Sonoran Desert Golf Trail

The Sonoran Desert is one of the hottest places in North America for golf enthusiast. The great desert that spans to parts of California, Arizona, and the American-Mexican border. It is the home to trails of championship caliber golf courses. These courses feature some of the most unique and most challenging settings for golf games – both in layout and in scenery.

These courses make use of the Sonoran Desert's natural rocky, dry desert terrain and the variety of rock formations of the desert to serve as natural hazards. Golfers who are used to Florida or California courses that abounds in water may find it refreshing that there is hardly any water hazard on any of these courses. But they are not to be taken lightly. The sun, the sand, and the unique desert vegetation will more or less keep the golfer busy and challenged.

There are six courses that are part of the Sonoran Desert Golf Trail: The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain; the Sun Ridge Canyon Golf Club; the Desert Canyon Golf Club; the Cholla Course of the Wee-Ko-Pa Golf Club; the Saguaro Course of the Wee-Ko-Pa Golf Club; and the Vista Verde Golf Club.

The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain

Golf World 2009 Reader's Poll ranked this course among America's Top 50. And not surprisingly so, this Scott Miller design makes good use of whatever nature has endowed the McDowell Mountains to its advantage. Surrounded by desert valleys, mountain peaks, rolling hills, and with elevation changes that can only be described as dramatic. This is where man's genius has worked in perfect collaboration with nature.

Sun Ridge Canyon Golf Club

Like the Golf Club at Eagle Mountain, Sun Ridge Canyon Golf Club brings out the best qualities of the desert where it belongs. It was carved out of its surrounding as if it were Mother Nature's hands itself that set it there. Water is abundant here, surprisingly, but so are desert arroyos. This course follow's nature's dictates, as are evident in the dramatic elevation changes.

Desert Canyon Golf Club

The Desert Canyon Golf Club was formerly known as the Fountain Hills Golf Club, and has a magnificent view of what makes its former namesake popular: the tallest fountain in the world. From almost every hole, the famous town centerpiece of Fountain Hills, AZ makes a splendid appearance. This could prove a refreshing delight in the hot desert, but could as well be a distraction. And the last thing anybody needs on a course like this is a distraction. The tight, hilly layout will make any player's game – pro or otherwise – extremely challenging.

Wee-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Cholla Course

This is one highly decorated golf course. This Scott Miller design has been voted by Sports Illustrated as one of the Top Ten New Courses in America when it opened. Apart from that, the Cholla Course of the Wee-Ko-Pa Golf Club has been named by the prestigious Zagat Survey as among America's Top Golf Courses, with accolades like Highest overall rating in Arizona, Highest value rating in Arizona, Top 50 courses nationally recognized for service.

Wee-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Saguaro Course
With an overachiever for an older sibling course, the Saguaro Course of the Wee-Ko-Pa Golf Club carried the burden of living up to the prestige that is the Cholla Course. But it did not disappoint. On the contrary, it delivered more than it was expected. More, in fact, that it was ranked by GOLF Magazine as among the Top Ten New Courses in America when it opened in 2007. It has all the same desert qualities that people enjoyed and savored at the Cholla Course. This is a joint creation of designers Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore.

Vista Verde Golf Club
Rio Verde, just outside of Scottsdale, in Arizona has a well-kept secret of a treasure. The discriminating golfers only know it too well. The Vista Verde Golf Club is the Ken Kavanaugh creation this side of the desert that has the sweetest of rolling terrains with lots of cacti for toppings. What makes this extremely special is the way the desert dominates the course – from elevation to hazards to the most sweeping views of the surrounding Four Peaks and Mazatzal Mountains. This is all the desert goodness served on the most complete golf vacation platter no golfer could ever resist. Amongst golfers, the truly enthused ones, this is not too much of a secret after all.

Contact our Golf Zoo Travel Specialist to book a vacation to Sonoran Desert Golf, in Arizona!!!

Call 800-929-7300

Top 10: Late Night Dining in Scottsdale, AZ

Not too long ago, if you wanted a late night bite in this town, your only option was Denny's or Village Inn. Good news is the Valley event scene is no longer snoozing.

Here's some suggestions for you:

Kazimierz Wine Bar - 7137 E Steston Drive, Scottsdale
Enjoy eclectic eats like Polish sausages, cheese fondue and Egyptian flatbread topped with morels, Brie and truffle oil. Arizona's best wine list makes it easy to linger. Open until 2 AM daily.

Carlsbad Tavern - 3313 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale

The New Mexican chile heat keeps you energized for hours. The late night menu includes favorites like gr4een chile cheese crisp, NM pot stickers filled with chicken and chiles, green chile stew, carne adovada and yummy clue-corn enchiladas. Until 2 AM daily.

Four Peaks Brewing Company - 1340 E 8th St, Tempe and 15745 N Hayden, Scottsdale

The signature Kilt Lifter brew is worth a visit anytime and the tasty fare holds it's own. Look for munchies like spanakopita and chicken chile cheese rolls, sandwiches on homemade beer bread, like Italian beef and portabello mushrooms with veggies. Good pizza's too, Open until 2 AM daily.

Hanny's - 40 N First St

This is a great place to hang out after a game or show in downtown Phoenix. Sip a classic cocktail and enjoy pizzas, salads, sandwiches and fresh-fried fritters served with chocolate dipping sauce, YUM. Until 1:30 AM daily.

Joe's New York Pizza - 7321 E Shoeman Lane, Scottsdale

It's Big Apple style pizza by the slice. The crust is properly thin, but slightly chewy. The cheese and sauce are high quality. Open until 4 AM daily.

Delux - 3146 E Camelback Road (Biltmore Plaza), Phoenix

Nothing better than a burger to stave off late night hunger pangs.

The "Classic" is aptly named, flavorful Harris Ranch beef with all the trimmings on a brioche bun. Great fries too! Until 2 AM daily.

"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!!

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.

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

How to Deal with Cart-Path-Only Policies

Many people think the worst three words in golf are, "You're still away." This past weekend, on my Scottsdale golf vacation, I was reminded of three words that are even worse, "Cart Path Only."
In town to evaluate recent changes to some of Scottsdale's best golf courses, I had to weather cart-path-only restrictions at Grayhawk Golf Club and during one of two rounds at Troon North Golf Club.
While cart-path-only golf is better than no golf at all, it's kinda like driving on the shoulder of the autobahn. Takes a lot of the fun out of it, ya know? Anyway, here are some tips for dealing with the situation if you're confronted with it:
If possible, ditch the cart altogether and walk. The cart path may be the only place you're allowed to drive the cart, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're forced to use one in the first place. Ideally, a golf course will also have pull carts or caddies available. If not, lighten up your golf bag and put it on your back. Unfortunately, walking isn't an option at many courses, particularly the sprawling ones designed to sell real estate. But I don't know which is worse, courses where walking isn't an option, or ones where it is, but they have the audacity to charge you the cart fee anyway. continued...by David Baum of GolfVacationInsider.com

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.