- The vast desert landscapes that make up much of Arizona may not seem like an ideal place to plan a golf course, but careful design has easily conquered the problems associated with lack of water necessary for lush greens. Arizona is hardly just a big desert anyway; the state is home to topographical features that include mountains, plateaus and forests. The largest cities in the state, including Phoenix, Tucson, and Scottsdale, all sport showcase golf courses and more affordable public courses.
- With mostly mild winters throughout the state, it is possible to plan a golfing vacation in Arizona throughout the calendar year. The coldest part of the year runs from November through February, but even then the average statewide temperature ranges from 75 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that during this period it is not unusual for the temperature to actually fluctuate from below 45 degrees in the morning to above 70 degrees by late afternoon, so dress in layers before heading to the course. Golfing during the summer months may present a problem to seniors and anyone subject to health problems associated with heat: temperatures can easily climb above 100 degrees from June though August.
- The best Arizona golf vacations during the torrid summer season are to be found in the middle of the state in cities along Interstate 40. The summer temperature in cities such as Flagstaff, Winslow and Sedona averages as much as 10 to 15 degrees lower than in cities such as Phoenix and Yuma. The milder temperatures make golf vacations in Arizona along the I-40 corridor ideal during those hot summer months.
- Arizona is a hefty state and reflects the broad expanse of land through its extraordinary number of golf courses. According to Golflink.com, there are more than 400 golf courses in the Arizona. The terrific thing about golfing in Arizona is that many of these courses feature spectacular views of the surrounding natural beauty ranging from cacti lining the fairway to backgrounds featuring those majestic plateaus.
- An Arizona golf vacation can mean taking in a few rounds at a public course as you stay at a hotel, or it can mean staying at a golf resort. The typical golf resort package includes accommodations and one round of golf per day. The price for enjoying your Arizona golf vacation at a resort varies depending upon two considerations. Expect to pay more for the privilege of playing at one of the premier courses. Prices trend down between May and September and peak between January and March.
- One common misconception about golf vacations is that even if you stay at a golf resort, you are limited to playing on just one course. In fact, most golf resorts in Arizona are associated with several nearby courses and your free daily round may extend to those courses. Even if the round at some nearby courses is not included as part of the free round in your vacation package, significant and deep discounts may be available. Many of those who take golfing vacations set for themselves the goal of playing on as many courses as time allows, so the ability to play on more than one course as part of the package should be considered before purchase.
- The benefits of planning an Arizona golf vacation at a golf resort is that most offer special deals. Many people plan a golf vacation to take place over the weekend and so almost every resort is willing to offer a third day free. Likewise, planning for a four- or five-day vacation will usually mean getting the fourth or fifth day free. That extra day includes another free round of golf, of course.
