Scottsdale Event Offers A Unique Taste Of The PGA Tour

What hushed reverence is to Augusta, what respect for long-standing tradition is to the British Open, what tight fairways are to the U.S. Open, so too is the festive atmosphere that characterizes the early season revelry that will take place the first week of February in Scottsdale, Az.

“I’m from Minnesota. That’s where I grew up. I have buddies who come down every year. It’s a routine. It’s a ritual and they come down and they love it,” said Alex Clark, this year’s tournament chairman for the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.

“It’s one of those bucket list types of events. Obviously, everybody would love to go to the Masters, but there are only so many tickets at the Masters. (The Waste Management Open) is one of those events that clearly is unique,” added Clark.

While all the trappings of a PGA Tour event will be obvious when this year’s version takes place Feb. 2-5, the Waste Management Open will also have the rowdy 16th hole or the bacchanalia that is the after-hours Birds Nest among the features that have made it one of the most unique events on tour.

“We’re not like a normal tournament. We’re an event and there’s a golf tournament around it,” said Clark.

“You can see it on TV, but until you’ve experienced it, you really haven’t had a taste,” he added.

Sitting on the par three 16th is a good example of Clark’s theory. It’s there that you will hear the college fight song for different players as they come to the tee, but if that player misses the green, he will be soundly booed.

Some players occasionally try to soften the effect of the crowd by firing hats into the stands as they make their way from tee to green at the 16th, which usually puts them back into favour even if they did miss on their shot.

A few years ago, Fred Funk got the crowd worked up by signaling to “raise the roof,” which drew a loud cheer from the stands. How often do you see players interacting with the crowd during play at other tournaments? Such is the effect of the infamous 16th.

Even with that, the proceedings are suitable for family viewing, which makes sense. The Thunderbirds, the community group that organizes the tournament, routinely sends proceeds to anywhere between 100 and 200 local charities every year, many of them children’s charities.

“I consider it the greatest community event in Arizona,” said Clark, adding that purchases of corporate skyboxes are up considerably this year.

“Corporate people love the fact that they are investing their dollars to entertain their guests and their clients and those dollars turn around and go back into the community for great causes,” he added.

The bonus for visitors, whether they’re with their families or just a group of guys down on a golf junket, is that they can tee off early in the day at one of several championship courses in the area and be to the tournament by noon.

They can finish the day listening or dancing to live bands at the off-course, but nearby, Birds Nest or taking in the nightlife of Scottsdale, which hits a high peak during tournament week.

“There are plenty of groups that come down here for golf, the Open and the Nest,” said Clark. They mix in all three and they have an absolute blast.

“If it’s couples or a guys’ trip or what have you, it’s definitely a lot of fun to be at for all,” he added.

Resorts in the Scottsdale area are also offering package deals that may apply during tournament week and into the spring. For more on that, click here.

For more on the Waste Management Open, click here and here.

 

Just like Christmas, Scottsdale Has Packages

(Advertorial) Scottsdale is offering a variety of packages designed to help visiting golfers get an early start to their seasons, while taking in other events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open and baseball’s spring training.

The Waste Management Open, one of the most well-attended events on the PGA Tour, takes place Feb. 2-5 at TPC Scottsdale, while 15 Major League Baseball teams take part in the Cactus League spring training season in March in the Scottsdale area.

The Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau has compiled a selection of golf packages that allow golfers to combine the game with other activities.

Longbow Golf Club

The Going Yard Spring Training package includes a three-night stay at the Hyatt Place Scottsdale, with complimentary breakfast and three rounds of golf at ASU Karsten, Eagle Mountain and Longbow Golf Club. Also included are two tickets to a Chicago Cubs spring training game.

The package price starts at $275 per person/per night, based on double occupancy. The offer is valid until March 31.

Zona Hotel & Suites

The Zona Tour Package includes accommodations in a one, two, three or four-bedroom suite and four rounds of golf at Grayhawk (Raptor and Talon courses), and TPC Scottsdale (Stadium and Champions courses). Arrive on Sunday and your fourth night is free.

This package starts at $1,020 based on double occupancy, or $1,245 for single occupancy. The offer is valid Feb. 26 to March 29, based on availability. The free night must be used during the same stay.

Millennium Scottsdale Resort and Villas

The Just Bring Your Swing! package include accommodations, one round of golf for two people, two sleeves of golf balls, complimentary bottled water and waived resort fee for $259 per night, based on double occupancy

The offer is valid throughout the spring.

Scottsdale Plaza Resort

The Spring Training Special includes deluxe guest room accommodations, 25 per cent off in The Salon and Day Spa and 25 per cent off at Remington’s Restaurant for $209 per night through April 4.

