Scottsdale Golf News Fall 2011 Photo courtesy of The Boulders Resort SHORT COURSE FOR THOSE SHORT ON TIME From spa dates to hot air balloon rides, Scottsdale visitors pack their vacations with top-notch activities, but don’t want to skimp on golf. Luckily, The Boulders Resort recognizes that. Beginning on Nov. 1, The Boulders will offer two new “short courses,” perfect for busy individuals who want to experience the resort’s nationally-acclaimed North or South golf courses but don’t have a full day to do so. Short-course golfers play nine, 100- to 200-yard holes instead of 18, allowing for a much faster game. After they’re done, golfers can enjoy upscale Southwestern fare at The Grille, which recently underwent a renovation with a new menu, furnishings and décor. FALL SPECIALS BECKON GOLFERS TO SCOTTSDALE The One for All package at The Boulders Resort combines all that is great about this desert retreat into one deal – spa, golf and dining. With rates beginning at $649, guests get nightly accommodations, $25 dining credit per person, daily round of golf for two with unlimited access to related facilities, one 50-minute experience at the Golden Door Spa, plus access to its world-class facilities. This package is valid through Dec. 22. The JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa’s Fling + Swing special starts at just $169 per night and includes a stay in a deluxe, Pueblo-style room, preferred rates at Camelback Golf Club, complimentary meals for kids under 12 at Rita’s Kitchen, and 15 percent off purchases at the golf shop. Guests also receive a $50 nightly resort credit. This package is valid through Dec. 30 Book the Fall Tour Package at the Zona Hotel & Suites Scottsdale and hit some of Scottsdale’s most famous links! For $865, golfers enjoy a four-night stay, four rounds of golf at courses like TPC Scottsdale and Grayhawk Golf Club, plus a daily $20 food and beverage credit per person. This package is valid through Dec. 31. Photo courtesy of The Boulders Resort PLAY LIKE THE PROS AT WASTE MANAGEMENT SCOTTSDALE OPEN TOURNY Golfers who have always dreamt of playing in a PGA TOUR event like the Waste Management Phoenix Open can now experience the thrill of playing in a truly world-class competitive event. The Waste Management Scottsdale Open is a two-person team event for low-handicap players competing in either gross or net division Jan. 13-15, 2012. Competitors will experience courses that define Scottsdale’s golfing culture including: the Monument Course at Troon North Golf Club, Raptor Course at Grayhawk Golf Club, and Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale – the same course the pros play during the legendary Waste Management Phoenix Open, which takes place two weeks later. The cost for each player is $895 and includes three competitive rounds of golf, a gift package, and pairings party and awards ceremony. Teams who rank in the top two of each division will be rewarded with trophies and prizes. Photo courtesy of The Boulders Resort ADDING BANG FOR YOUR BUCK IN SCOTTSDALE Scottsdale is known as one of the world’s finest golf destinations. Few, if any, golf destinations can match the city’s combination of ideal weather, top-tier resorts, championship golf courses and 19th hole attractions. However, among the lesser-known amenities in Scottsdale are the numerous avenues available to help golf travelers stretch their dollars during their visit. Here are a few tips from the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau to help travelers get the most bang for their buck: Book directly online – Many courses (including We-Ko-Pa and Eagle Mountain golf clubs) offer a best-rate guarantee ensuring the best available price to those who book direct. 36-hole rates – Several golf clubs with more than one course offer substantial savings to guests who book play on both courses. These rounds often do not have to be played in the same day to get this rate. Among those clubs who offer such savings are Grayhawk Golf Club, TPC Scottsdale and We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. E-mail, Text Specials – A relatively new trend, select Scottsdale golf courses routinely send out special offers to those who join their e-mail and text message lists or who follow them on social media. These offers are typically last-minute, but can represent substantial savings. Off-Peak Play – The most reliable option for gaining value is to visit during off-peak times of the year. Shoulder season (fall and late spring) and summer are prime times for budget-minded visitors. For more information about golf travel to Scottsdale, visit www.GolfInScottsdale.com Photos courtesy of The Boulders Resort