FORE Magazine

Top Menu

  • About Me
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Home

Main Menu

  • Current Issue
  • Profiles
  • Travel
  • Equipment
  • 19th Hole
  • Classic Course
  • FORE Her
  • More
    • Know the Rules
    • Handicap Hints
    • SCGA Junior
    • Where Are They Now?
    • News
    • Governmental Affairs
  • scga.org
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login

logo

FORE Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Profiles
  • Travel
  • Equipment
  • 19th Hole
  • Classic Course
  • FORE Her
  • More
    • Know the Rules
    • Handicap Hints
    • SCGA Junior
    • Where Are They Now?
    • News
    • Governmental Affairs
  • scga.org
TravelWinter 2016
Home›Travel›Cactus Makes Perfect: Spring Training and the Sonoran Desert Make Phoenix the Ideal Spring Golf Getaway

Cactus Makes Perfect: Spring Training and the Sonoran Desert Make Phoenix the Ideal Spring Golf Getaway

By Chris Duthie
January 1, 2016
3761
0
Share:
Baseball Spring Training

For nearly seven decades, Phoenix has been a spring training haven for Major League Baseball. It was in 1947 when Bob Feller’s Cleveland Indians and Mel Ott’s New York Giants first set up shop in the Valley of the Sun, birthing the newly minted Cactus League and paving the way for an annual desert pilgrimage since enjoyed by millions of sports enthusiasts.

Peoria FieldFourteen MLB teams, including the San Diego Padres and the 2015 World Series champions Kansas City Royals, now make the region their home throughout the month of March, with all game staged within a 35-mile radius in saguro-spiced Phoenix. It’s called “Cactus Makes Perfect,” not just for pitch-and-hit athletes but also for golfers — who drive, pitch and putt their way through the area’s 250 golf courses, most designed by top names like Coore/Crenshaw, Nicklaus, Dye, Weiskopf, Fazio, Jones and Morrish.

It all adds up to a perfect-game golf and baseball vacation.

Camelback Ranch: 10710 West Camelback Road; Glendale; 623-302-5000 camelbackranchbaseball.com

THE OLD BALL GAME: Spring training headquarters for the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, the 13,000-seat Camelback Ranch complements Glendale’s sprawling “sports and entertainment district” that includes University of Phoenix Stadium (home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals), Gila River Arena (NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes) and an array of shopping and dining options when fans hunger for more than the stadium’s signed souvenirs, suds and “Dodger Dogs.” Pro tip: Arrive early — parking is free — and score player autographs on the infield’s third-base side.

PERFECT STAY: For plush and memorable overnight accommodations, reserve a luxury casita at The Wigwam, located 11 minutes southwest of the stadium in nearby Litchfield Park. This historic resort offers award-winning dining, an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, tennis, swimming, fitness center and three 18-hole golf courses including two crafted by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. wigwamarizona.com

PLAY: Nearby golf recommendations include 36-hole Palm Valley GC (crafted by Arthur Hills and Hale Irwin) and Verrado GC (John Fought/Tom Lehman). For mouth-watering cuisine, look no further than Restaurant Atoyac Estilo Oaxaca (Mexican) and Vincent Guerithault’s Market Bistro (French), both ranked on Zagat’s Top 20 Phoenix Restaurants list.

Peoria StadiumPeoria Sports Complex: 16101 N. 83rd Ave.; Peoria; 800-677-1227 peoriasportscomplex.com

THE OLD BALL GAME: Frequently a sellout for its home-base San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, 12,339-seat Peoria Sports Complex has upgraded its fan-pampering surrounds with fixed and shaded seating, better viewing, souvenir shopping and expanded socializing areas. Pro tip: Before opting for the All-You-Can-Eat Deck ticket upgrade ($20) and ordering from the copious menu of craft beers, stake out Autograph Alley near the right-field concourse to snare photos and autographs from your favorite players.