The Boulders Resort

The One For All package includes accommodations in a resort casita, one round of golf per adult for each paid room night, unlimited daily tee times for two, unlimited use of the golf practice and tennis court facilities, one 50-minute Golden Door Massage (not per person) and unlimited use of the Golden Door Spa facilities.

The price is $645 per night, Jan. 27 to April 7 and $595 per night, April 8-28.

The Golfcation package includes two nights of casita accommodations, two rounds of golf, complimentary cart, Hot Stix Performance Center clubfiting, unlimited use of the Golden Door Spa facilities and unlimited fitness classes.

The package price, based on double occupancy, is $899 per night Jan. 27 through April 7 and $849 per night April 8 to 28.

Royal Palms Hotel and Spa

The Hole In One package includes one night of luxury accommodations, two rounds of golf at the nearby TPC Scottsdale Champions course, complimentary Royal Palms golf balls and a complimentary resort fee.

The package price starts at $912 per night and is valid through Dec. 31, 2012.

For more information, click here.

Alternative To A Short Course? A Course Within A Course, Of Course

It’s no secret that affordability and time are two of the greatest challenges facing golf these days, but what if you could offer your members/guests/daily fee golfers an alternative and grow the game for the future at the same time?

Golf courses around North America are not only building short courses, but more and more are also adapting short courses within their traditional 18-hole layouts. Read more

Book Directly With Scottsdale Courses

(Advertorial)

Despite the proliferation of third party tee time providers in recent years, availability and rates in Scottsdale, Az., are comparable by booking directly with the golf courses.

OB Sports, which manages courses such as We-Ko-Pa, Eagle Mountain, McDowell Mountain and Longbow, offer a “Best Rate Guaranteed,” that ensures direct booking online will result in the best available price, best access, a 48-hour cancellation with no penalty and no prepayment required.

Other Scottsdale-area golf courses offer similar guarantees, but some, such as Grayhawk Golf Club, do not make tee times available through third party providers at all.

36-hole rates

Several of Scottsdale’s most popular clubs offer savings to guests who play more than one round.

TPC Scottsdale, for example, features two 18-hole courses including the Stadium Course, home to the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, and the recently remodeled Champions Course.

TPC Scottsdale has a deal in which you can play both courses with lunch on the same day for roughly the same price as playing just the Stadium Course.

Other multi-course properties such as We-Ko-Pa, Grayhawk, Troon North and Talking Stick offer similar savings.

Golfers can also “like” Scottsdale courses on Facebook, follow them on Twitter or join their e-mail or text lists for insider specials.

Short Courses

An emerging trend in Scottsdale is the short course, designed to be played at a fraction of the cost and time of playing a traditional 18-hole round to allow visitors to enjoy other amenities and sights in the Valley of the Sun.

They are also designed to introduce the game to newcomers, setting them up as ideal locations for family golf.

Leading the way is the renowned Troon North. Dubbed the Monument Express, a nine-hole executive layout measures just 1,500 yards. Current rates are $20 per adult, while children under 15 play free with a paying adult.

Shorter courses are now available at the Boulders Resort, with holes ranging from 100 to 200 yards on these picturesque courses.

Other deals are available for off-peak season play including the summer months, September through December and May.

For more information, click here.

Scottsdale Offering Fall Packages

(Advertorial)

Resorts in Scottsdale, Ariz., are offering Canadian golfers packages and deals for them to take advantage of its warm days and cool nights in the fall. All prices below are quoted in U.S. dollars.

The Boulders

The Boulders is offering its One For All Package that includes nightly accommodations in a resort casita, a $25 per person food and beverage credit, one daily round of golf for two people and unlimited use of the practice facilities.

The package also includes unlimited time on the tennis court, one 50-minute Golden Door massage per night (for one person), unlimited use of Golden Door Spa facilities, valet parking and complimentary wired/wireless Internet.

Package rates start at $649 from Sept. 30 to Dec. 22.

JW Marriott Camelback Inn and Spa

The Fling + Swing Package offers accommodations in a deluxe, pueblo style guestroom and a $50 nightly resort credit.

The package also includes unlimited golf, preferred rates and rental discounts at Camelback Golf Club, high-speed wireless Internet, unlimited local and domestic long distance calls and a complimentary appetizer after 4 p.m. with purchases of an item of equal or greater value at various restaurants/bars.

It also includes complimentary meals for kids 12 and under from the Rita’s Kitchen kids’ menu, 15 per cent off gift and clothing purchases at the resort, spa and golf shops, complimentary shuttle to Camelback Golf Club and complimentary two-hour tennis and bicycle rental.

Package rates begin at $169 per night through Dec. 30. When booking, use the promotional code ZJ5.

Xona Resort Suites

With a four-night stay, Xona’s golf concierge can book guests on to courses such as TPC of Scottsdale, Grayhawk Golf Club, Superstition Mountain Golf Club and Wildfire Golf Club.

