"CP's Top Ten" for Scottsdale - Fall, 2011!

#16 - TPC Scottsdale

CP's Top Ten for Scottsdale has been updated! Check out the new list here.

Planning a trip to Scottsdale this winter? Here is my opinion on the best 10 choices when it comes to golf here in the Valley of the Sun. I chose my Top Ten based on these (what I consider to be the most important) factors:

• Layout
• Playability
• Scenery
• Service

Remember when reading this that I'm pretty much a hack. I'm about a 14 handicapper, so I'm not what you would call a golf "purist" when it comes to course design, etc. You'll never see me on the practice range hitting 3 irons. (Do I own a three iron?)

I tee it up to have fun, take in the scenery, and hopefully take some of my buddies' pocket change. If you're of the same persuasion, this Top Ten list is for you.

Here we go:

1. Gold Canyon - Dinosaur Mountain - still my all-time favorite. It's about a 40-minute drive from Old Town Scottsdale, but well worth it. The dramatic elevation changes, fantastic scenery, and interesting layout make this the best spot in Arizona.
2. The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain - Probably the best staff and friendliest environment in all of Scottsdale - I'm also a Scott Miller fan - lots of elevation changes, and bowl-shaped fairways where a hack like me will get a few forgiving bounces now and then.
3. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club - Somewhat brutal at times, but one of the more interesting hole-by-hole tracks. Also has the best 3 finishing holes in Arizona - three-shot par 5, then a ridiculous par 3 over the canyon shot of 220 that you're supposed to STOP on a dime. Yeah right. #18 is a wicked dog leg left par 4 up the hill to finish out one of the tougher back nines in Arizona. "We made it! I need a cocktail stat!"
4. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Cholla Course - Another Scott Miller gem. You definitely have to think your way around this course, and Cholla (and Saguro) are very unique in that they're built on an Indian reservation, so there are ZERO HOMES anywhere on the golf course. Makes for scenery that's tough to beat. Only drawback is that it is typically cart path only, so be prepared to do some walking. It's worth it.
5. Grayhawk Golf Club - Talon Course - The Raptor course is where they host the PGA Tour's Frys.com Open, but I have always preferred the tamer sister course, Talon. It's a little more forgiving off the tee, and #17 is an island par 3 - kind of a "Mini 17th at Sawgrass" - great hole for gambling. (It's only a 9 iron, or a big wedge...) Also, Phil's Grill is one of my all time favorite places to enjoy a couple dozen cocktails after Grayhawk whips me into submission.
6. TPC Stadium Course - Home to the PGA Tour's FBR Open. Yeah sure, I agree that by itself the golf course is a little overrated, but what can I say - it's fun to play where the pros play, and after watching the tournament on TV, you'll want to get it in. The last 4 holes are the reason you pay what you do, ($250+ in peak season) and they are as fun to play as they are to watch. Service in all aspects is exceptional, and the restaurant is one of the best in Arizona to have a nice breakfast.
7. Troon North - Pinnacle Course - The atmosphere in the clubhouse is a little stuffy, but I play this one at least once a year for one reason - the greens are the best in Arizona. Both Troon courses (Pinnacle and Monument) are extremely difficult for me, but the putting surfaces are simply perfect in the winter - fast and brutal. Lots of fun, and a few 3 or 4 puts along the way...
8. Rancho Manana Golf Club - This one is more my speed. I can play Rancho from the tips, and rarely have anything more than a 7 iron in on the par 4s. But don't be fooled by the relatively short length. This one is tricky. Rancho is just north of Scottsdale, in Cave Creek, where it's very mountainous, and I'm simply an elevation change junkie. One of the more scenic courses, and the Tonto grill would be in my all time Top 5 restaurants. Great staff - very laid back.
9. Ocotillo Golf Club - Ocotillo cracked into my Top Ten this year, replacing The Raven at South Mountain. Although I still love the Raven, for something a little different, and a more traditional feel, Ocotillo is my new favorite. With 3 distinct 9's, great conditions, and maybe the best spot in Arizona to have lunch after your round, you can't go wrong. Another advantage (or disadvantage) is that there is a lot of water which sets in apart from most of the dry, desert layouts here. The staff is laid back and friendly, and make time for lunch afterwards. Sit outside on the patio, listen to the waterfalls, and enjoy.
10. The Arizona Grand Golf Club - Formerly known as "Phantom Horse," Arizona Grand gives you a little of everything. Some traditional holes, and some great target golf as well. It's been under renovation all summer and promises to be one of the valley's newest "up and comers." Have dinner and drinks at Rustler's Rooste just up the hill after your round. The finishing hole is a par 3 which you don't see often, and what a par 3 it is. 180 yards from the middle tees, but only requires an 8 iron for me because of the dramatic elevation drop. This is also good for day in / day out golf, as it's a quick 10 minutes from the airport.

