As the PGA Tour prepares to shine the light on Arizona’s Golf acumen at this week’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, local golfers are once again reminded of the exceptional course selection we have at our fingertips. Serving as the “face” of a golf course and often acting as the first point of greeting is the golf clubhouse. And while stellar club facilities come in a multitude of flavors, here are five of our favorites (more of a compilation than a countdown), which boast standout amenities that set these clubs apart from the rest.
1. Encanterra
If you’ve ever seen a project designed by the famed Bing Hu, you’ll understand why Encanterra (pictured above), which was designed by the architectural giant, is so aesthetically different than any other club in the state. Aside from the fact that it is Arizona’s largest clubhouse (at more than 50,000 square-feet), the club presents marble hallway after hallway, stone archways and opulent entrances that entice serious luxury-loving members. Numerous pools, dining options, its acclaimed Alvea Spa and its championship golf course designed by The Lehman Group (headed by British Open Champion and Valley resident Tom Lehman), all combine to make Encanterra our pick for the most versatile club in the Valley. www.encanterragolf.com.
2. Desert Mountain Club
Desert Mountain makes our list for its ultra-packed golf club selection. When Jack Nicklaus touches a project, his world-class reputation follows. While Nicklaus’s six courses within the Desert Mountain community are the foundation of the development, each course’s own clubhouse (count them, six) serves as a distinct and individual representation for the particular course they serve. While amenities vary among the Desert Mountain’s golf clubs, top-notch service is a permanent fixture in each. www.desertmountain.com.
3. TPC Scottsdale
Frequently highlighted as the place where the pros play due to its post as host to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, TPC Scottsdale certainly lives up to it’s reputation as the facility that offers the “player experience.” Noteworthy conditions year round, 36 holes of golf and a decked-out clubhouse make TPC a mainstay on our list. If navigating the club’s Stadium course doesn’t bring out your inner pro, a visit to its no-frills steakhouse known simply as The Grill, surely will. Having earned five diamond designations, The Grill is a place where the pros eat even if they haven’t made a visit to the course that day—yeah, it’s that good. www.tpc.com/scottsdale.
4. Grayhawk Golf Club
As a public club, Grayhawk’s accessibility to the everyday golfer is one of its greatest selling points (especially when considering the caliber of golf that this 36-hole facility offers). As the former home to the Frys.com Open and frequent club choice for Pros that call the Valley home, Grayhawk has a long-earned reputation as a top, must-play facility in the state. What we love about Grayhawk is its no-fuss, golf-centric attitude. Need golf gear? The Club has one of the best selections of golf apparel in Arizona. Need a Drink? Phil’s Grill is the perfect place to unwind after the round (or before, if that’s your thing). Need a lesson? The Grayhawk Learning Center’s world-renowned instructors (Stan Utley, Paul Trittler and Jeff Yurkiewicz) have everything you need to get your game in shape. Point blank, any golf need starts and ends at Grayhawk. www.grayhawkgolf.com.
5. Mirabel
If an elegant ambiance is part of your golf necessity, North Scottsdale’s Mirabel is the ticket. The facility carries out a classy, up-scale vibe from entrance to tee to 19th hole. Its craftsman style architecture punctuated by intricate stone work and elegant beams provide a softer silhouette upon which to build your golf experience. Our favorite perk about the club—its impressively stocked rest stations scattered around the course. From imported beef jerky to hardboiled eggs to any sports beverage you can imagine, the club always surprises members with culinary finds around the course. www.mirabel.com.
