The desert of dreams

Rob Smith heads way out west for an unforgettable week in Arizona playing six sensational courses in glorious non-stop sunshine

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Until recently, my tally of courses played in the States was a fairly feeble 20, so I was thrilled to accept an invitation from Experience Scottsdale to play a few of its layouts and enjoy some seriously good accommodation and hospitality.

There are more than 200 courses in the area, and while some are private, there are more than enough open to all to last a lifetime of trips. It can be exceptionally hot in the summer, but buggy play is the norm here making it a year-round destination. Based at the lovely Four Seasons Scottsdale for the first three nights, my opening round was on one of Grayhawk's two cracking layouts. The Talon is desert-style, but I played Tom Fazio's Raptor, which is lush and beautifully manicured. Its greens are well-protected, many both raised and guarded by deep bunkers.

Among my favourite holes were the beautiful par-3 8th with its backdrop of the McDowell Mountains, the 10th which plays up a slope and across a serpentine stream, and the thrilling par-5 18th with water awaiting anything too far right. Just over the road, Isabella's Kitchen is a lively and informal diner with delicious food.

From rocks to raucous fans