When thinking of premier golf destinations located in the US, several places come to mind. But if golfers were asked to list them, no doubt Sedona, Arizona, would be included among the best.
The golf courses of Sedona meander throughout the Sonoran desert, with breathtaking scenery of layered red rock, mountains, and greenery. It all comes together to create a photographer’s dream come true as well as a serene atmosphere where golfers can get lost in the beauty around them.
Courses in the area include Sedona Golf Resort, Oakcreek Country Club, and Seven Canyons Golf Club, all of which are different despite their proximity.
Sedona Golf Course
If you’re looking for a course that has it all, consider Sedona Golf Resort. It’s almost a Goldilocks and the 3 Bears situation with a course that is not excessively difficult, not excessively long, and not excessively expensive but is ‘Just Right’ considering it provides enough of a challenge to make the game worthwhile with stunning views to keep golfers serene, no matter how their game is going.
It is said that Hole #10 at this club is the most photographed in the southwest as a Par 3 run that looks directly toward Cathedral Mountain. Although this is the most talked-about hole on the course, it is far from the most tricky, considering there are several holes on the back half that play downhill and lead toward difficult greens.
Sedona Golf Resort is a Par-71 course at 6,646 yards of sheer beauty and is considered to be among the world’s most unforgettable golf experiences, with ongoing changes in elevation and plenty of man-made and natural hazards.
Oak Creek Country Club
Not far away is the Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr. design of Oakcreek Country Club – the oldest course in the area, which opened in 1968. Although this club encompasses memberships, it is not members-only. Thankfully, it is open to the public as well. You’ll find a little more greenery here, with tall pine trees and a park-like atmosphere.
This 18-hole course features five sets of tees, ranging from 4,419 to 6,84 yards, allowing golfers of every skill level to play here.
With the exception of the majestic backdrop of red rock mountains, this course is laid out and plays like most other Trent Jones designs, with tree-lined dogleg fairways and well-placed bunkers. The course also includes a putting green, a practice range, and a short game area. Amenities include a restaurant and a sports bar.
Seven Canyons Golf Course
Seven Canyons Golf Club proves to be somewhat more difficult to access, in a secluded area north of Sedona and surrounded by protected national forest land. However, it isn’t the location that presents the roadblocks to golfers wishing to play here.
The fact is, this club is as much about a lifestyle as it is a golf course. It is open to members and guests of the resort. Members of other clubs may also be granted access, but only by following set-in-stone protocol.
Designed by Tom Weiskopf, this private club is as much about the lifestyle as it is about the golf course, with upscale dining and residential ownership opportunities. This Par-70 course features small greens, undulating fairways, classic-style bunkering, natural water hazards, and ongoing changes in elevation, all of which come together to create a mid-level challenge for golfers while enjoying the awe-inspiring scenery.
You don’t have to be a golfer to appreciate the beauty of Sedona. But if you are, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque place to play.