O.K. gang - there it is - "CP's Top Ten" - If you're planning a trip to Arizona this year, you can't go wrong with any of these great venues.

Feel free to call me at 888-867-6911 for more details... hit em straight!

Cocktails Anyone??

Although my preference is a good shot of Silver Patron and a cold beer, a foofy cocktail now and then is fun.  Check out the article I found on where to go for that kind of thing on azcentral.com

If it's beer you're looking for, Four Peaks Brewery is a nice spot for microbrews.  Consistently voted the best brewpub in the Phoenix area.  Four Peaks has two locations, Tempe and Scottsdale. They have a good happy hour menu and the food is good.

Nothing better than sitting back on a hot summer night with a cold one.  My favorite beer is the Hefeweisen and the Kiltlifter.  The beer bread sandwiches are excellent and portions are big.  Parking is a bit of a challenge but worth it!

Scottsdale Dining: Wally's Pub and Grill

I recently had dinner with a large group at Wally's Pub and Grill. They have two locations; the Scottsdale location is closest to home and very convenient when staying in Scottsdale -it's located in a high end strip center, but don't be fooled by all the glitz that surrounds it.  Wally's has a very causal atmosphere and has a lot of regulars at the bar.  It's mostly a 'mature' crowd (nice way of saying older folks), but keep in mind it's in Gainey Ranch and there's a lot of money in 'dem thar parts!

They have a very extensive menu, burgers, sandwiches, pasta's, etc and serve an excellent calamari, nice and crispy. It's served with the traditional marinara sauce, but ask for the mayo sauce, excellent! I've had several dishes, my favorite is the Chicken Vesuvius. My better half always has burgers and sandwiches and he has never been disappointed.  Prices are very reasonable and the service is good.

Wally's Happy Hour is from 4-6 PM with $1 off cocktails & beer. $2 off all appetizers!

Bon Appetit!

But It's a Dry Heat

Most golfers are afraid to come out West and deal with the high temperatures we get during the summer.

Fear not, Golf Zoo has some great unlimited deals this time of year which help your wallet stay cool.

You can play some of the best tracks in Scottsdale for a lot less than high season.

According to the weather channels, we're expecting a moderate summer with average temps in the low 100's.

Get up early, enjoy your rounds, then go back and chill at the pool with a cool cocktail.

Don't be afraid, you can do it!!

Ultimate Golf Homes only way to go in Scottsdale...

The Estate

The Oasis

The Clubhouse

Condos? Hotel rooms? Gimme a break.

If you have a group of 6-12 golfers and are planning a golf trip to Scottsdale this year, stay somewhere truly memorable in one of our three Ultimate Private Golf Homes in Fountain Hills, just east of Scottsdale. They are different than any private homes you've ever stayed in on a golf trip. Period.

We opened our first home, The Estate, four years ago, and it became so popular that our owners have since purchased and Lori and I outfitted two more - The Oasis, and most recently, The Clubhouse. These homes were purchased and designed with certain things in mind - give larger groups of golfers something luxurious, convenient, affordable, and loaded with the amenities or "goodies" that make a golf trip a spectacular event.

