Arizona is chock-full of A-plus courses. But where do golfers go once the nine iron is done for the day? Here is a peek at the state’s most plush clubhouses where golfers can put their feet up after they tee up.
La Casa at Encanterra, A Trilogy Country Club
Location: San Tan Valley Architect: Bing Hu Builder: Shea Homes Size: 60,000 square feet
Those willing to trek to the San Tan Valley to La Casa at Encanterra have a pleasant surprise in store. In addition to all the makings of a blood-pumping workout, like a top-of-the-line athletic center and three pools (including a lap pool and an indoor exercise pool), La Casa also provides guests with more leisurely pursuits. The clubhouse is home to four restaurants as well as a full-service pamper palace, Alvea Spa, that specializes in body treatments, massages, nail services and more. www.lacasaprivateresort.com.
Desert Lodge Clubhouse at Mirabel
Location: Scottsdale Architects: Hart Howerton and Craig Roberts Builder: Linthicum Size: 32,000 square feet
Whether a member prefers a high-impact day on the tennis courts, a leisurely afternoon of bocce ball or to completely free themselves from any sort of racquet or club, the Desert Lodge Clubhouse at Mirabel offers an activity for everyone. To get the heart thumping, the clubhouse has a fitness center, which offers pulse-racing classes, as well as new Har-Tru tennis courts, where a USTPA-certified instructor can teach all the right moves. Relaxation seekers have the opportunity to take part in an uplifting treatment at the private day spa or some cabana time—complete with personal assistants—at the pool. www.mirabel.com.
Silverleaf Club and Spa
Location: Scottsdale Architect: Don Ziebell of Oz Architects Builder: Linthicum Size: 50,000 square feet
Accompanying its Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole championship golf course, Scottsdale’s Silverleaf Club and Spa offers a Rural Mediterranean-inspired design, alongside A-plus amenities, to its members. Post-putt, golfers can recharge within the spa facilities (perhaps with a healing hot stone massage or Watsu treatments), during a swim in the resort-style or lap pools or by indulging on the club’s fine and casual dining options. www.silverleaf.com.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain
Location: Marana Architect: Douglas Fredrickson Architects Builder: TL Roof & Associates Size: 45,000 square feet
After a day on the greens, golfers at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain kick up their feet in Marana’s Southwestern Ranch-inspired clubhouse. Distressed timbers, rusted steel accents, gas lamps and stacked stone contribute to the golf club’s cozy, indigenous look. The Southwestern theme is also carried out in the bill of fare at the clubhouse’s Cayton’s restaurant. Guests can dig into comforting eats like tortilla chowder, achiote-roasted chicken, Southwest meatloaf (served with chipotle ketchup) and, for dessert, churros with a trio of sweet sauces. www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain.com.
Chiricahua Clubhouse at Desert Mountain
Location: Scottsdale Architects: Barry Berkus and Bing Hu Builder: Linthicum Size: 25,500 square feet
Though there is plenty of gorgeousness to see and plenty of fun to do at Chiricahua Clubhouse at Desert Mountain, the spot’s can’t-miss attraction is Constantino’s restaurant. The luxe dining destination includes spots for both casual and formal feasting and design accents that include iron chandeliers, a centuries-old cutting board table and a 900-year-old tapestry. Constantino’s two-story wine cellar is the real scene stealer, holding 3,000 bottles (each of which are enhanced by the cellar’s temperature and humidity controls) and modeled after an olive tower of a Sardinian farmhouse. www.desertmountain.com.
Hacienda Clubhouse at Blackstone Country Club at Vistancia
Location: Peoria Architects: Jonathan Cowles and Bing Hu Builder: Wespac Construction Size: 30,000 square feet
Enhanced by the work of local artists and plenty of textural elements like brick, pebbles, stone, saltillo tile, acid-etched concrete and wood, Hacienda Clubhouse at Blackstone Country Club transports guests to
an Old World wonderland. Members also have the opportunity to get cozy in the three private dining rooms, including an intimate wine dining room; make a splash in three pools; lounge in the poolside cabanas; sweat it out in the fitness center, which also features a lineup of kid-friendly activities; or simply take a deep breath and soak in the 360-degree city-light and mountain views. www.blackstonecountryclub.com.
The Rim Golf Club Clubhouse
Location: Payson Architect: Cox-James Architects Builder: Wespac Construction Size: 29,000 square feet
Stepping into Northern Arizona’s The Rim Golf Club Clubhouse is much like stepping back in time. Reminiscent of an 1880’s frontier land baron’s manor, extraordinary design touches like the mantle crafted from reclaimed Mississippi River timber or the art that was commissioned specifically for The Rim pull off the unique look. The clubhouse shows off Payson’s natural beauty as well: the dining room’s 50-foot window wall allows glances of the majestic Mogollon Rim and Granite Dells. www.therimgolfclub.com.
