With two terrific golf courses, accommodations and great dining, McCormick Ranch is a prime Scottsdale golf destination. This master-planned community, located in one of the country's most golf-centric locations, boasts two championship courses -- the Palm Course and the Pine Course. Both are designed by Desmond Muirhead and opened in 1972. The Palm Course offers great views of the surrounding mountains and beautiful lakes as water comes into play on 10 holes of the 7,004-yard, par-72 layout that has played host to a Canadian tour event. The award-winning signature par-4 ninth hole features an island fairway. From there, the approach plays to a green protected by the same water front and left. The Pine Course, which is also more than 7,000 yards from the tips and has been the site of PGA Tour event qualifiers, has water that comes into play on a third of the holes. One of the most interesting holes on the Pine is the 15th, the no. 1 handcap hole, a long par 4 that also plays over water to the landing area on the fairway. From there it's another long carry over water to the green. Both McCormick Ranch courses, which have four sets of tees, are served by great practice facilities that include one of the largest putting greens in the Southwest, two chipping areas with practice bunkers, and a driving range. Lessons are also available at McCormick Ranch, which also offers a fully-stocked golf shop with the latest in apparel, accessories, and equipment. The resort, which is served by two hotels, also has a great dining room and popular patio, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.
