By Jeff Kogan
Golf in Arizona
Arizona has become a true golf mecca with more than 300 courses. But Arizona also offers golfers major PGA, LPGA and celebrity golf events, facilities run by some of the top golf instructors in the world, and two universities that have successful records in NCAA golf competition.
Winter Golf
With mild winter highs in the desert areas, you can enjoy golf while the family enjoys the pool.
"Snowbirds," as Arizonans affectionately call them, flock to the desert areas of Arizona to enjoy winter golf with no snow and 60-degree temperatures.
Not Just Desert Golf
Northern Arizona's higher elevations provide comfortable summer golf. The red rock beauty of Sedona provides spectacular views at several top-notch courses as well as great golf experiences around Flagstaff and Prescott.
Course Designs
All desert area courses are not just a lot of sand and cactus.
There are desert-target style courses and more traditional designs. These courses have been designed by some of the top names in golf, including Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Tom Weiskopf and Tom Lehman.
Golf Instruction
There are many sophisticated facilities providing PGA professional instruction.
Wanting to learn from scratch or needing a little help on one part of your game? The Phoenix and Tucson areas have some of the best golf instructors and facilities. There are even indoor facilities to stay out of the heat during the summer.
Professional Golf at its Best
The FBR Open at the TPC in Scottsdale attracts nearly 500,000 fans.
The PGA Tour holds a tournament at the TPC of Scottsdale in early February. The FBR Open attracts more spectators than any other tournament of the year.
Collegiate Golf
Both major universities in the state have long histories of successful collegiate golf. Arizona State University in Tempe and the University of Arizona in Tucson annually rate very high in Pacific-10 and national tournaments.
About the Author:
Jeff Kogan is an Arizona native with a marketing degree from Arizona State University. After a successful career in advertising as a creative writer, Kogan hit the road to follow his passion for Arizona. Kogan is now considered an expert, having logged more than 100,000 miles as an Arizona Tour Guide.
