The Arizona Itinerary
Arizona is America’s home of public golf. But there’s more to the Grand Canyon State than manicured fairways. Beyond the golf obsession is a land of broad horizons and deep rooted traditions. We covered some miles during our time there, here are the highlights:
Rodeo
Rodeos originated in 16th-century Mexico, where cowboys tested their cattle-wrangling skills against neighbouring ranches in competitions called “charreadas”. Over time, these contests evolved into carnival style performances and spread through the Mid West. There are countless disciplines on display at a rodeo, each encompassing a spirit of adventure and an appetite for excitement. But none more so than bull riding.
Golf
From TPC Scottsdale to Quintero to We-Ko-Pa, you’ll never be short of fairways to explore in Arizona. Courses here are defined by narrow lush fairways flanked by arid desert and stubborn cacti.
The Grand Canyon & Monument Valley
The rock formations here date back over 300 million years. The Grand Canyon was first stumbled upon by Spanish explorers in the 1540s but 500 years on every first time visitor experiences the exact same thing. There’s a feeling of interstellar discovery for anyone fortunate enough to soak this in. A scale so grand, its almost impossible to comprehend.
The Phoenix Suns
Between the Diamondbacks, the Cardinals and the Suns, Arizona residents have no shortage of major league games to attend. If you’re looking for non stop entertainment a fast paced game, head to the Footprint Centre to watch Kevin Durant and Damion Lee shoot some hoops.
Food
Everyone has to stay fuelled on a road trip, and thats no burden for the MANORS team. We ate some great food and visited some iconic spots. The best was Ocotillo in Phoenix. The best pizza was at Craft 64 in Phoenix. The best visuals were offered up at Galaxy Diner in Flagstaff.
The Sun Devils Practice Facility
Arizona State is one of the most prestigious sporting Universities in the country and their golf facility reflects that. Acres of green set against towering red rock, with a par 3 course that navigates around a chipping area made up of countless undulating greens. The facility known as 'The Bird' isn't open to the public but the golf course that flanks it: Papago, is.
The WM Phoenix Open
Officially the most attended golf tournament in the world with over 700,000 people making their way through the gates every year. The WM Phoenix Open isn't for everyone, but its unique and its exciting. Time your trip for early February and you'll be able to stop by the Greenest Show on Grass.