All three properties will sleep up to 12 individual golfers and are loaded with the goodies that make it the perfect spot for a group event. Here are a few features that make each home the perfect venue:

• 12 individual beds (who wants to sleep on a pull-out sofabed?)
• Private Pools
• Private Jacuzzis
• Big-Screen TVs
• Pool Tables
• Poker Tables
• Ping Pong Tables
• Lighted putting greens at Oasis and Clubhouse
• Fully stocked kitchens with all cooking utensils and linens
• Wireless Internet at no charge

All three homes are located in Fountain Hills and are surrounded by world-class golf. We-Ko-Pa (Cholla and Saguro), SunRidge Canyon, Eagle Mountain, and Desert Canyon are all less than a six-minute drive from any of the homes, making for a no-hassle golf week when it comes to getting around. Here is a little more info on each property:

The Estate is a Five-bedroom, Two-story home just off Shea Blvd. and is the most "open" floor plan of the three. Upstairs is the kitchen, living room with a 52" big screen TV, poker room, and Two bedrooms, but you'll spend most of your time on the elevated back deck, which is literally built into the side of a mountain, with a huge desert wash behind. The dramatic desert views off the large back deck is the signature feature of The Estate. The back patio - complete with a propane grill - is the perfect spot for grilling steaks, having a cocktail, and puffing a cigar. The pool has a waterfall, and it's great to sit in the jacuzzi overlooking the desert wash. Downstairs you have another 50" big-screen TV just off the pool table room plus three more bedrooms. This home is unique in that it has two separate garages, so we put a Ping Pong table in the downstairs garage leading out to the pool and jacuzzi.

The Oasis is a six-bedroom, two-story home just off Shea and Saguro and is the largest property of the three. Also, two of the three bedrooms upstairs are configured with one bed only, so if you have snorers, you can lock them away in their own rooms. The best feature of The Oasis is the backyard. It has a huge pool, an observation deck with table and chairs over the jacuzzi, which is perfect for cards, cigars, etc, as well as a brand-new 900 square foot putting green, horseshoe pit, and basketball court. The Oasis sports a 52" big-screen TV in the living room as well as smaller TVs all throughout the house. The pool table room is huge, with both a professional pool table and poker table in the corner. The Ping Pong table on the back patio poolside make this the best backyard of the three properties.

The Clubhouse is the newest of Golf Zoo's trio. It overlooks the par-four 10th fairway at Desert Canyon, so don't be surprised to find a couple Pro-V1s at the bottom of the pool. Its unique feature is that it has golf course views from both the back yard and the elevated deck on the front of the house. The Clubhouse sports a few upgrades over The Estate and The Oasis in that there are high definition plasma TVs mounted in the living room and poker room, along with picnic tables, a private jacuzzi (you can sit in the jacuzzi and heckle the the golfers on #10), as well as the putting green all right there poolside. There is a good picture of the back yard looking out over the 10th fairway on a recent special we sent out. It's got a huge tandem four-car garage, so naturally we set up a Ping Pong table and a dart board. Many of my clients have said more money changed hands in the Ping Pong tournament than did on the 18th green...

All three of these properties are priced the same and are much more affordable than you would think. In peak season (January - April) it will cost between $75 - $125 per golfer per day, and in off-season will be as little as $50.00 per golfer per day. When you look at the average price of any resort (minimum $200 per night in season for a double-occupancy hotel room), it's a total no-brainer.

Call Chris Parcell (888.867.6911), Lori Greene (888.867.6921), or Marcus Blake (888.985.9166) in our Scottsdale offices for more information and we will get you a full itinerary with pricing.

Ready for something completely different? Let the games begin...

Find the "Suite Spot" in Mid April and May.

It's cold. You're sick of it. I get it.

Originally from Cleveland, and after having resided many years in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, I understand that mid March can be depressing. It's supposed to be spring, yet it's still grey and cold. You wanna get to Scottsdale, but you're not too keen on $200 tee time fees and $200 per night hotels that typically accompany Arizona in March. I have the answer, my climate challenged friends...

