{"id":2160,"date":"2016-05-23T15:25:50","date_gmt":"2016-05-23T22:25:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com\/bestof\/?p=2160"},"modified":"2016-05-23T15:25:50","modified_gmt":"2016-05-23T22:25:50","slug":"best-valley-2016-issue-sports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com\/bestof\/entertainment\/best-valley-2016-issue-sports","title":{"rendered":"Best of Our Valley 2016 Issue: Sports"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Melissa Larsen<\/em><\/p>\n

Regardless of your game of choice, the Valley is home to some of the sports world\u2019s topathletes, venues, courses and athletic-gear shops.<\/p>\n

Best 19th Hole:\u00a0<\/strong>Bernard’s at Ocotillo<\/strong><\/p>\n

After a day on the course, there is nothing quite like a hearty meal\u2014which golfers get to indulge\u00a0in at Bernard\u2019s at Ocotillo in Chandler. Diners sit down for a selection of pastas, seafood, steaks\u00a0and burgers on the waterfall patio\u2014with a view of the fairway\u2014or the beautiful interior space,\u00a0accented with arched wood beams. Don\u2019t miss the 19 th hole\u2019s Sunday brunch or happy hour,\u00a0available daily from 3 to 6 p.m. ocotillogolf.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Ocotillo-Golf-Resort-Bernard's<\/p>\n

Best Arizona Cheerleaders or Dance Team:\u00a0<\/strong>Arizona Diamondbacks Rally-backs<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Rally-backs are the D-backs in-game entertainment team that performs various duties at\u00a0home games and in the community, including crowd interaction, live promotions, greeting fans,\u00a0prize giveaways, crowd prompts and much more. The spirited team ensures that fans have an\u00a0enjoyable experience at every D-backs home game. arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"PHOENIX,<\/p>\n

Best Clubhouse Spa:\u00a0<\/strong>Alvea Spa, Encanterra, a Trilogy Resort Community<\/strong><\/p>\n

With a focus on rejuvenating the mind, body and spirit, Alvea Spa at Encanterra, a Trilogy\u00a0Resort Community in San Tan Valley offers a plethora of head-to- toe treatments\u2014which are\u00a0influenced by holistic ancient healing rituals of the area&#39;s native inhabitants\u2014in a calm desert\u00a0oasis. To soothe and hydrate skin as the temps begin to rise, try the aloe and lavender wrap or\u00a0signature Trilogy facial. For an over-the- top treat, request your service in the luxurious outdoor\u00a0spa rooms. Also a 2015 Winner!<\/i> alveaencanterra.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"encatnerra<\/p>\n

Best Custom Golf Clubs:\u00a0<\/strong>PING<\/strong><\/p>\n

PING was founded in the garage of Karsten Solheim in 1959. Nowadays, the family-owned\u00a0company is a household name, outfitting some of the leading pros in the sport of golf. (The\u00a0company was named after the \u201cping\u201d sound that the putter made upon striking the ball.) In\u00a0addition to offering clubs for men, women and junior golfers, PING also has a popular selection\u00a0of golf bags, gloves, hats and travel gear.\u00a0Also a 2015 Winner!<\/i> ping.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/p>\n

Best Golf Clothing & Shopping:\u00a0<\/strong>Hornacek\u2019s House of Golf<\/strong><\/p>\n

Family-owned and \u2013run since 1996, Hornacek\u2019s House of Golf offers competitive prices and\u00a0great service on the sale of sporting goods\u2014something that many big-box stores cannot offer. At\u00a0the Scottsdale shop, golfers will find quality brands like PING, Callaway, TaylorMade Golf and\u00a0Tour Edge Golf. hornaceksgolf.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Best Instructor:\u00a0<\/strong>Jason Reddington<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jason Reddington has been the director of instruction at Mirabel since 2010; in the summertime,\u00a0he also teaches at Forest Highlands in Flagstaff. Prior to his time in Arizona, Reddington spent\u00a0about seven years in Cleveland where he was the 2013 Northern Ohio PGA Teacher of the\u00a0Year.\u00a0Reddington is open to teach everyone and available to share his expertise with non-\u00a0members as well.\u00a0Also a 2015 Winner!<\/i> jasonreddington.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"jason<\/p>\n

Best Pro Sports Team:\u00a0<\/strong>Arizona Cardinals<\/strong><\/p>\n

After being this close to nabbing a spot at Super Bowl 50, the Arizona Cardinals truly showed\u00a0fans what they were made of during the 2015 season\u2014and it has locals revved up for the coming\u00a0season, kicking off Sept. 11. Not only does the team impress with its plays on the field, but its\u00a0work with Cardinals Charities is likewise admirable. Founded in 1990, the mission of Cardinals\u00a0Charities is to support programs designed to improve the quality of life and provide opportunities\u00a0for children, women and minorities locally. azcardinals.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Best Public Course:\u00a0<\/strong>Quintero Golf Club<\/strong><\/p>\n

