Travelogue
In resort-heavy
Scottsdale, Talking Stick Resort stands alone — literally. You can’t miss it from Highway 101 on the east side of town, just 20 minutes north of
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The 15-story spread on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community has six restaurants, a sprawling casino floor and flashy names on the bill at the concert venue. The golf reflects the minimalist nature of
Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. The duo injected some “desert links” flavor on the longer and more straightforward O'odham Course, while the Piipaash Course is more tree-lined with multiple doglegs and water in play on five holes. Both tracks are also walkable, a rare trait here in the desert. If your game needs sharpening, GOLF Magazine Top 100 Instructors Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott have their Vision54 golf school headquarters at Talking Stick Golf Club’s massive practice facility.
