General Manager: Jeremy Hayman
Head Golf Professional: Gary Pearce
Course Superintendent: Bob Laas
Golf Course Designer: Gary Panks
18 Holes of Championship Golf
Par 71 – 6,646 yards from the tips
Rating/Slope:
Men’s 70.6/128; 68.2/120; 66.1/115
Ladies’ 75.0/145; 72.4/137; 69.6/128
Tee Time Reservations: Toll Free 877.733.6630
35 Ridge Trail Drive
Sedona, Arizona 86351
www.sedonagolfresort.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sedonagolfresort
By by Blake Isakson
It may be another sizzling summer in the Valley of the Sun, but it is cool and comfortable up in the red rocks of Sedona. Long thought of as a destination for hiking, biking, and auras Sedona has some pretty good golf, too. One of the golf courses worth the trip is Sedona Golf Resort. This 18 hole facility is under new management with OB Sports and the management isn’t the only thing that has changed. Starting in the clubhouse and continuing out to the golf course, Sedona Golf Resort is a brand new place. The first thing you may notice as you walk into the clubhouse is how eclectic and well-appointed the golf shop is, from Gary McCord head covers to women’s purses, they have everything that you have ever wanted and more. Next as you walk into the Juniper Bar & Grille, offering an exceptional new menu, you will be drawn to the new alligator juniper wood bar. A great place for locals and golfers to gather for breakfast or lunch, and to commiserate after a long day on the links or tell stories of your on course heroics. This bar and the stories that are told around it are as interesting and unique as the holes you will face on the golf course.
Hole #6: This hole is what Sedona Golf Resort is all about, with red rocks behind you and strategy in front of you, the 397 yard par 4 has something to offer everyone in your group. Unlike many modern architects, Panks understands that length is only an ingredient in difficulty not the only ingredient. With a well-placed wash running through the center of the fairway, driver is not an option for longer hitters instead making accuracy the key to this hole.
Hole #9: This is the third of three par fives on the front side and even though it plays a modest 522 yards on the scorecard it is straight uphill, so remember to club up. Avoiding the bunkers on this hole is the key to scoring, but once you are off the tee you will have a decision to make. Go for the green in two or lay it up to a safe distance to attack this sloping green. Just remember, once you reach the green you are still going uphill so give your putt a little extra speed.
Hole #10: Get out your camera and start shooting! This is certainly the most picturesque spot on the property. Framed by red rocks the 210 yard par 3 is as challenging as it is beautiful, just don’t let the serenity of the surrounding red rocks lull you to sleep because this hole requires your full attention. A long iron to the two-tiered green will be necessary; while right is not an option, there is a slope to the left of the green that can help an errant shot find its way close to the pin.
Hole #18: A great finishing hole! Playing back towards the clubhouse, at 336 yards this par 4 hole will give you an opportunity to bash the driver and give the green a go. With water left and bunkers guarding the front and left sides of the elevated green, this is a Gary Panks signature risk/reward hole. Many bets will be won and lost here, on a hole that allows you to attack with the driver or play conservatively with an iron. Whether you decide to play it safe off the tee or try and drive the green you will have a good opportunity to make a birdie and end your round in style.
With many changes occurring in the last two years since OB Sports has taken over the management of the golf course, it is apparent that quality was at the top of the list. During this time several projects have been undertaken to improve the playability and conditioning of the course. Things like bunker renovations, updated irrigation systems, and even improved sight lines off the tee boxes have made Sedona Golf Resort feel and play like a brand new golf course.
Be sure to mention their “Beat the Heat” Special and receive a round for $79 ($69 for AZ residents) plus a $15 Gift Certificate (Good for Golf Shop or Juniper Bar & Grille). Must be used same day as play or visit their website and click on “Beat the Heat” for golf or Current Specials for Stay & Play Packages. AZG highly recommends the Sedona Hilton Stay & Play package for $250 per person, dbl. occ., which includes two nights and two rounds at Sedona Golf Resort (just across the street from the Sedona Hilton). Call 866.561.4653 or visit bmesa@obsports.com for reservations or more information.
So, if you are ready for a great golf vacation, pack the sticks, load up the car and head to Sedona where the golf may just rival the hiking.