FEATURE STORY

Phoenix-Scottsdale a place for singles to golf and mingle

By S. Adam Cardais,
Staff Writer

The Phoenix-Scottsdale area is becoming known as the high-end golf capital of America, but its appeal stretches far beyond the course.

In addition to having some of the country's finest uspcale golf tracks, it's nightlife - filled with slender, bronzed bodies and chic bars and clubs - is making it harder to make that 7 a.m. summer tee time.

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Phoenix-Scottsdale also has a thriving restaurant scene.

"Scottsdale is largely filled with younger chefs, still trying to make it," wrote Chris Baldwin in a story for TravelGolf.com. "This means you get more inventive food for a third of the price" as you would at restaurants in Las Vegas.

The spas have quickly become legendary in the valley's world-class resorts, and you can kill an hour or day getting pampered or beautified for the "big night out" later on.

This makes Phoenix-Scottsdale a prime location for singles with a bit of disposable income to indulge in a weekend fling filled with top-notch golf and entertainment.

Where to Golf

TPC of Scottsdale: Every year this course hosts the Phoenix Open, the world's most attended golfing event. Yet this par-71 course is known for being in great condition even when the pros aren't in town.

"What's great about the TPC of Scottsdale is people think we're only in tournament condition around the Phoenix Open, but you can play Phoenix Open conditions nine months out of the year," said Russ Norris, director of marketing for the course.

Troon North Golf Club, Monument Course: This challenging par-72 stretches 7,028 yards and has lush green fairways. Golf Digest ranked it the No. 4 course in Arizona.

Wildfire Golf Club, Faldo Championship Course: Designed in 2002, this is not your typical desert theme course. It has wide fairways, bent grass greens and tee boxes. The 106 sand bunkers make it one of the Valley's best precision golf courses.

Where to Eat and Drink

RA Sushi Bar: Winner of the Best Sushi in Phoenix award by Best of City Search 2004, 2005, RA Sushi Bar was opened in Scottsdale in 1997 and now has 11 locations nationwide. The beef and chicken teriyaki go for $14.75, and one roll of spicy tuna is $5.50. Happy hour is from 4-7 p.m. on weeknights, with $1 sake.

Martini Ranch: A combination of an upscale lounge and down home bar, the Martini Ranch serves 30 different house specialty martinis. It also has a poolroom and a stage for live music.

Where to Relax

The Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: This spa offers what it calls the Havasupai Body Oasis Experience. Start your treatment with a dip underneath a warm waterfall before going on to an aromatherapy wrap and a massage. Two hours costs $309.

The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa: This spa offers a special package for men called "Just for Him." Treatment starts with a therapeutic massage and finishes with a facial. Two and a half hours costs $320.

If You Go

TPC of Scottsdale
17020 North Hayden Rd.
Tee times 866-444-0992

Troon North Golf Club, Monument Course
10320 East Dynamite Blvd.
Tee times 866-444-0992

Wildfire Golf Club, Faldo Championship Course
5350 East Marriott Dr.
Tee times (702) 566-7998

RA Sushi Bar
3815 North Scottsdale Rd.
Email: office@rasushi.com

Martini Ranch
7295 East Stetson Dr.
Phone (480) 970-0500

Willow Stream Spa
7575 East Princess Dr.
Phone (480) 585-2732

The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
34631 North Tom Darlington Dr.
Phone 866-444-0992

July 12, 2006

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.