While summer brings triple digit temperatures to much of Arizona, that does not mean that your rounds of golf this time of year need to be played in the heat of the valley sun. With just a short drive, red rock views, cooler skies, and golf galore await those who make the trip.
Elevated Energy
Your first stop is a nationally renowned destination and just a two-hour jaunt from the Phoenix city center. Sedona is known for its red rock formations, art, and culture, but the same as many other Arizona towns, has remarkable golf offered as well.
Just 10 miles south of Sedona lies Oakcreek Country Club, considered Sedona's first golf course. Opened in 1968, Oakcreek provides some of the most breathtaking golf course views you will find. A challenging but fair course, Oakcreek is set up for all players to enjoy, with yardages ranging from 4,400 yards to a championship level 6,824. It hosts tournaments and championships regularly, including a U.S. Amateur Championship qualifier later this month. When you finish your round, pull up a chair on the patio of the Oakcreek Bistro and continue to take in the views while enjoying Tres Leches French Toast or the Pork Belly Tacos.
The course is lined with trees, fairway bunkers, and elevated greens, with yardages ranging from 4,400 yards to a championship level 6,824.
Gateway to the Grand Canyon
Just an hour north of Sedona sits the city of Flagstaff, the home of Northern Arizona University, numerous outdoor activities, and known as the last stop before the Grand Canyon.
When you’re not hiking or exploring the historic downtown, be sure to tee it up at Continental Country Club. Continental remains one of the only public courses within the city of Flagstaff, but still offers a "destination club experience." The course is nestled between trees, with views of Mount Elden, and tee sets ranging from 5,300 yards to 6,000, perfect for amateur golfers of any level.
Following your round, you don't need to go far to find your next meal. Sitting down at Oakmont you can start with one of their craft margaritas, share Charred Corn & Avocado Dip and finish with their Chicken Sonoma, a lahvosh cracker-crusted chicken with artichoke, mushrooms and heirloom cherry tomatoes.
Mountain Highs
After a stop in Flagstaff, a half-hour drive straight west i takes you to Elephant Rocks Golf Course, located in Williams, a small mountain town nestled at an elevation of 7,000 feet.
Prior to 1990 the course was a nine-hole layout called Williams Country Club. Following redesigns in 1990 and 2000, the new 18-hole championship layout was renamed Elephant Rocks Golf Course and opened to the public.
The Elephant Rocks scorecard offers challenging distances around 6,700 yards to more modest yardages around 5,400. Following your high-altitude round, be sure to wind down in the Bar & Grill located in the original clubhouse which was originally built by railway workers in 1932.
Wherever in northern Arizona you venture to this summer, whether it be for incredible red rocks views, championship golf, or just to explore the outdoors, Sedona, Flagstaff, and Williams are all just a short drive away.