?>Twin Desert Gems
Set amid spectacular desert foothill scenery on land owned by
the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (480-836-9000, WeKoPa.com)
has established itself as one of the premier public golf destinations in
America, sporting not one but two
award-winning layouts. In fact, Golfweek placed the two courses at We-Ko-Pa as
Nos. 1 and 2 on its 2007 ranking of Arizona daily-fee tracks. Both showcase
dramatic mountain scenery and provide a natural experience, with no homes or
commercial developments to distract from the golf.The Cholla course, a 7,225-yard Scott Miller design that opened to
immediate acclaim in 2001, blends traditional desert golf shotmaking—target
fairways and greens protected by bunkers and native areas—with numerous
risk-reward opportunities. Long hitters will have many chances to shave yards by
challenging doglegs or carrying hazards. Strategic thinkers will be rewarded
with generous approach angles for shots played to proper position. Have your
camera ready when you arrive at the fifth hole, a 207-yard par-three set in a
small box canyon, but make sure your game is on by the time you reach the
demanding conclusion to the front nine, the 605-yard par-5 eighth and the
459-yard par-4 ninth, with its cluster of centerline bunkers.
The Saguaro course, designed by the acclaimed team of Coore and Crenshaw,
is among the most unique of all desert courses. “There was good movement in the
land,” Coore says, “so we were able to do some things that you don’t usually
find on desert courses.” The Saguaro allows golfers ample opportunities to play
the ground game. It’s also surprisingly walkable, particularly when using the
motorized speedcarts available for rental. Pay attention to Coore and Crenshaw’s
frequent use of tie-ins between green and tee, a rarity among desert golf
courses. The course will keep you thinking, especially at the split-fairway
14th, a 538-yard par-five that features a dry wash dividing the hole into two
distinct playing options.
After your round, relax by the firepit in the spectacular
21,000-square-foot Yavapai-themed clubhouse, home to one of the top golf shops
in the nation. You might also choose to work on
your game at We-Ko-Pa’s outstanding practice facility. If We-Ko-Pa seems
like too much to cover in a single day, inquire about stay-and-play packages at
the adjacent Fort McDowell Radisson Hotel and Casino.
Believe in Excellence
Jack Nicklaus and developer Lyle Anderson go together like
margaritas and Mexican food, or, perhaps like Arizona and great golf community living.
Nicklaus and Anderson began working together more than 30 years ago and helped
transform the East Valley of metropolitan Phoenix into a prestigious golf and living
destination. Superstition Mountain (877-983-3300,
SuperstitionMountain.com), set in the foothills of the legendary mountains of
the same name, is a 927-acre private golf community combining metropolitan
living with a stunning countryside setting.
The land here was first settled by Salado cliff dwellers more than a thousand years ago.
Since then, people have flocked to it for its beauty and the claims of gold in
the earth below. Today, residents and members mine not for gold but for birdies
on two award-winning Nicklaus courses. The Prospector, a 7,193-yard test, played
host the Safeway International on the LPGA Tour. It also welcomed the 2002
Countrywide Tradition, one of the Champions Tour majors. The 7,351-yard Lost
Gold course has hosted the Senior Slam, which brings together the winners of the
four Champions Tour majors each year. Both play through the foothills and
feature generous landing areas flanked by boulders and dry washes,
well-protected targets and fast greens. Members have unlimited access to golf on
both courses, ensuring that the challenge never grows old.
Golf and social memberships are available with all members enjoying use
of the nearly 50,000-square-foot Tuscan-themed clubhouse, with men’s and women’s
locker rooms, private terraces and dining room, library, 11 stone fireplaces and
courtyards designed for member gatherings.
The residences at Superstition Mountain are as unique and varied as the
residents themselves. Choose from homesites, custom homes, luxury villas or
casitas. Each village provides marvelous views and an elegant neighborhood feel,
with architectural styles that complement the sublime beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Superstition Mountain is located in Pinal County, where 73 percent of the land is
designated as open space for hiking, biking and off-road exploring. Meanwhile,
the rich cultural and entertainment facilities of Phoenix are just a short drive away.