PERFECT STAY: Peoria is the northernmost of the Valley’s baseball stadiums, making The Boulders Resort & Spa in nearby Carefree the go-to for luxe-level overnights. The AAA Four Diamond property just completed an eight-month, multi-million-dollar renovation that included total bedroom-to-bathroom transformations to the 160 guest casitas, plus a fully revamped main lodge that offers new restaurant dining, enhanced group facilities and a revamped waterfall-over-boulders pool complex. theboulders.com

PLAY: Golfers are further spoiled by The Boulders’ exceptional 36-hole semi-private facility designed by Jay Morrish, with top-rated Quintero (Rees Jones) and Trilogy (Gary Panks) golf clubs nearby. For spectacular off-property dining, feast at innovative Brian’s Black Mountain Barbecue or the James Beard-lauded Chef Kevin Binkley’s Restaurant in nearby Cave Creek.

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick: 7555 N. Pima Rd.; Scottsdale; 888-490-0383 saltriverfields.com

THE OLD BALL GAME: Built in 2011 and shared by the Arizona Diamondback and Colorado Rockies, Salt River Fields is the Valley’s newest baseball park and an integral component of Talking Stick Resort’s collection of premier guest perks. Highlights of the posh 12,800-seat stadium include appetizing food and beverage, ample shade and lawn seating, three elevated “party decks” and concourse autograph sessions prior to every game. Pro tip: Ride the free trolley to and from downtown Scottsdale’s renowned bistros, bars, boutiques and art galleries. Games regularly sell out, so purchase tickets early.

PERFECT STAY: Deluxe accommodations are within walking distance at Talking Stick Resort, which also boasts a 300,000-square-foot gaming casino, award-winning dining, spa, concert venues — see legendary rock guitarist Joe Satriani in March — and 36-holes of Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw-crafted golf, ranked by Golfweek as among the very best in Arizona. talkingstickresort.com

PLAY: Upgrade your golf vacation by playing nearby 36-hole Troon North (Tom Weiskopf/Jay Morrish) or 36-hole Grayhawk (Tom Fazio and David Graham/Gary Panks), or go test your swing skills at TopGolf Scottsdale’s sensational new family fun center. Gourmet dining recommendations include Citizen Public House (steak and seafood) and Chef Richard Sandoval’s new Toro Latin Restaurant (Asian/Latin).

Scottsdale Stadium: 7408 E. Osborn Road; Scottsdale; 480-312-2586 scottsdaleaz.gov/scottsdale-stadium (12,000/1992)

THE OLD BALL GAME: Cactus League venue of the San Francisco Giants since 1992, 12,000-seat Scottsdale Stadium also anchors Old Town Scottsdale’s celebrated restaurants, clubs, boutiques and galleries. The stadium further indulges sports fans with Bay Area craft beers, Napa Valley wines and an all-inclusive food and beverage ticket upgrade within the shaded Charro Lodge arena ($85). Pro tip: On sunny days, opt for top-of-stadium bleacher seating for the shade and skin-cooling misters. Downtown Scottsdale offers free trolley transport and free public parking.

PERFECT STAY: For home-run luxury choose The Phoenician, a AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star property. Sited at the base of Camelback Mountain just minutes from Scottsdale Stadium, the 250-acre resort features six restaurants, 22,000-square-foot spa, 11-court tennis center, swimming, boutique shopping and 27 holes of Ted Robinson- and Homer Flint-designed golf. thephoenician.com

PLAY: Golfers also should reserve a tee time at nearby ASU Karsten Golf Club (Pete Dye) or Raven GC-Phoenix (Gary Panks/David Graham). Afterwards, steal up the Scottsdale Ale Trail to sample small-batch IPAs, ales and lagers at Fate Brewing, Goldwater Brewing, Craft 64, Two Brothers Taphouse, Papago Brewery and Union Barrel House. For extraordinary cuisine, dine at Mastro’s City Hall (steak and seafood), ShinBay (Japanese) or T. Cook’s (Mediterranean).