Wait a couple more weeks, and come to Scottsdale in mid April or May. The weather is still absolutely perfect (mid 80's, no humidity, and no rain), and the prices are much more reasonable.

We have put together a stay and play package for Scottsdale that is First Class all the way, but won't have you dreading your next Amex statement.

Our "Suite Spot" Stay and Play starts with sharing a One Bedroom Resort Suite at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa. The suites are very large, very well equipped, and it's nice having a suite with all the amenities of a full service resort for less than $100 per person per day all in. (Even the daily $30 resort fee is included)

Then play 4 of Scottsdale's best and highest rated layouts:

• Arizona Grand Golf Club - On site at the resort, and perfect setup for day of arrival play.
• SunRidge Canyon Gold Club - Rated #42 on Golf Digest "Top 100 You Can Play"
• The Golf Club at Eagle Mtn - Top 50 Courses in America by Golf World 2009
• Gold Canyon - Dinosaur Mtn - #1 rated public course in Arizona 2009 and 2010

More info on each course can be found here.

This stay and play package is valid from April 11th through May 31st, and at $199 per person per day which includes the suite, resort fees, green fees, and all taxes, it's a spectacular value!

(Rates are even lower after June 1st, but the weather is getting hot that time of year)

Feel free to contact Chris Parcell or Lori Greene in our Scottsdale offices for more details.

Hang in there.

East Coast vs. West Coast - 2 Unbeatable deals

Whether you're heading to either coast, you won't beat these two Stay and Play deals. Period. End o story.

The first is the Stay and Play at TPC Sawgrass. Admit it. We have all watched for years, and wonder how we would fare coming down the stretch on the back nine at TPC Sawgrass. Would we hit a "hard nine" or a "smooth 8" at the infamous, dreaded, and fantastic 17th hole? I think you'll have to do a $20.00 closest to the pin contest with your buddies to do it right. Double money for birdies, and double money for 3 putt bogeys. Quit stalling and hit it.

Anyway, you can travel between May 22nd through September 11th for $199 per person per day for lodging right there at the Sawgrass Marriott, 2 rounds on the Valley course, and a round on the TPC Stadium course. This one's a no-brainer. (It's typically over $200 for the round at TPC Stadium ALONE.)
Call Glen or Tom in our Florida office to book this gem.


If Scottsdale is on the menu, then look no further than the Arizona Grand Stay and Play. This is a four star full service resort in a great location with great amenities, and golf that's second to none.

From now until June 1st (and even less expensive after 6/1) you can stay at the Arizona Grand and play early afternoon rounds (with PLENTY OF TIME TO FINISH) at:

• The Arizona Grand Golf Club
• The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain
• SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
• Ocotillo Golf Club

all for $159.95 per person per day. That includes everything. All Suite rooms, resort fees, green fees, cart fees, taxes - you're "all in" for $159.95. Again, a total no-brainer. Call Chris or Lori in our Phoenix/Scottsdale office!

So Many Courses in Scottsdale...

Today's feature is the Boulders Golf Course.

This public, resort course highlighted by huge boulder formations was designed by Jay Morrish.

Vital Stats: Par 71, five sets of tees ranging from 6,726 to 4,684 yards has a slope rating of 140 from the back tees. There are 75 bunkers and has water which comes into play on three holes.

Amenities: Driving range, bunker and chipping areas, practice putting green and a full service restaurant.
There's a golf academy headed by Donald Crawley, who is ranked as a top 100 instructor by Golf magazine.

Why play here: Both boulders courses (North and South) are well known for their stunning views, with giant boulder formations and rock outcroppings framing the holes. Structures are well hidden providing a pure golf feel. Fairways blend with the natural terrain, and greens are small but true with subtle breaks. Course conditions are immaculate.  The South course has been ranked numerous times by national magazines, including the No. 1 ranking by Golf for Women for womens facilities.

The Greatest Show on Grass

Believe it or not, it's that time of year for Scottsdale's most premiere golf event. Here's the 2009 schedule of events which may be subject to change.