Comprised of 828 acres, Quintero Golf Club was designed by Rees Jones and provides a pure\u00a0golf experience on a challenging championship course. The award-winning course (it has been\u00a0named \u201cAmerica’s Top 100 Modern Golf Courses\u201d every year by Golfweek since 2002) appeals\u00a0to players of all levels of expertise with its fine playing surfaces and the club\u2019s warm hospitality.\u00a0Also a 2015 Winner!<\/i> quinterogolf.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"OLYMPUS<\/p>\n

Best Sporting Event:\u00a0<\/strong>Waste Management Phoenix Open<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 2016 Waste Management Phoenix Open at the TPC Stadium Course was bigger than ever,\u00a0breaking three attendance records, including reaching more than 200,000 on Saturday and more\u00a0than 600,000 for the week, and welcoming the likes of Dierks Bentley and Robin Thicke to the\u00a0Coors Light Birds Nest. This year\u2019s champion was Hideki Matsuyama. The 2017 tournament is\u00a0scheduled for Jan. 30 through Feb. 5.\u00a0Also a 2015 Winner!<\/i> wmphoenixopen.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Best Sporting Goods Store:\u00a0<\/strong>Sport Chalet<\/strong><\/p>\n

From scuba gear to sleeping bags, softball cleats to snowboards, Sport Chalet is the Valley\u2019s\u00a0favorite stop for stocking up on quality sporting goods. At its five Valley locations, customers\u00a0can pick up sports gear for every member of the family as well as peruse the fan shop that carries\u00a0shirts, hats and more, representing your beloved pro and college teams. sportchalet.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Best Sports Venue:\u00a0<\/strong>Talking Stick Resort Arena<\/strong><\/p>\n

Located in Downtown Phoenix, Talking Stick Resort Arena is the proud home of the Phoenix\u00a0Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Arizona Rattlers. The arena is also a favorite performance venue for\u00a0today\u2019s top acts in music, with upcoming visitors including Selena Gomez (July 5), Adele (Aug.\u00a016 and 17) and Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas (Sept. 16). talkingstickresort.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Best Spring Training Field:\u00a0<\/strong>Salt River Fields at Talking Stick<\/strong><\/p>\n

At 140 acres, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale is a spacious spot for taking in\u00a0spring training games with mountain views and proximity to great dining, shopping and Talking\u00a0Stick Resort and Casino. Though it is the popular spring training home of the D-backs and\u00a0Rockies, the fields also host a slew of events year-round, like the Arizona Taco Festival, Street\u00a0Eats and the Balloon Spooktacular. Also a 2015 Winner!<\/i> saltriverfields.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Arizona<\/p>\n

Favorite Arizona Cardinals Player: Larry Fitzgerald<\/strong><\/p>\n

Larry Fitzgerald, lovingly known as Fitz to his many loyal fans, is one of football\u2019s most adored\u00a0players\u2014not only for the work he does on the field, but for his dedication to The Larry\u00a0Fitzgerald First Down Fund off the field. Fitz was the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft,\u00a0and he has played his entire career for the Cardinals. In January, the wide receiver helped\u00a0quarterback Carson Palmer record his first playoff win with eight catches for 176 yards.\u00a0Also a 2015 Winner!<\/i> larryfitzgerald.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/p>\n

Favorite Arizona Coach:\u00a0<\/strong>Kevin Guy, Arizona Rattlers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kevin Guy joined the Rattlers in 2007, after serving as defensive coordinator for the San Jose\u00a0SaberCats. Three years later, the Rattlers would post their first winning season since\u00a02004\u2014which started a championship game streak for the team: In 2014, Guy became the first\u00a0coach in AFL history to reach the championship game in four consecutive seasons, while leading\u00a0Arizona to a third straight title.\u00a0Also a 2015 Winner!<\/i> azrattlers.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

TIE: Favorite Arizona Diamondbacks Player:\u00a0<\/strong>A.J. Pollock and Paul Goldschmidt<\/strong><\/i><\/p>\n

First baseman Paul Goldschmidt is a three-time National League All-Star. This past season was a\u00a0stellar one for Goldy as he set career highs, and won a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger and was the\u00a0Wilson Defensive Player of the Year. A.J. Pollock is in his fifth season with the D-backs. The\u00a0outfielder was named to his first National League All-Star Team in 2015, and he won a Gold\u00a0Glove for his defensive performance in 2015. Paul Goldschmidt was also a 2015 Winner!<\/i> arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Phoenix,<\/p>\n

Favorite Arizona Rattlers Player:\u00a0<\/strong>Nick Davila<\/strong><\/p>\n

This arena football quarterback has been with the Rattlers since 2010. Hailing from California,\u00a0he played college ball with the University of Cincinnati. Since then, Davila has won four\u00a0West\u00a0Division\u00a0championships, four National Conference championships and\u00a0three\u00a0ArenaBowl\u00a0championships. azrattlers.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/p>\n

