As the agency charged with marketing Scottsdale to tourists and meeting planners throughout the world, we at the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau understand the devastating impact of this current recession and its impact on all aspects of tourism, including golf.

Individuals and companies alike are cutting back on expenditures. While these cutbacks are crippling the economy in the short term, they will hopefully lead to sustainable economic recovery. We’re hopeful that Americans will feel comfortable opening their pocketbooks and spending—in moderation—in the very near future.

Memorial Day is widely considered the “unofficial” start of summer and for most golf aficionados, summer means travel. Travel to a second home or to some must-play course is a requisite.

Before you plan your next trip, allow me to introduce you to Ultimate Escapes.

Formed last May, Ultimate Escapes, the fusion of two powerful brands — Ultimate Resort® and Private Escapes® — provides its members with THE ultimate luxury travel experience. 

Anyone who has played Pelican Hill Golf Club recently has experienced the difference that two years can make – and knows why Tom Fazio’s two 18-hole golf courses are a “must-play” on the Southern California coast.

The club was closed for two years to build a new clubhouse and practice facility and to allow Fazio to work his magic unhindered. The master returned to “re-perfect” the duo he created on the Newport Coast in the early 1990s, which already were among the nation’s most highly rated public courses. 18-hole Ocean Course South and 18-hole Ocean Course North returned to the world of golf in late 2007 more beautiful, playable and enjoyable than ever.

SCOTTSDALE, Az. - Seven OB Sports-managed golf courses were honored by Golfweek magazine in several ranking categories including Best New, Best Casino, Top 100 Resort Courses and Top 100 Residential Courses. The David McLay Kidd-designed Tetherow Golf Club and the John Fought-designed Players Course at Indian Wells Golf Resort were honored as 2008 Best New Courses.

Four OB Sports-managed courses were ranked in the Top 100 Resort Courses for 2009 with We-Ko-Pa Golf Club's Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw-designed Saguaro Course at No. 16 and the Scott Miller-designed Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa coming in at No. 38. Sandia Golf Club and the Ken Kavanaugh-designed Longbow Golf Club debuted in this prestigious Top 100 ranking at No. 79 and No. 89 respectively.

For 79 years, the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa has been the state’s historic ‘Grand Dame,’ as well as one of the world’s best known resorts. The distinctive style of America’s master architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, has always set the legendary “Jewel of the Desert” apart – creating an incomparably storied setting for enjoying the luxurious facilities and pampering of a world-class resort.

Nestled on 39 flower-filled acres at the foot of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa has it all: 738 guest accommodations, eight swimming pools, seven tennis courts, an award-winning spa and fitness center, two 18-hole PGA golf courses, 18-hole putting course, and a variety of dining choices from award-winning American Lodge Cuisine in Wright’s at The Biltmore to casual poolside dining.

With summer now here, this is an ideal time to enjoy a getaway to the resort because of the special programs and packages being offered.

Don't wait for winter to wind down to experience the refreshing qualities of spring and summer.

360 Tour Group LLC still has space available for a last-minute vacation in late February ideal for the avid golfer. The package is specifically designed as a perfectly-timed winter retreat that not only provides the perfect escape to a warm climate, essential for stress reduction and relaxation but showcases some of the premier sights in the country. Experience the deserts of Phoenix, the depths of the Grand Canyon and the bright lights of Las Vegas all while receiving first-class service and accommodations courtesy of 360 Tour Group.