Sunday, January 25

10 am Xerox Ladies Invitational at OrangeTree Golf Resort

Monday, January 26
Practice Rounds for PGA TOUR pros only
10 am MidFirst Bank Pro-Am, TPC Stadium Course
10:30 am R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day activities
Junior Golf Clinic Presented By PING on TPC Practice Range

Tuesday, January 27
Practice Rounds for PGA TOUR pros only
10 am Scottsdale Celebrity-Am, Grayhawk Golf Club (Talon)
11 am CBS Outdoor Special Olympics Open
Located at the TPC Scottsdale Putting Green, the Special Olympics Open features 12 Special Olympian athletes, 12 celebrities or sports stars and 12 business leaders from our community. The event is open to all ticket holders and media and lasts about an hour.
6 pm FBR Opening Dinner (by invitation only)

Wednesday, January 28
8:30 am FBR/Xerox Silver Pro-Am, TPC Stadium Course
11 am Honeywell Pro-Am, Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor)
4 pm Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens

Thursday, January 29

7:40 am FBR Open 1st round 4 pm Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens Friday, January 30 7:40 am FBR Open 2nd round 4 pm Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens Saturday, January 31 Tee Times TBA: FBR Open 3rd round 4 pm Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens Buick Hole-in-One contest, 16th hole, first ace on Saturday or Sunday wins a new Buick Sunday, February 1 Tee Times TBA: FBR Open 4th round Buick Hole-in-One contest, 16th hole, first ace on Saturday or Sunday wins a new Buick

I've also listed a link for ticket packages, so check it out and we'll see you here in January.
http://www.phoenixopen.com/TicketPackages.asp

CP's "Top Ten" Golf Courses in Scottsdale

Planning a trip to Scottsdale this winter? Here is my opinion on the best 10 choices when it comes to golf here in the Valley of the Sun. I chose my Top Ten based on these (what I consider to be the most important) factors:

• Layout
• Playability
• Scenery
• Service

Remember when reading this that I'm pretty much a hack. I'm about a 14 handicapper, so I'm not what you would call a golf "purist" when it comes to course design, etc. You'll never see me on the practice range hitting 3 irons. (Do I own a three iron?)
I tee it up to have fun, take in the scenery, and hopefully take some of my buddies' pocket change. If you're of the same persuasion, this Top Ten list is for you.
Here we go:

