Pondering Sedona? It is a dream for nature-lovers, photographers and golfers

An hour earlier than sundown, I scrambled up the short-and-sweet path to the highest of Cathedral Rock. Once I reached the summit, the western sky was burning and the iron-rich cliffs surrounding me have been ignited with a red-hot glow. With a dozen different photo-seekers, I waited my flip to face on the lone aerie ledge to get my postcard shot.

Certainly, whether or not you’re photographing iconic red-rock scenes or blasting Golf balls in opposition to the attractive backdrops, “taking pictures” in Sedona is pretty much as good because it will get within the southwest.

Positioned roughly 90 miles north of Phoenix within the Coconino Nationwide Forest, Sedona is an iconic Arizona vacation spot that’s well-known for its spectacular sandstone rock formations. Hikers, mountain bikers, photographers, naturalists, new agers — and, sure, golfers — flock to the area to get their red-rock repair. Summers in Sedona — bolstered by the truth that it’s sometimes 10 to fifteen levels cooler than Larger Phoenix — are particularly interesting.

Unquestionably, jaw-dropping spots like Cathedral Rock (my private favourite), Satan’s Bridge (a preferred spot with daredevils in search of social media stardom), Bell Rock (use your creativeness) and Purple Rock Crossing (a well-known location the place dozens of Westerns have been filmed) instantly come to thoughts once you’re contemplating Sedona’s most spectacular “taking pictures” areas. And there are, actually, dozens extra.

Sedona can be well-known for its vortexes. That’s proper, in response to native lore, Sedona radiates with potent religious vitality. The realm really boasts 4 sacred and supernatural energy factors — vortexes — the place Earth’s metaphysical and religious forces are heightened. (So should you’re standing on a tee field and also you abruptly really feel these all-over tingles, maybe it’s extra than simply nerves.)

Curiously, many golfers, myself included, have tried to faucet into that pulsing energy whereas taking part in golf within the space. , to sink a couple of extra putts, will the ball over nice chasms of doom, hex the opposition into shanking themselves foolish, that kind of factor. However I can confidently state this: it doesn’t appear to work that nicely.

What does work nicely, nonetheless, are the gorgeous visuals and thrill of taking pictures — golf balls, that’s — in opposition to the dazzling red-rock backdrops in Sedona. All three programs within the space — Sedona Golf Resort, Oakcreek Country Club and Seven Canyons — are worthy locations to tee it up. And all three programs are decidedly totally different in character.

Positioned in Oak Creek, a small village situated simply 5 minutes south of downtown Sedona, the Sedona Hilton Golf Resort boasts the “friendliest” course within the space. The 6,646-yard format, anchored by the well-appointed Hilton lodge that sits on the bluff above the course, is comparatively beneficiant off the tee with giant, undulating greens which might be a deal with to putt on. Managed by Troon Golf, the Gary Panks-designed course has additionally not too long ago gone underneath the knife for in depth irrigation and bunkering upgrades. The renovations have considerably bolstered the playability and conditioning of the course.

“Folks have stated that is about as shut as you may get to taking part in golf within the Grand Canyon,” says Jeremy Hayman, the GM at Sedona Hilton Golf Resort. “The views are simply continuous. You’re in a dream world. I don’t assume you would ever get bored with these gorgeous pink rocks. And this golf course may be very manageable for the common resort participant. Most individuals are likely to stroll off the 18th inexperienced proud of their rating and, extra importantly, thrilled with the complete expertise.”

Simply a few beefy par-5s down the highway from the Hilton, the Oakcreek Nation Membership, the primary championship size course within the space, is a mature, parkland check that has that “unique” private-club really feel, though tee occasions are available all year long for out-of-town gamers. (Greens charges high out at $209 in the course of the summer season season.)

Designed by the father-son duo of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr., Oakcreek options lovely bunkering, three lakes, traditional doglegs that require particular shot shapes and — shock, shock — completely gorgeous views of the chiseled, fire-red mountains that body the property.

That stated, for the last word mountain-encased setting, Seven Canyons, which is tucked away in a secluded spot 10 minutes north of Sedona, is the champ. It’s personal, however there are a few methods you may entry the course and this gated oasis. Staying on the close by Enchantment Resort — it’s an opulent retreat that gained’t disappoint — or reserving a stick with Sedona Luxurious Leases will open the door to play at Seven Canyons. Each will value a reasonably penny however the payoff will likely be substantial.

Seven Canyons can play comparatively tight and isn’t a bomber’s delight (deliver an additional sleeve or two), however this Tom Weiskopf design serves up a postcard-worthy shot on each tee. Standout holes embrace the par-3 14th — which incorporates a perched-on-the-rock tee and a small inexperienced swarmed by deep bunkers — and the drivable par-4 sixteenth. The latter careens alongside a glass-smooth pond and incorporates a tiered, closely bunkered inexperienced and an eye-popping backdrop.

Naturally, earlier than or after a spherical, exploring the native mountaineering trails in Sedona is very beneficial. There are dozens of nice choices. On my final go to to Sedona I additionally accomplished the quick path to the well-known Birthing Cave, which is located near Seven Canyons. This well-known vacation spot — assume cliff-side alcove — is a deeply religious place that’s sacred to the native Hopi individuals. I’m hoping the highly effective vitality I discovered will give my golf sport a a lot wanted rebirth. Time will inform.

Andrew Penner is a contract author and photographer based mostly in Calgary, Alberta. You’ll be able to observe him on Instagram at @andrewpennerphotography.