Golf in Phoenix-Scottsdale

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Golf

Arizona has more golf courses per capita than any other state west of the Mississippi River, making it one of the most popular golf destinations in the United States. It's also one of Arizona's major industries, and green fees can run from $35 at a public course to more than $500 at some of Arizona's premier golfing spots. New courses seem to pop up monthly: there are more than 200 in the Valley (some lit at night), and the PGA's Southwest section has its headquarters here. Call well ahead for tee times during the cooler months. During the summer, fees drop dramatically and it's not uncommon to schedule a round before dawn. Some golf courses offer a discounted twilight rate -- and the weather is often much more amenable at this time of day.Check course Web sites for discounts before making your reservations.

Also, package deals abound at resorts as well as through booking agencies like Arizona Golf Adventures (877/841-6570. www.azteetimes.com), who will plan and schedule a nonstop golf holiday for you. For a copy of the Arizona Golf Guide, contact the Arizona Golf Association (602/944-3035 or 800/458-8484. www.azgolf.org).

Arizona Biltmore Country Club (Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 24th St. and Missouri Ave., Camelback Corridor. 602/955-9655. www.arizonabiltmore.com), the granddaddy of Valley golf courses, has two 18-hole PGA championship courses, lessons, and clinics. Green fees range from $48 (in summer months) to $175.

ASU Karsten Golf Course (1125 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. 480/921-8070. www.asukarsten.com) is the Arizona State University 18-hole golf course where NCAA champions train. Green fees are between $30 and $105.

Encanto Park (2775 N. 15th Ave., West Phoenix. 602/253-3963. phoenix.gov/SPORTS/encant18.html) has attractive, affordable public 9- and 18-hole courses. Green fees range from $29 to $38, but they might be going up soon.

Gold Canyon Golf Club (6100 S. King's Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon. 480/982-9449 or 800/624-6445. www.gcgr.com), near Apache Junction in the East Valley, offers fantastic views of the Superstition Mountains and challenging golf. Green fees range from $74 to $189.

Grayhawk Country Club (8620 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy., North Scottsdale, Scottsdale. 480/502-1800. www.grayhawk.com), a 36-hole course, has beautiful mountain views. The cost for 18 holes ranges from $50 (summer) to $220; 36 holes is $325.

Hillcrest Golf Club (20002 Star Ridge Dr., Sun City West. 623/584-1500. www.hillcrestgolfclub.com) is the best course in the Sun Cities development, with 18 holes on 179 acres of well-designed turf. Green fees range from $34 to $69.

Lookout Mountain Golf Club (Pointe Hilton at Tapatio Cliffs, 1111 N. 7th St., North Central Phoenix. 602/866-6356. www.pointehilton.com) has one 18-hole, par-72 course. Green fees range from $129 to $144.

Marriott's Camelback Golf Club (Marriott's Camelback Inn, 7847 N. Mockingbird La., Paradise Valley. 480/596-7050. www.camelbackinn.com) has two 18-hole courses. Green fees range from $39 (summer twilight) to $179.

Ocotillo Golf Resort (3751 S. Clubhouse Dr., Chandler. 480/917-6660. www.ocotillogolf.com) is designed around 95 acres of man-made lakes; there's water in play on nearly all 27 holes. Green fees are $35 (summer twilight) to $175.

Papago Golf Course (5595 E. Moreland St., North Central Phoenix. 602/275-8428. phoenix.gov/SPORTS/papago.html) is a low-priced 18 holes and Phoenix's best municipal course. Green fees are $30 to $50.

The Phoenician Golf Club (The Phoenician, 6000 E. Camelback Rd., Camelback Corridor. 480/423-2449. www.thephoenician.com) has a 27-hole course. Green fees are $79 to $199. Summer fees after 11 AM start at $29.

Raven Golf Club at South Mountain (3636 E. Baseline Rd., South Phoenix. 602/243-3636. www.ravenatsouthmountain.com) has thousands of Aleppo pines and Lombardy poplars, making it a cool, shady 18-hole haven for summertime golfers. Eighteen holes range from $69 to $180. Call or visit the Web site for other Raven golf properties.

SunRidge Canyon (13100 N. SunRidge Dr., Fountain Hills. 480/837-5100. www.sunridgegolf.com), east of Scottsdale, is a great 18-hole course for both the low handicapper and those who score above 100. The incredible mountain views are almost distracting. Green fees are $65 (summer) to $175.

Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale (Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, 17020 N. Hayden Rd., North Scottsdale, Scottsdale. 480/585-3600. www.tpc.com), a 36-hole course by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, is the site of the PGA FBR Open, which takes place in January. Green fees range from $67 to $249.

Troon North (10320 E. Dynamite Blvd., North Scottsdale, Scottsdale. 480/585-7700. www.troonnorthgolf.com) is a challenge for the length alone (7,008 yards). The million-dollar views add to the experience at this perfectly maintained 36-hole course. Green fees are $75 to $295.

Wigwam Golf and Country Club (Wigwam Resort, 300 Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. 623/935-3811. www.wigwamresort.com) is the home of the famous Gold Course, as well as two other 18-hole courses. Green fees range from $64 to $162.