Having earned a five-star rating from Golf Digest (the only one to do so in Arizona) – putting it shoulder to shoulder with such celebrated golf courses as Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach Golf Links and Bethpage Black – perhaps Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia is not exactly “hidden.” However, it is often overlooked by golfers seeking the very best Arizona has to offer, and that is a big mistake.

“Golf hole for golf hole, shot for shot, this course stacks up favorably against any in the state,” said Greg Ellis, General Manager of Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia. “We’re kind of tucked into a very beautiful, but quiet part of the Valley. People sometimes forget about us. But, this area is really coming into its own, and I don’t think that will be the case much longer. I look forward to the day when our golf course is regularly mentioned in the same breath as some of our more high-profile competitors. We’re that good and people are starting to understand that.”

The golf course of which Ellis is so proud is one of the best examples of storied Arizona golf course architect Gary Panks’ work. During his career, Panks created such heralded courses as Grayhawk Golf Club’s Talon Course, Sedona Golf Resort and Firerock Country Club. Yet it is at Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia where he displayed the true depth and breadth of his talents.

The golf course stretches to 7,259 yards with outstanding views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. However, Panks drew his inspiration for the design from the wild, untamed grasslands of southeastern Arizona where he enjoyed hunting. Like the remote Sulfer Springs Valley between the Chiricahua and Dragoon mountains, Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia has a natural flow to its topography that lends itself to a style of golf that is somewhere between typical desert golf and a links-style experience.

“It’s not really a links course,” said Ellis. “But, it gives you some of those types of options. You have to take into consideration what the contours of the ground will do to your shot once it lands. You have to think your way around. You can’t just hit it out there if you’re going to score well. You’ve got to plan where you want your ball to end up. It’s a different, more interesting, style of play than what a lot of golf courses offer.”

Adding to the not-quite-links feel, the fairways at Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia are framed by lush native grasses that, combined with the overall landscape palette, give the golf course a character all its own.  Typical of its charms is the 3rd Hole. It’s a 416-yard dogleg left par 4. The fairway runs out at about 270-yards tempting players to hit driver, but not always allowing it. Again – players have to think about their shots. From the landing area, the elongated green is partially obstructed by native grass and a deep arroyo. A good shot is anyone that holds the green.

Aside from the quality of golf Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia offers, the value it represents cannot be beat. The golf experience is every bit the equal of Arizona’s other “super courses,” but it is offered at a fraction of the cost. Current high-season green fees run $139 (even less for Arizona residents) and special deals often are available on the club’s website, www.trilogygolfclub.com/vistancia.

V’s Taproom, Now Open
Making the trip to Trilogy Vistancia even more enticing is the recent opening of V’s Taproom adjacent to the golf club. V’s offers up an eclectic blend of inventive dishes in a relaxed, yet sophisticated, environment that’s totally in keeping with the surrounding vibe.  Having 16 craft-brewed beers as well as gluten-free cider and four excellent wines on tap doesn’t hurt either.

The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients with items made from scratch daily. Selections range from the delicious Kale Veggie Salad to the restaurant’s signature “Millionaire Burger” and four-hour braised short rib street tacos to exceptional pasta dishes like the Tagliatelle Bolognese and Basil Chicken Pasta.

The ambiance is set with upscale, intimate booth seating around unique butcher-block style tables made of indigenous Arizona mesquite wood. Large windows bring in natural light and beautiful views of the golf course and desert beyond. A large indoor-outdoor bar leads to an expansive patio while multiple flat-screen televisions (including a massive 70-inch set) allow for comfortable viewing both indoors and out.

Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia is located in Peoria, Arizona near Loop 303 and Vistancia Boulevard and is easily accessible from anywhere in the Valley. The golf club is proud to be among the network of Shea Homes-owned golf facilities throughout the American West. For more information or tee times, please call 623.328.5100 or visit www.trilogygolfclub.com/vistancia. For information on making Trilogy your home, visit www.trilogylife.com/Vistancia.