Few places in the world rival the stunning appeal of Sedona, Arizona’s red-rock country. Not only is it outwardly beautiful, some also claim a spiritual vortex swirls just below the surface facilitating prayer, meditation and healing. Most golfers could use a healthy dose of all three. But you don’t need to be an inter-dimensional traveler to enjoy golf in Sedona, so put down your crystals and pair-up with your spiritual guru for a transcendent round of golf at Sedona Golf Resort. 

Designed by Arizona icon, Gary Panks, the par-71, 6,646-yard golf course at Sedona Golf Resort works its way up, down, through and around some of the most intriguing country on the planet. Panks certainly started with a wonderful piece of ground that he carefully groomed to accentuate natural slopes and plunging arroyos. 

The golf course starts out with the uphill par-4 1st hole followed by the dramatically downhill par-3, 2nd hole. It’s peddle to the metal from there until running into the brutish par-5, 5th which earns its No. 1 handicap rating by playing to 623 yards — uphill. 

“At the first tee box you’re playing at about 3,600 feet, and as you continue further into the golf course, you climb up to the high point of the property at about 4,200 feet,” said Jeremy Hayman, Director of Golf for Sedona Golf Resort. “So, as your round unfolds, the views — and the golf holes — get better and better.” 

Holes 8 and 9 keep up the pressure until the golfers reach one of the most scenic holes ever drawn up: the par-3, 10th. Panks did a wonderful job orienting the layout to take full advantage of an extraordinary red-rock formation in the background. For this reason, it has become one of the most photographed golf holes in the Western U.S. The course then ambles along pleasantly with the par-4 12th and par-4 15th providing most of the challenge before finishing sheepishly, or mercifully, with a couple of high handicappers at the 17th and 18th.

Although the golf course is reason enough to frequent Sedona Golf Resort, that’s just where the fun begins. The clubhouse is a great place for a post-round beverage — overlooking the same wonderful views enjoyed on the golf course. There’s also a palpable romantic air to the setting. Weather tying the knot during an unforgettable ceremony or just tightening it a bit with an intimate dinner, the newly remodeled Juniper Grille sets the stage for passion.

Those who are also passionate about Mountain Biking will certainly enjoy the inaugural Sedona Bike & Brew Festival to be hosted at the club, August 22-23, 2014. The special event, believed to be the first of its kind, features a mountain bike race on the golf course.

“With all the wonderful places to ride in the area, mountain biking is a very popular sport around here,” said Hayman. “We’re looking forward to a unique and exciting race that will support a worthy organization. And, we’ll manage to have a little fun along the way.”   

The event kicks off at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 22 with rider registration and a leisurely group ride. The six-mile course will take the riders around all 18 holes, 80 acres of fairways, tee boxes, cart paths, natural and manmade features. Time trials start Saturday morning at 7 a.m. and will include six different competition classifications for men, women and juniors. Racing will conclude at the Juniper Bar & Grille with an awards ceremony, music and silent auction benefiting the Verde Valley Cycling Coalition. Four Peaks Brewery will also be onsite pouring 8 to 10 varieties of their local craft beers.  

Sedona Bike & Brew Partners include the Sedona Bike & Bean, Four Peaks Brewery, The Verde Valley Cycling Coalition, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, the Sedona Village Business Association, and the Red Agave Resort. 

After peddling — or playing golf — all day, competitors will need a place to rest and rejuvenate. Finding fantastic lodging options in this world-class destination is a snap. The Hilton Sedona Resort is only a lag-putt away. The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort and a couple of bed-and-breakfast inns — Las Posadas and Adobe Hacienda — are all within a half-mile of the club, and that’s only a few nearby options. 

Over the years, Sedona has mystified and mesmerized a host of travelers with its surreal beauty — the kind that must be experienced to be appreciated. And you don’t need to pray, meditate or require healing to participate. Simply visit SedonGolfResort.com or call 928.284.9355 to make a reservation in this one-of-a-kind destination.