Gamble Sands
There are few management companies in the world of golf that most of us know by name, but Troon Golf is definitely one of them.
The Arizona based company probably manages a golf course near you, and it’s a high probability that it is one of the better courses in your area as they are known for their operational prowess and consistently providing golfers with courses in peak conditions.
We wanted to point out a few of our favorite Troon properties for you that consistently provide some of the best stay and play vacations in golf.
Gamble Sands – Brewster, Washington
While Scottish architect David McLay Kidd made his mark at Bandon Dunes, he has shined at so many properties since including the highly-regarded Gamble Sands where he has designed every hole on property. Located high above the Columbia River in North Central Washington, Gamble Sands spreads across expansive, naturally sandy terrain with panoramic views of the river valley. The property has grown into a true destination, now offering 36 holes of championship golf on two courses designed by McLay Kidd alongside one of the most fun short courses in the United States known as Quicksands.
The original Gamble Sands course draws inspiration from the great links of Scotland. McLay Kidd called the landscape a “once-in-a-lifetime” setting, where the land seemed to reveal the golf holes rather than require them to be built. The newer Scarecrow Course adds a second 18-hole experience while remaining true to the character of the original. Its routing explores different portions of the dramatic terrain, revealing new vistas, bold landforms, and the same firm, ground-oriented style that encourages creativity. It’s quickly turning into one of the top destinations in the country, and somehow it still probably fits into the “hidden gem” category, but we feel like that moniker should be going away soon as more golfers are starting to discover how truly special this resort is.
Troon North – Scottsdale, Arizona
With 36 holes designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, Troon North is easily one of the best daily fee facilities in the Valley of the Sun. And that’s saying something, because there are a lot of great ones in the Phoenix Scottsdale area. Simply put, if you’re looking for perfection in terms of views, conditioning, challenge, and design, this is it.
A great test on either the Pinnacle or the Monument courses, with their incredible giant rock formations and mountain views, this is a premium treat that every avid golfer should experience. Add in an A+ range and practice facilities, beautiful clubhouse, outstanding food and beverage, and you’ve got a super memorable experience.
From a stay-and-play perspective, golfers can stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North which always delivers an incredible experience, or they can also enjoy the newer Villas and Casitas that are owned and operated by Troon North.
Troon North
Tobacco Road – Sanford, North Carolina
The genius of the late Mike Strantz is on full display at Tobacco Road, which Troon was able to add to their portfolio a few years ago. Located about a half hour from Pinehurst, Tobacco Road was built in and around an old quarry which as we’ve seen around the world of golf can often lead to a wonderful base in golf course design.
There’s lots of elevation change, crazy imaginative greens, and a few blind shots such as the iconic approach into the par-4 9th hole that is so uphill that it requires a larger flag so golfers can see the top of the pin from below. It is visually intimidating, and while it’s not easy, it can be tamed if you follow a plan and execute your shots. As a bonus, Tobacco Road has also recently added their new short course called The Matchbox to the property. As an addition that we love, they’ve created a “12.5” hole so you can get a preview of the short course during the middle of your round on the championship layout.
When you do, you’ll see they’ve created a unique routing through the pines that includes a mixture of mostly pitch shot approaches with a few longer holes sprinkled in that will put every ounce of creativity you have around the greens to the test. The tees and greens here are all turf, and the sprinkled sharp green areas that work through the tall pines and surrounding pine straw areas make for the perfect spot for you and your friends to have some drinks, talk some trash, and test every shot in your short game arsenal.
For stay and play packages, Tobacco Road has their own packaging company that can assist you. We also highly suggest you take advantage of all the great golf in the surrounding Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen area that includes the likes of Mid Pines, Pine Needles, Talamore, Mid South, and Southern Pines Golf Club just to name a few. If you’d like to play any of the great courses at the iconic Pinehurst Resort, keep in mind that you are required to stay onsite to have access to their portfolio (with the exception of The Cradle), so plan accordingly to enjoy as many of these great courses as you can during your visit. In fact, we’ve found many groups change accommodations during their trip to get the best of both worlds during their visit.
The Matchbox at Tobacco Road
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort (Aviara Golf Club) – Carlsbad, California
Perched high above Carlsbad, the luxurious Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad is matched by its 7,000-yard Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, which is open to the public and basically doubles as a nature preserve with its 60 acres of landscaping and incredible flora. Incredibly well-manicured and fun, the course features a wide variety of holes, generous fairways, and elevated tees. Like many Troon courses, the incredible maintenance of the facility is often highlighted by visiting golfers as one of the key factors that makes this facility stand out.
This AAA Five-Diamond Park Hyatt Aviara Resort boasts exceptional restaurants, adult and family pools, cabanas, and the Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara to get your body in perfect working form either before or after your round.
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
Indian Wells Golf Resort – Indian Wells, California
Owned by the city of Indian Wells and located in California’s Coachella Valley in the Palm Springs area, the 36 holes of golf at Indian Wells Resort is a municipal facility, though it’s hard to believe when you play it or look at it as both courses are some of the highest ranked municipal courses in the country.
The Celebrity and Players courses, which have been known affectionately over the years as “The Beauty and the Beast,” have hosted many marquee events including the Golf Channel’s “Big Break,” the legendary Skins Games that used to be televised over the holidays, and The PGA National Club Championship. The John fought-designed Players course underwent a recent refresh which kept the course’s charm while enhancing the overall experience, and the Clive Clark-designed Celebrity is known for its incredible beauty, water features, and exceptional landscaping.
If you’re looking to visit the resort, they provide stay and play packages across multiple facilities including the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, and Indian Wells Resort Hotel. This gives you a variety of locations and price points to work with, and we highly recommend playing both courses in addition to other area favorites like PGA West’s multiple courses.
Indian Wells Golf Resort