Angles Spring TrainingTempe Diablo Stadium: 2200 W. Alameda Dr.; Tempe; 888-796-HALO tempe.gov/diablo

THE OLD BALL GAME: Notch a grand slam memory at 9,785-seat Tempe Diablo Stadium, spring training digs for the Los Angeles Angels and its superstar slugger, Mike Trout. Back-dropped by rugged Twin Buttes, the ballpark is favored for easy access to players who indulge fans with autographs and photo ops. Pro Tip: Tempe Diablo Stadium is notorious for its limited shade. For better viewing, arrive early and request shaded seating on the first base side from Row W up in Sections 10-12 or Row U up in Sections 13-22.

PERFECT STAY: Minimize traffic concerns by staying at the Marriott Tempe at the Buttes, located an easy half-mile walk from the stadium and only three miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Amenities include newly renovated guest rooms, award-winning dining at Top of the Rock Restaurant, full service spa, fitness center, waterslide-equipped pool, tennis and desert hiking. marriott.com

PLAY: Golf is plentiful and within easy reach, including the Gary Panks-designed Legacy Golf Club, Raven Golf Club-Phoenix (Panks/David Graham) and Arizona Grand Golf Course (Forest Richardson). Foodies will savor the delectable offerings at Quiessence at The Farm (steak and seafood), or Aunt Chilada’s authentic Mexican fare and tequila bar at Arizona Grand Resort.

STADIUMS

Camelback Ranch
Teams: Chicago White Sox; Los Angeles Dodgers
Nearby Golf: Palm Valley Golf Club; Quintero Golf Club; Trilogy Golf Club; Verrado Golf Club; Wigwam Golf Club; Wildfire Golf Club

Goodyear Ballpark
Teams: Cincinnati Reds/Cleveland Indians
Nearby Golf: Golf Club of Estrella; Palm Valley Golf Club; Quintero Golf Club; Trilogy Golf Club; Verrado Golf Club; Wigwam Golf Club

Hohokam Stadium
Teams: Oakland Athletics
Nearby Golf: ASU Karsten Golf Club; Longbow Golf Club; Longbow Golf Course; Papago Golf Course; Raven Golf Club-Phoenix; Talking Stick Golf Club

Baseball DiamondMaryvale Baseball Park
Teams: Milwaukee Brewers
Nearby Golf: Arizona Biltmore Golf Club; Camelback Golf Club; Maryvale Golf Course; Papago Golf Course; Phoenician Golf Club; Wildfire Golf Club

Peoria Sports Complex
Teams: San Diego Padres/Seattle Mariners
Nearby Golf: Boulders Golf Club; Kierland Golf Club; Quintero Golf Club; TPC Scottsdale; Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia; Troon North Golf Club

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Teams: Arizona Diamondbacks/Colorado Rockies
Nearby Golf: Grayhawk Golf Club; Kierland Golf Club; McCormick Ranch Golf Club; Talking Stick Golf Club; TopGolf Scottsdale; Troon North Golf Club

Scottsdale Stadium
Teams: San Francisco Giants
Nearby Golf: ASU Karsten Golf Club; Papago Golf Course; Phoenician Golf Club; McCormick Ranch Golf Club; Talking Stick Golf Club; Wildfire Golf Club

Sloan Park
Teams: Chicago Cubs
Nearby Golf: ASU Karsten Golf Club; Longbow Golf Club; McCormick Ranch Golf Club; Papago Golf Course; Raven Golf Club-Phoenix; Talking Stick Golf Club

Surprise Stadium
Teams: Kansas City Royals/Texas Rangers
Nearby Golf: Quintero Golf Club; Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia; Wickenburg Ranch Golf Club; Wigwam Golf Club; Wildfire Golf Club

Tempe Diablo Stadium
Teams: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Nearby Golf: Arizona Grand Golf Club; ASU Karsten Golf Club; Legacy Golf Club; Papago Golf Course; Raven Golf Club-Phoenix; Whirlwind Golf Club

Previous Article

Set for Success: Already Accomplished, Alyaa Abdulghany ...

