Course Source: Troon North (Scottsdale, Ariz.)

COURSE SOURCE

THE LAST RESORT: Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.

THE LAYOUT: Considered the pioneer in high-end desert golf experiences, the 36-hole Troon North Golf Club remains a coveted destination for any Arizona golf excursion.

The Monument Course was Tom Weiskopf's first golf course design project along with Jay Moorish in 1990, and the Scottsdale resident returned in 1996 to solo design the Pinnacle Course. Ask the locals, and Monument will get an ever so slight tip of the scale, but the overwhelming sentiment is both courses are among the truly elite layouts in the Phoenix area.

Part of the genius of Weiskopf's designs was his ability to create unique layouts hole after hole on two separate courses in a desert landscape. Of course, the canvas he had to work with was second to none in Arizona. In the shadow of Pinnacle Peak, the courses weave majestically through the rugged landscape of the Sonoran Desert, with enough elevation changes to present unique challenges shot after shot.

At 7,070 yards (72.9/147) from the tips and 7,616 yards (71.6/137) from the gold tees, the Monument course provides a stiff test. There are five tee boxes in all, down to the Jade at 5,099 yards. It's not where you want to cut your teeth as a novice golfer, but it's an honest test for golfers of all levels, and a truly unique overall experience.

GENERAL MANAGER: Mitch Harrell

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: There aren't many stressful forced carries, but accuracy is put at a premium because good angles into the small greens are paramount. There are a number of shorter par-4s, and it's wise to consider playing to distances where you can take a full swing with a wedge. Approach shots inside 100 yards will require dealing with a false front or tight landing area on several holes, making anything off the mark tough to hold the green.

If you're in between clubs, always play to the front of the green. The landing surfaces are hard and good shots aren't always rewarded as the ball rolls out. If you're going to miss your target, don't short-side yourself in a greenside bunker, it will be almost impossible for the amateur golfer to get up and down.

Most important, bring your "A" chipping game and an even better blade - the well maintained greens are fast and the valley pulls putts on the Bentgrass more than the eye can imagine.

The gem of the front nine is the par-5 third. The first of several enticing risk/reward tee shots you'll encounter during the round, "The Monument" is 544 yards from the gold tees. There is plenty of room for a safe drive, as long as you can avoid the massive rock in the middle of the fairway 237 yards out. But a solid drive that carries at least 210 and avoids out of bounds on the right takes the bit out of hole with only a long iron into the green.

Water doesn't come into play until the testy 206-yard downhill par-3 13th. The back nine really gets churning on the par-4 15th, and it's helpful to have a local in your group - or at least one forecaddie in the group happy to share advice.

At 283 yards, it's tempting to pull out the driver and let one rip on "Canyon Pass," but a good poke with your 250-yard club is all that's needed - along with a soft draw and a little good fortune into a small opening that feeds downhill and left into a narrow green. It's an excellent short par-4 that is scoreable, but also requires good shotmaking. Come up short and you have a dicey half-wedge into a small green that's - say it with us - challenging to hold.

The road back to the clubhouse provides a trio of fun and distinctive challenges that might be the highlight of the Monument experience. The 234-yard downhill par-3 16th is the most visually stunning on the course, and is backed up by a 455-yard par-4 that will require a fairway wood if you don't connect well off the tee.

The 18th hole doesn't appear overly intimidating at 365 yards and water safely pushed off to the left. But pay attention to the pin placement and don't leave your approach short and vulnerable to a massive false front.

OTHER COURSES IN THE AREA: The Phoenix area is chock full of wonderful course options for golfers of every skill level. You can't go wrong with the Troon Golf-managed facilities - there are 11 in the greater Phoenix area. Locals favorites are Ocotillo in Chandler and Westin Kierland and Talking Stick in Scottsdale.

Your golfing imagination in Scottsdale is limited only by the time of year and your pocketbook. The crown jewel is the TPC Stadium course, home of the FBR Open. Grayhawk is one of the area's treasures, with the two 18s highlighted by the highly acclaimed Talon course.

Dove Valley Ranch, Cholla, Continental, Eagle Mountain and the Sanctuary Golf Course at Westworld make most Top 10 lists.

WHERE TO STAY: The Four Seasons Resort at Troon North was rated as the No. 25 golf resort in North America by Golf Digest in 2011.

The Sanctuary was rated the No. 1 resort in the country by Conde Naste, and there is no shortage of great lodging options in the area. Copperwynd, The Phoenician and The Hermosa Inn also lead the luxury list.

The Camelback Inn by JW Marriott is also a short drive away.

On the web: www.troonnorthgolf.com.