Xona’s Fall Tour Package includes four nights with the fourth night free, four rounds at your choice of the courses listed above and a daily $20 food and beverage credit per person at Xona’s restaurant and lounge.

Package rates start at $865 Oct. 11 through Dec. 31 and vary based on single or double occupancy.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

The Troon Golf Package combines five-diamond accommodations with golf on the Troon North Golf Club’s Pinnacle and Monument courses.

Located in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, the Troon Golf Package includes a complimentary replay after a paid round (one per paid night, based on availability), breakfast credit for two daily (up to $65), complimentary use of a golf cart and casita accommodations.

Package rates begin at $631 per night through Dec. 31 and vary based on single or double occupancy.

Westin Kierland Resort and Spa

Located in the heart of Scottsdale, the Westin Kierland offers 27 holes, Segway and climate-controlled golf carts, ProFit custom clubfitting, FORE-MAX golf fitness training and more.

Package rates that include unlimited golf start at $359 per night through Dec. 31. Advanced tee times are required for each guest’s first tee time of the day.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch

The Fall Golf Package includes accommodations and one round of golf per day for two players, as well as breakfast each day for two.

Package rates begin at $499 per night through Dec. 31.

For more information, see the respective resort websites and for more on Scottsdale, click here.

Alice Cooper, Mr. Baseball And Other Scottsdale Tales

Not being one to rank one golf course or destination over another, I will say that Scottsdale has provided me with a vault of great memories from previous trips and I hope to get back there in the next few months with fall now upon us.

For reasons of transparency, I will point out that the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau has recognized the value of the Canadian golf industry and would like to welcome its denizens this winter through an advertising campaign with GNN. Read more

Scottsdale Offers Lower Prices In Fall Months

With global economic conditions bleak and foreboding, Scottsdale is trending positively in a travel industry hit so hard the past few years, according to Laura McMurchie, vice president of communications for the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.

That’s not to say that there’s any room for complacency in a city that relies on welcoming visitors, particularly those who tote golf clubs, to Arizona’s Valley of the Sun.

“Scottsdale’s occupancy has been on a steady increase, so we’re quite pleased with that. The rates are still lower than what they were a few years ago, so from a hotel standpoint, they’re still trying to build back up to the numbers they had in the past,” she said.

“People began to realize that they had some buying power and that’s something that consumers are not readily going to forget. People still are looking for a deal. They know that it is a buyers’ market,” said McMurchie, adding that especially applies to golf.

“There are some amazing deals to be had out there and that’s one of the things that we’re trying to get across in our messaging is that Scottsdale is not just the $200 tee times,” she said.

Scottsdale has built a solid reputation as a golfing mecca and its renowned high end courses may represent a treat for visitors to play in an itinerary that also includes more affordable prices.

“We have an array of golf courses at different price points. One of those things to look for are the off-peak season rates,” said McMurchie.

There’s no time like the present. As Canadian golf operations begin closing down or slowing down with winter approaching, the autumn months in Scottsdale are one of those off-seasons to take advantage of before high season kicks in from January to May.

“That’s a great time to visit. The weather is fantastic through the end of the year,” said McMurchie, adding that tourism kicks into high gear after the New Year, particularly when the wildly-popular Waste Management Phoenix Open is played at TPC Scottsdale.

The Scottsdale stop on the PGA Tour is unique to say the least, particularly with its rowdy 16th hole, its after tournament party place, the Birds Nest, and its festive spirit that makes it a golf event like no other.

“The Waste Management Phoenix Open is just such an important event for us because it is the most highly-attended tournament on the PGA circuit,” said McMurchie, adding that television exposure also showcases Scottsdale golf.

“It’s a lifestyle event,” she said. “It’s something that everybody goes to, kind of like the Calgary Stampede.

“It’s a coming-together of the community, it’s people from out of town celebrating the best we have to offer from the tournament itself to great, sunny weather. Everyone’s in good spirits and having the entertainment components at night, it rolls over into a few days of fun,” she said.

The presence of the Waste Management Phoenix Open offers hardcore golfers a combined opportunity to play and watch a PGA Tour event in a unique setting, but at any time, according to McMurchie, there is something for everybody with its spas, restaurants, night life and family programs.

“We’re actually very well-positioned for families. (Resort) properties have extremely well thought-out kids’ programs that aren’t just babysitting programs,” she said.

“They are activities that really allow the families together or just the kids to really get to know the destination. The kids might be weaving their own Navajo rugs or mining for different minerals,” she said.

For more on Scottsdale, click here.

Scottsdale Golf By The Numbers

It’s no secret that Scottsdale is a golfers’ haven, especially in the winter when temperatures are pleasant, so here’s a quick rundown of facts and figures you might like to know while planning your winter getaway. The Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau goes by the numbers when you click here.