2015 Spring Training Guide: Scottsdale

Colorado AvidGolfer

Colorado Rockies/Arizona Diamondbacks
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale
saltriverfields.com; 480-270-5000

PLAY

Before catching nine innings, get in a quick 18 holes at one of the two superbly conditioned courses at Talking Stick Golf Club, which offers two Coore/Crenshaw courses: the more open “links-style” North course and the tree-lined South. Adjacent to the Scottsdale Princess is TPC Scottsdale, whose Stadium Course (see below) annually hosts the highest-attended golf tournament in the world, the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Open. The Stadium costs $299 for a round; the TPC Champions is half the price and every bit its equal. A former Tour stop, Grayhawk Golf Club is home to the Tom Fazio-designed Talon and Raven courses.

> TPChanges: Watching this year’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, you might have noticed changes to the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, particularly on the much narrower 18th. Tom Weiskopf authored the $15 million in modifications, which include the relocation of four greens and the resurfacing of all 18, relocating and reshaping bunker complexes and re-grassing all teeing areas. Also new is Toro, the clubhouse restaurant. The Richard Sandoval creation fuses the distinct flavors of South and Central America with ingredients from Japanese and Chinese Peruvian cultures. Don’t miss the suviche (sushi and ceviche) bar or a cocktail made from one of 110 varieties of rum. tpc.com/scottsdale

On any week other than March 16-23—when the course hosts the JTBC LPGA Founders Cup— you can play one of the two layouts at Wildfire Golf Club, adjacent to the JW Marriott Desert Ridge. A straight shot west delivers you to the twin masterworks at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, while another two 36-hole treats await north of town: the Tom Weiskopf-designed Pinnacle and Monument courses at Troon North Golf Club in North Scottsdale; and Jay Morrish’s North and South Courses at The Boulders Club in Carefree.

STAY

For convenience to everything, you can’t top the $440 million Talking Stick Resort adjacent to the fields and courses. The resort includes 497 guest rooms, eight restaurants, a 240,000-square-foot casino, an expansive pool/ garden area with 20-plus cabanas and a worldclass, 13,000-square-foot, open-air spa. The majestic, sprawling luxury compound of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess features 830 stately guest rooms, suites and casitas, superb restaurants, five swimming pools and a spa with a rooftop oasis, waterfall and private courtyard.

At the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, pay a visit to the Scotch Library, highlighting more than 100 single malts and 25 blends, or take a Fore- Max Golf Training class with trainer Steve Heller. The 1,950-room JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa highlights an expansive spa, numerous pools and the unique Lazy River floating stream. Tucked into the Pinnacle Peak foothills, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (pictured below) drips with sophistication and exclusivity.

EAT

The Scottsdale area overflows with dining options. The above resorts all feature top-tier restaurants worthy of a week’s worth of unique meals. Hands down, three of the best are at The Princess: La Hacienda, Bourbon Steak, and Ironwood. The latter makes a memorable shrimp and lobster grilled cheese sandwich. The beautiful, brilliant Deseo at the Westin Kierland serves such inspired South American dishes as Millionaire Tacos (yucca tacos with lobster, ahi and Hamachi) and a savory bone-in pork chuleta, as well as the colorful canvases of Cuban artist-in-residence Nelson Garcia- Miranda. At Grayhawk Golf Club, Isabella’s Kitchen delivers American Italian favorites surrounded by the beauty of the Talon Course, while Grayhawk’s Quill Creek Café, offers a traditional American menu with everything from steaks to sandwiches. Also at Grayhawk, Phil’s Grill—a sports bar named for one-time Grayhawk regular Phil Mickelson—serves elevated pub fare and Phil memorabilia. Other like establishments include Zipp’s and ever-popular Don & Charlie’s.

DO

Shop the outdoor mall at Kierland Commons (pictured below), or take the kids to CrackerJax Family Fun & Sports Park. For local live music, hit Martini Ranch. The classic Old Town Scottsdale club experience waits at a The Mint, a former bank with a champagne bar, enormous alfresco lounge, and resort- style cabanas. The Thursday night ArtWalks along the galleries on Main Street are a 40-yearold tradition.

> One-Stop Scottsdale: For a superb one-stop shop for all things Scottsdale (including Spring Training packages), contact the extremely helpful Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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San Francisco Giants
Scottsdale Stadium
7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale
scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium; 877-473-4849

Play

In addition to being close to many of the same courses as Rockies and Diamondbacks fans are, aficionados of the 2014 World Series champions can tee off on the 27 Scott Miller-designed holes at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (pictured below). Nearby, you’ll find three more scenic nines authored by Ted Robinson at The Phoenician Golf Club, and another 36 holes on the Padre and Ambiente courses at Camelback Golf Club. Don’t overlook the Desmond Muirhead layouts at McCormick Ranch Golf Club or McDowell Mountain Golf Club, a “family friendly and fun to play experience for everyone,” according to owner Phil Mickelson.

> Don’t Even Think of Walking Here: Although it rents kilts to players who want them and features a bagpiper to signal the end of each day’s play, few courses are as untraditional as the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. The course makes Golf Bikes (pictured above), Segways and GolfBoards available to navigate the course. Climate-controlled carts are also an option. The novelties generate revenue and speed play. kierlandresort.com

> We-Go-Play

Formerly known as the Radisson Fort Mc-Dowell, the tribally owned We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center has rebranded itself to forge a closer affiliation with the award-winning 36- hole We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (pictured below). It’s a straight shot up the 87 from where the Cubs, Giants and A’s play—and 20 minutes from the Rockies’ home at Salt River Fields. Guests can take advantage of attractive stay-and-play packages, as well as exceptional dining at Ahnala Mesquite Room, treatments at Amethyst Spa, exciting casino gaming and myriad outdoor recreational opportunities such as horseback riding, standup paddle-boarding, river kayaking) through Fort McDowell Adventures. wekoparesort.com

STAY

In addition to Talking Stick, Westin Kierland and the other lodging options listed for Rockies and D-Backs fans, look into The Phoenician, J.W. Marriott Scottsdale and the Camelback Inn Resort and Spa.

EAT

A worldly trove of nearby restaurant riches includes The Mission, Rehab Burger Therapy, Jewel of the Crown; Eddie’s House and FnB.

DO

Check out Kazimierz World Wine Bar in Old Town Scottsdale, where the quaintness of the galleries, shops and restaurants contrasts with the chic vibe of Scottsdale Fashion Square, the largest mall in the Southwest.

RELATED LINKS

Spring Training Guide: The Southwest Valley – Peoria, Surprise and Goodyear

Spring Training Guide: Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa

Read the full Spring Trainng Guide here!

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