About Town: Scottsdale
By Ceri Mobley, PGATOUR.com Associate Site Producer
You probably would never think of golf as being a rowdy sport or as having rowdy fans. A day following your favorite players around the course would not equate to, say, an afternoon at a football game; unless, of course, you are at TPC Scottsdale, and you're on the 16th green.
The PGA TOUR has no time to recover from a heck of a week at the Buick Invitational as it dives straight into the FBR Open in Scottsdale, Ariz. Considered widely in the golf community to be the most fun tournament to attend, the event at TPC Scottsdale draws fans from all over to spend a few days gathered around the 16th green, shades on, beer in hand.
While most of the action will be happening on the course, this rocky-red part of the world can keep you busy if you feel the need to venture off and do some exploring. But first -- as is the custom when traveling -- you'll need a hotel.
SOMEWHERE TO SNOOZE
Who needs the Venetian? : For only the best in Arizona opulence, book your stay at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale. Like fire-plumed wings ascending from the desert ashes, this hotel emerges out of the terra-rouge with five-star elegance and Southwestern style as only its namesake could. Less than a 30-minute drive to the course, the Phoenician will be waiting for you with comfortable beds, excellent food and views of the sunset-painted landscape after a raucous (whether you partook or not) day at the FBR Open.
Prepare to pay: This desert delight will set you back a pretty penny, but if deluxe is what you're looking for, look no further. Rates start at $450 a night.
Other options
Scottsdale Resort and Athletic Club/Eurasia Spa: A three-and-a-half-star hotel located only 15-20 minutes from TPC Scottsdale, this resort treats you to luxury at a lower price, plus all the benefits of the extensive athletic facilities (to work off the beers). Rates start at $200 a night.
3 Palms: Also three-and-a-half-star quality and about a 20-minute drive from the tournament, 3 Palms has modern style and quiet sophistication, offering a change of pace from the Southwestern surroundings. Rates start at $130 a night.
SOMEWHERE TO SNACK
Phoenix City Grille: You can't come to Arizona and not chow down on some good old Southwestern cuisine, and while the FBR Open takes place in Scottsdale, the city's friendly neighbor Phoenix is close by and therefore extends your list of options when it comes to dining. You'll find the Phoenix City Grille in east Phoenix, close to Scottsdale. In keeping with the attitude of the area, this restaurant has the look and feel of a Southwest tavern but serves up modern favorites such as bacon-wrapped shrimp and rib eye steak. If you do take a trip to the grille for an evening, definitely sample the green chile queso fundido -- a queso dip with shredded pork and manchego cheese served alongside warm tortilla chips. Doesn't that sound good?
More restaurants
Marco Polo Supper Club Restaurant: This place is pretty popular with locals and tourists alike for its unusual menu of Asian-Italian food. Marco Polo also has dancing and live music every night.
Tapino Kitchen and Wine bar: So named for its hottest items -- tapas and wine (vino), this restaurant has hot nights where certain cocktails, wines and tapas plates are only $5 each. Deal.
Fox Sports Grill: More on this later (you have to have somewhere to watch the the younger Manning take on Tom Brady), but suffice to say all your sports bar needs and more are met here.
SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT
I know I normally send you off on all sorts of fun -- and sometimes crazy -- outings that usually have nothing to do with golf, but this week, you'll be guaranteed the most fun on the course. Pick a day, any day, and plant yourself on the 16th green. You never know what to expect at this 162-yard, par-3 hole. The tremendous crowd has been known to boo bad approaches or players they don't like, roar like a collective voice as they did when Tiger holed out in 1997 and even sing the college songs of players' alma maters as they make their way across the green. Even if you don't want to be a part of the madness, you can grab a beverage, kick back in the Arizona sun and enjoy the hooligans around you. Either way, keep a look out for PGATOUR.com's Mark Spoor, who will be blogging from the 16th hole all day during Wednesday's pro-am. He'll be the one with an excited grin, furiously scribbling away at a notepad...
More things to keep you busy
• If Arizona is known for anything, it's the ruby-red terrain and awe-inspiring desert-mountain landscape, but despite the state's barren look, it's a haven for plant life like you've never seen. Check out the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix for an up-close look at this rare and beautiful flora.
• Every Thursday evening in Scottsdale, all the galleries and stores in the Scottsdale arts district open up their doors from 7-9 p.m. to show off the work of the local artists. It's a fun way to see some regional culture and get a feel for the area.
• Let's not pretend this weekend is only about the FBR Open. You're going to need somewhere to watch the big game on Sunday -- even if you are rooting for both teams to lose. Head to the Fox Sports Grill in Scottsdale and settle down for what is sure to be one of the biggest nights in football history.
STICKING AROUND?
Try to find some time to spare during your trip to the Grand Canyon State to spread beyond the Phoenix area and see what the rest of Arizona has to offer, starting with, well, I don't know, how about the Grand Canyon?
The grandest: You hardly need to be told what to expect if you make the three-and-a-half-hour trip out to this national park, as the Colorado-River-carved, snakelike chasm is one of the most famous landmarks in the country -- maybe even the world. Just last year, the national park service added a glass-bottom gallery that juts out over the gorge so you can see what lies a mile below you. Just don't get too close to the edge...
Tuzigoot National Monument: If you do plan to make the drive out to the Grand Canyon National Park, try to make a pit stop at Tuzigoot on your way. This ancient pueblo perched atop a small desert peak is about two hours outside of Scottsdale en route to the Grand Canyon. The first buildings in the pueblo were built in 1000 A.D. by the Sinagua culture, and the structure remains partially intact and explorable by foot despite the fact that the Sinagua left the area over 600 years ago.
So whether you're most excited about the golf, the game or the Grand Canyon, you'll have to trip over yourself and fall down a desert cave not to have a good time in Arizona this week.
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FANTASY GOLF