Favorite College Athletics:\u00a0<\/strong>Arizona State University<\/strong><\/p>\n

Students from around the globe head to Arizona State University to be a part of the legendary\u00a0Sun Devil Athletics program. Though it\u2019s no secret that ASU\u2019s football games, coached by Todd\u00a0Graham, are true crowd pleasers, the university also has popular golf (coached by Tim\u00a0Mickelson, brother of Best of Our Valley winner Phil), swimming, basketball and\u00a0softball\/baseball programs for both men and women, along with several other athletic programs\u00a0that bring on that Sparky spirit. thesundevils.com<\/a>. Also a 2015 Winner!<\/i><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Favorite Female Golfer:\u00a0<\/strong>Cristie Kerr<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cristie Kerr started golfing competitively at the age of 9 in Florida; today, Kerr has 18 LPGA\u00a0victories, eight Solheim Cup appearances, four Wendy\u2019s Three tour victories and more than 150\u00a0top 10 finishes under her belt. Outside of her work on the course, she founded Birdies for Breast\u00a0Cancer in 2003, which has raised more than $2.5 million and awareness to fight the disease. Kerr\u00a0now spends her time between her homes in Scottsdale and New York City.\u00a0Also a 2015 Winner!<\/i> cristiekerrgolf.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Favorite Male Golfer:\u00a0<\/strong>Phil Mickelson<\/strong><\/p>\n

A professional golfer since 1992, Phil Mickelson has 42 PGA Tour victories\u2014including five\u00a0major championships\u2014and his World Golf Hall of Fame induction to his name. (There are only\u00a0three more wins needed to join Walter Hagan at ninth on the all-time winner\u2019s list with 45\u00a0victories.) The former Arizona State University student is now in his 28th year with the PGA\u00a0Tour.\u00a0 philmickelson.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/p>\n

Favorite Arizona Coyotes Player:\u00a0<\/strong>Shane Doan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shane Doan, a right wing with the Arizona Coyotes, served as team captain for the 11th straight\u00a0season last year and finished fourth on the team in scoring. The Canada-born player has been\u00a0with the Coyotes (formerly the Winnipeg Jets) since he was a first-round draft pick in 1995.\u00a0Coyotes\u2019 current season ends mid-month.\u00a0Also a 2015 Winner!<\/i> coyotes.nhl.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Favorite Phoenix Mercury Player:\u00a0<\/strong>Candice Dupree<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is safe to say that Candice Dupree, who has been with the Phoenix Mercury since 2010, is a\u00a0busy woman. Not only is she a finalist for the 2016 Team USA at the Rio Olympics, a five-time\u00a0All-Star and a 2014 WNBA Champion, but she owns a women\u2019s boutique in Tampa and played\u00a0overseas in Prague this season. phoenixmercury.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Favorite Phoenix Suns Player:\u00a0<\/strong>P.J. Tucker<\/strong><\/p>\n

P.J. Tucker played overseas in Israel, Ukraine, Greece, Italy and Germany prior to coming to the\u00a0NBA; he signed with the Suns in 2012. He is a three-time winner of the Majerle Hustle Award\u00a0(the only player in Suns history to do so). Fun fact: Tucker owns more than 2,000 pairs of shoes.\u00a0suns.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Most Challenging Course:\u00a0<\/strong>The Gold Course, The Wigwam<\/strong><\/p>\n

Known as the \u201cArizona Monster\u201d due to its length and difficulty, the Gold Course at The\u00a0Wigwam was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The 18-hole, par-72 course , which opened in\u00a01965, features a challenging parkland layout. As lovely as it is challenging, the course features\u00a0tree-lined fairways, lakes and mature trees. Last year, it underwent an extensive renovation.\u00a0Also a 2015 Winner!<\/i> wigwamgolf.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"wigwam<\/p>\n

Most Philanthropic Athlete:\u00a0<\/strong>Kurt Warner<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kurt Warner, one of the most treasured Arizona Cardinals of all time, founded his nonprofit,\u00a0First Things First, in 2001. The intention was for Warner, along with his wife Brenda, to share\u00a0their blessings with others and to positively impact lives by promoting Christian values. Via the\u00a0foundation, children who are ill have experienced Disney World, rec centers have been built at\u00a0children\u2019s hospitals, single parents have been given homes and much more. kurtwarner.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Buy your copy of Arizona Foothills Magazine Best of Our Valley 2016 Collectors Edition issue<\/b> here<\/b><\/a> or get the digital version<\/b> here<\/b><\/a>.
\n<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Melissa Larsen Regardless of your game of choice, the Valley is home to some of the sports…\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":2184,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2160","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-entertainment","cs-entry","cs-video-wrap"],"yoast_head":"\nBest of Our Valley 2016 Issue: Sports<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"By Melissa Larsen Regardless of your game of choice, the Valley is home to some of the sports world\u2019s topathletes, venues, courses and athletic-gear\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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