1. Gold Canyon - Dinosaur Mountain - still my all-time favorite. It's about a 40-minute drive from Old Town Scottsdale, but well worth it. The dramatic elevation changes, fantastic scenery, and interesting layout make this the best spot in Arizona.
2. The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain - Probably the best staff and friendliest environment in all of Scottsdale - I'm also a Scott Miller fan - lots of elevation changes, and bowl-shaped fairways where a hack like me will get a few forgiving bounces now and then.
3. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club - Somewhat brutal at times, but one of the more interesting hole-by-hole tracks. Also has the best 3 finishing holes in Arizona - three-shot par 5, then a ridiculous par 3 over the canyon shot of 220 that you're supposed to STOP on a dime. Yeah right. #18 is a wicked dog leg left par 4 up the hill to finish out one of the tougher back nines in Arizona. "We made it! I need a cocktail stat!"
4. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Cholla Course - Another Scott Miller gem. You definitely have to think your way around this course, and Cholla (and Saguro) are very unique in that they're built on an Indian reservation, so there are ZERO HOMES anywhere on the golf course. Makes for scenery that's tough to beat. Only drawback is that it is typically cart path only, so be prepared to do some walking. It's worth it.
5. Grayhawk Golf Club - Talon Course - The Raptor course is where they host the PGA Tour's Frys.com Open, but I have always preferred the tamer sister course, Talon. It's a little more forgiving off the tee, and #17 is an island par 3 - kind of a "Mini 17th at Sawgrass" - great hole for gambling. (It's only a 9 iron, or a big wedge...) Also, Phil's Grill is one of my all time favorite places to enjoy a couple dozen cocktails after Grayhawk whips me into submission.
6. TPC Stadium Course - Home to the PGA Tour's FBR Open. Yeah sure, I agree that by itself the golf course is a little overrated, but what can I say - it's fun to play where the pros play, and after watching the tournament on TV, you'll want to get it in. The last 4 holes are the reason you pay what you do, ($250+ in peak season) and they are as fun to play as they are to watch. Service in all aspects is exceptional, and the restaurant is one of the best in Arizona to have a nice breakfast.
7. Troon North - Pinnacle Course - The atmosphere in the clubhouse is a little stuffy, but I play this one at least once a year for one reason - the greens are the best in Arizona. Both Troon courses (Pinnacle and Monument) are extremely difficult for me, but the putting surfaces are simply perfect in the winter - fast and brutal. Lots of fun, and a few 3 or 4 puts along the way...
8. Rancho Manana Golf Club - This one is more my speed. I can play Rancho from the tips, and rarely have anything more than a 7 iron in on the par 4s. But don't be fooled by the relatively short length. This one is tricky. Rancho is just north of Scottsdale, in Cave Creek, where it's very mountainous, and I'm simply an elevation change junkie. One of the more scenic courses, and the Tonto grill would be in my all time Top 5 restaurants. Great staff - very laid back.
9. The Raven at South Mountain - The Raven is unique. It's one of the more traditional layouts and has Georgia Pine lined fairways, which you NEVER see here. Has some water, a lot of beautiful lancscaping, and a great bar. Go for lunch and get the chicken wrap - the best in Arizona.
10. The Arizona Grand Golf Club - Formerly known as "Phantom Horse," Arizona Grand gives you a little of everything. Some traditional holes, and some great target golf as well. It's been under renovation all summer and promises to be one of the valley's newest "up and comers." Have dinner and drinks at Rustler's Rooste just up the hill after your round. The finishing hole is a par 3 which you don't see often, and what a par 3 it is. 180 yards from the middle tees, but only requires an 8 iron for me because of the dramatic elevation drop. This is also good for day in / day out golf, as it's a quick 10 minutes from the airport.

O.K. gang - there it is - "CP's Top Ten" - If you're planning a trip to Arizona this year, you can't go wrong with any of these great venues. Stay tuned for my "Top Ten VALUE Courses" next.
Hit em straight!

(New) and Improved Troon North Golf Club

Troon North Golf Club, one of the 36-hole facilities that has become a staple of Scottsdale golf vacations, has been touting its "two new golf courses" lately. Intrigued as to why the golf club would monkey with its acclaimed Monument Course, a Jay Moorish/Tom Weiskopf creation, and its Pinnacle Course (1996), a solo Weiskopf effort, we made one of our usual anonymous site inspections to find out.
Specifically, the Troon North Golf Club website declares that Tom Weiskopf recently returned to create, "two new layouts" and a "completely new playing experience." The truth is, while Weiskopf modified some bunkers, re-worked a few holes, and added a superior strain of bentgrass to the putting surfaces, his main change was transferring nines between the courses to create more cohesive routings. Continued...


By: Craig Better of golfvacationinsider.com

Are You Ready for Some Football in Arizona?

Here's the 2008 schedule for our Arizona Cardinals, Sun Devils and Wild Cats. Come on out and support your college or professional teams and get in a few rounds of golf while you're here!

2008 Arizona Cardinal Home Game Schedule:

10/5 Buffalo Bills 1:15 PM
10/12 Dallas Cowboys 1:15 PM
11/10 San Francisco 6:30 PM
11/23 New York Giants 2:15 PM
12/7 St. Louis Rams 2:15 PM
12/14 Minnesota Vikings 2:05 PM
12/28 Seattle Seahawks 2:15 PM

2008 Arizona State Sun Devils Home Game Schedule:

10/25 Oregon
11/15 Washington State
11/28 UCLA

2008 University of Arizona Wildcats Home Game Schedule:

10/4 Washington
10/18 California
10/25 USC
11/22 Oregon State
12/6 Arizona State

Arizona Golf Events During the Month of January

Some of the best golf is being played in Arizona during this time of the year. Here are some events that are taking place during the month of January. Enjoy these spectator events and the Arizona weather during these winter months.

