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In
a region world-renowned for its magnificent crimson rock mesas and
valleys, Sedona’s destination niche is as a spiritually cleansing
region and general reprieve from the chaos of the urban jungle. With so
many natural outdoor activities to take in, it’s only natural that the
Sedona area boasts an assortment of world-class golf courses, the best
of which is arguably the Sedona Golf Club. A mainstay in Golf
Digest’s four-star ratings and consistently ranked by the same
magazine as one of the top five accessible courses in Arizona, the
Sedona Golf Club’s draw as a course equals its reputation as a top
facility and clubhouse. Couple the hospitality and courtesy of the staff
with a strong layout that offers stunning scenery and great shot values,
the Sedona Golf Club is one of the state’s hidden gems.
Any
misconceptions one might hold about this barren desert region having
unremarkable terrain will be pleasantly surprised. Elevations around the
layout fluctuate between 3800 and 4300 feet above sea level, putting a
premium on distance control and presenting players with an unending
variety of awkward lies and stances that will challenge your game and
provide memories of an ancient topography that will last a lifetime.
Players
receive an early introduction to the dramatic changes in elevation at
Sedona, beginning with the 183-yard par-three second. From tee to green
there is about a ten-story drop, so club selection is critical here.
With the 100-foot drop and the brisk winds that swirl off the bluff,
finding the well-bunkered green is an achievement to be remembered.
The
very next hole also plays from an elevated tee over a stretch of scruffy
desert terrain to a wide fairway bending from left to right. Longer
hitters should be able to carry a pair of bunkers in the hamstring of
the dogleg if the breeze is assisting, while shorter hitters in
imperfect conditions should play safely to the left. The green is
protected by a large bunker shot and a cluster of bunkers right, a
defense that is common to most of Sedona’s green complexes.
The
other par five on the front side is the Herculean 623-yard par-five
fifth. As its yardage would suggest, the sixth is purely about brute
strength. The hole climbs steadily through the brush toward a ridge at
this end of the property, and three well-struck long shots will be
required to find the green and have a chance at par.
The
inward half outshines the opening nine, largely because it is clearly
the more challenging of the sides at Sedona, despite being measurably
shorter. The par-three 10th sets the tone. Measuring 210
yards, 10 is the most dramatic view on the course, and the
Arizona
Republic
, the state’s eminent newspaper,
deemed it the best short hole in the state in 1999. The accolade is not
unwarranted. From an elevated tee, one gazes out at a broad valley
punctuated by shelves, buttes and mesas of layered desert stones and
shrubbery, as each add depth to the unforgettable tableau. Free your
stare from this distraction, though, and the reality of the challenge
comes into focus. The approach needs to find a thin, elevated green that
slopes from left to right severely. A par here should be a good omen for
the stretch of holes to come.
Crisp
iron shots are vital at both the short 11th and par-five 12th,
as both boast small greens set on small shelves and surrounded by deep
bunkers. 13 is a challenging par four that puts a premium on an accurate
drive, as the fairway narrows in the landing area and is abruptly cut
off by a pond jutting in from the left side. Play safely short from the
tee and give yourself a longer club into this receptive green.
The
closing pair of holes at Sedona Golf Club is an interesting duo. 17
measures just 155 yards from the furthest tee deck, and the shot must
travel over a bulb of water and a high-faced bunker to reach the tiny
putting surface. The last at Sedona plays gently uphill toward the
traditional clubhouse. Drive cautiously to avoid the fairway bunkers on
the left, but the approach needs to be played aggressively to a small,
sharply sloped green. Modest in length, the closing holes at Sedona will
nevertheless punish a poor series of shots.
If
you’re staying at the luxurious Enchantment Resort in Sedona and
pining for a little excitement to offset the tranquility, look no
further than Sedona Golf Club. Combining brilliant vistas of the region
with an impeccable layout and great shot values, Sedona Golf Club is
sure to invigorate you with that ‘canyon spirit.’
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