Next Article

Golf-Father: Eschewing a professional career, John Pate ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Chris Duthie

Related articles More from author

  • EquipmentWinter 2016

    Perdition, Hope and Great Big Bertha

    January 1, 2016
    By Jay Stuller
  • Travel

    Welcoming Colombia: Ready for Birdies and Business

    February 19, 2020
    By Judd Spicer
  • The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
    Travel

    Arizona: Three Places to Stay and Play on Your Next Visit

    October 1, 2014
    By George Fuller
  • Fall 2018Travel

    From Cow Town to Cabernet

    October 18, 2018
    By Robert Kaufman
  • Nicklaus Tournament Hole 9
    Travel

    Winter Golf in the California Desert: From one end of the Coachella Valley to the other, quality and choice are ...

    January 1, 2014
    By Ken Van Vechten
  • Carlsbad- Champions Course
    Summer 2015Travel

    Destination: Carlsbad

    July 1, 2015
    By Julia Pine

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Recent Posts

  • FeaturedProfilesWinter 2020

    Mind Your Tees And Q

  • FeaturedKnow the RulesSpring 2019

    Rules Mailbag: Our Rules Czars Answer Your Questions

  • FeaturedThe PodiumWinter 2021

    Ely’s Gift to Golf

  • FeaturedProfilesWinter 2021

    Farewell to Arms

  • FeaturedTravelWinter 2021

    Western Waltz: 18 Fave Holes From the Rockies to the Pacific

FOLLOW US

Facebook Fans
Twitter 0Followers
Instagram 0Followers
Youtube 0Subscriber
  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Western Waltz: 18 Fave Holes From the Rockies to the Pacific

    By Joe Passov
    January 19, 2021
  • Eternal Sportsman: The Dual Passions of Bode Miller

    By Judd Spicer
    January 18, 2021
  • Enchanted Valley: San Gabriel CC

    By Joe Passov
    January 17, 2021
  • The Rising Star of Gabi Ruffels

    By Matt McKay
    January 16, 2021
  • A Look Back in Time: The LACC’s Hope-Ware Collection

    By Judd Spicer
    January 16, 2021
  • The Diva Golfer

    By Azucena Maldonado
    January 31, 2017
  • The USGA’s Major Proposed Changes to the Rules of Golf

    By admin
    December 14, 2017
  • Stand By Me: Temecula Native Joe Skovron On Life As Rickie Fowler’s Caddie

    By Jonathan Coe
    October 26, 2016
  • Remembering Jim Murray: Best of the Best

    By Bill Dwyre
    February 14, 2017
  • Watching the Tiger Watchers

    By Andy Brumer
    February 20, 2018
  • free proxy list
    on
    December 5, 2018

    Top 4 College Golf Names You Need To Know

    Hello,I log on to ...
  • Adela C. Garcia
    on
    November 17, 2018

    Revolutionizing the “Ladies Club”

    Azucena Maldonado is a ...
  • Rose Sauceda
    on
    November 15, 2018

    Revolutionizing the “Ladies Club”

    Congratulations my lovely Amiga ...
  • Judy Carls
    on
    November 15, 2018

    The Gilded One: Eldorado CC

    Excellent magazine..thank you Judy Carls LPGA ...
  • SUE KNIGHT
    on
    October 19, 2018

    FULL HOUSE: First FORE Her Golf Outing

    I enjoyed the article ...

RECENT COMMENTS

  • free proxy list on Top 4 College Golf Names You Need To Know
  • Adela C. Garcia on Revolutionizing the “Ladies Club”
  • Rose Sauceda on Revolutionizing the “Ladies Club”
  • Judy Carls on The Gilded One: Eldorado CC
  • SUE KNIGHT on FULL HOUSE: First FORE Her Golf Outing
© 2016 FORE Magazine About Us | Contact Us | Advertise