• January 15-17: Gateway Tour, Trilogy Golf Club Vistancia, Peoria.
• January 21-23: Gateway Tour, Longbow Golf Club, Mesa
• January 28-February 3: FBR Open, TPC Scottsdale
• January 28-29: Ping Arizona Intercollegiate, Arizona National Golf Club, Tucson

Entries are being accepted for the FBR Open Charity Classic to be played February 4th at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium course. The cost is $5000 per foursome with all proceeds benefiting Desert Voices Oral Learning Center and the Foundation for Blind Children. To register, contact Chris Paty at 602.224.0598 or cpaty@desertvoices.phxcoxmail.com

Rough Recovery

Here are a few tips from Tim Rafferty, Head Golf Pro at Troon Country Club, Scottsdale, Arizona.

* When the ball lies deep in the rough, the biggest problem often is overcoming the amount of grass that gets between the ball and the clubface. The key to executing this shot is to minimize the amount of grass and make the allowances for its effect.

* A steeper angle of approach will reduce the tendency to catch the grass too early in the forward swing. A large amount of grass cushions the blow. It also reduces clubhead speed and takes backspin off the ball.

* Aiming the body left, opening the clubface and playing the ball a bit forward in the stance will help create the loft and steeper approach angle needed to escape the grass.
Finally, if there is a great deal of rough or other trouble to carry before reaching the target, it might be wise to just play out into the fairway and avoid possibly having to hit the ball out of the rough again.

Keep these tips in mind and hopefully your next trip to the rough will go a little smoother.

Golf Zoo Welcomes Todd Massie!

Golf Zoo is very pleased to announce the addition of Todd Massie to the Phoenix / Scottsdale Team. Todd joined Golf Zoo as the Golf Group Sales Manager for the Phoenix / Scottsdale market on October 1st. He will also be training over the next year in the other Southwest markets (Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Mesquite, and Tucson) in order for him to offer those destinations as well.

Golf Zoo has enjoyed a relationship with Todd for the past 5 years at lodging partner Resort Suites, and jumped at the chance to have him as part of the Golf Zoo team for their Phoenix / Scottsdale market. "With Todd's 15 years experience in the golf travel industry, corporate group know-how, and sterling reputation here in the Scottsdale market, he's a perfect fit for us, and we couldn't be happier to have him" stated Vice President Chris Parcell.

Todd can be reached at 888.867.6956 or tmassie@golfzoo.com

Welcome to the Golf Zoo Team Todd!

But It's A Dry Heat...

Summer is the best time to golf in Scottsdale. The temps are hot, but the deals are hotter. Here's a few one liners to help you get through it:

It's so hot in Arizona that......the birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground....the potatoes cook underground, and all you have to do to have lunch is to pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper....farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying hard-boiled eggs.
...the cows are giving evaporated milk....the trees are whistling for the dogs....you no longer associate bridges (or rivers) with water....you can say 113 degrees without fainting....you eat hot chilies to cool your mouth off....you can make instant sun tea....you learn that a seat belt makes a pretty good branding iron....the temperature drops below 95, you feel a bit chilly....you've experienced condensation on your butt from the hot water in the toilet bowl....you would give anything to be able to splash cold water on your face....you can attend any function wearing shorts and a tank top....the 4 seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot, and ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!...you discover that in July, it takes only 2 fingers to drive your car....you discover that you can get a sunburn through your car window....you notice the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance....hot water now comes out of both taps....it's noon in July, kids are on summer vacation, and not one person is out on the streets....you actually burn your hand opening the car door....you break a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m....before work....no one would dream of putting vinyl upholstery in a car or not having air conditioning....your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"...you realize that asphalt has a liquid state.