cold drinks. The main golf attraction, though, is the 1980 Los Caballeros Golf Club, listed as one of Arizona’s top five courses according to Golfer’s Choice. The course features 18 holes of championship-caliber golf and picturesque views of the Bradshaw Mountains.
For your well-being needs, The Spa at Los Caballeros is a secluded oasis where you can unwind and leave completely rejuvenated. From yoga sessions to hot stone body massages and pampering facials, the spa offers every service you could possibly need to relax your muscles before and after golf.
About the author:
Jason Young is the co-founder of Fidis Travel and also its main editor. His role includes reviewing and fact-checking articles from Fidis Travel’s contributors and — of course — writing pieces himself. When he’s not traveling or writing, he spends his time playing golf or practicing musical instruments.
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