Golf: Desert Dreams

Taking full advantage of Scottsdale's spectacular Sonoran Desert scenery, some of the world's best course designers have created desert target golf, one of the sport's most unique experiences. These courses, created by legends such as Tom Weiskopf, George Fazio, Pete Dye and Arnold Palmer, use the desert's natural elements to create challenging shots and hazards. Towering saguaro cactus, boulders and washes become part of an experience golf enthusiasts would be hard-pressed to duplicate anywhere else in the world.

Examples include the famed course at The Boulders Resort(two 18-hole courses of 7,044 and 7,047 yards respectively); the Desert Mountain courses, Jack Nicklaus-designed (one traditional course and four desert courses, all more than 7,000 yards); and Eagle Mountain, the consummate target course created by Scott Miller (one 18-hole course, 6,755 yards).

Taking the concept even further, the aptly named Sanctuary Golf Course at WestWorldfeatures an element found nowhere else in the state – a wildlife sanctuary regulated by the Audubon International Institute.
Built with oversight by the prestigious organization and within the City of Scottsdale and Bureau of Reclamation storm water retention area, the course utilizes more than 6,900 yards of the land's natural terrain and vegetation. The 18-hole, par-71 course also features 80 acres of turf, 55 sand bunkers and multi-tiered waterfalls.