Sedona Golf Resort: High-Desert challenge in Arizona’s Scenic Red-Rock Country

Enjoy spectacular golf, incredible views, mountain biking and cold brews

One of the most photographed holes in the world, the 10th overlooks an iconic red-rock formation.
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Sedona is clearly one of the most scenic destinations in the US, if not the world.  Add the Grand Canyon to the mix and this region has been enchanting world-wide visitors since the pioneer days. Much has changed since the city first appeared on the map in 1902 – including Sedona Golf Resort – which stands as a fine example of modern luxuries now enjoyed alongside the same sweeping views discovered years ago.  

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 pedal 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, General Manager of 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-5 12th and par-4 15th providing most of the challenge before finishing sheepishly, or mercifully, with a couple 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. Whether 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 second-annual Sedona Bike & Brew Festival to be hosted at the club August 28-29. The special event, believed to be the first of its kind, features a mountain bike race on a golf course.

“With all the wonderful places to ride in the area, mountain biking is a very popular sport here,” said Hayman. “We’re looking forward to another 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 Friday afternoon with registration and a leisurely group ride.  The six-mile course will take the riders around all 18 holes, 400 feet of elevation change, and 90 acres of fairways, tee boxes, and cart paths. After the ride, participants are encouraged to enter the short-track race followed by opening-night festivities featuring music, food and cold beer at Sedona Golf Resort’s Juniper Bar & Grille. 

The next day, the 6-and-under Junior Division will kick off the competition with a 300-yard dash. Two more Junior Divisions will follow (12-7 and 13-17) before the racers in the Women’s Sport Division take a lap. Then it’s the men’s turn in the Sport Division to do the same.

Finally, the race for the Men’s Open Division pits the best riders from the area and beyond in a two-lap, lung-busting scramble for top honors. Last year Matt Connors won it with a time of 36:05:00, Daryl Roberts came in second at 38:27:00, and Cody Kukulski placed third with a time of 38:44:00.

Racing will conclude at the Juniper Bar & Grille with an awards ceremony, music and silent auction benefiting the Verde Valley Cyclist Coalition Trail Fund. Four Peaks Brewery & Oak Creek Brewing Company 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, Oak Creek Brewing Company, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, the Sedona Village Business Association, and the Hilton Sedona. 

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. If beating the heat for a round of golf isn’t enough of an excuse to drop by, perhaps a fun-filled mountain bike race riding tandem with a beer festival will get your attention. Either way, Sedona Golf Resort offers something for everyone.

For more information, visit SedonaGolfResort.com, SedonaBikeBrew.com or call 928.284.9355 to make a reservation at this one-of-a-kind destination.