GRAYHAWK
Challenging Golf in Arizona: Grayhawk Golf Club

Raptor Course: Par: 72; Yardage: 5,309-7,135
Talon Course: Par: 72; Yardage: 5,143- 6,973

Setting the standard for service, conditions and facilities in Arizona, Grayhawk Golf Club has soared to the top of Arizona's "must play" list since it's opening in 1994. The Grayhawk Golf Club offers several challenging courses, including the Gary Panks/ David Graham- designed Talon Course and the Tom Fazio- inspired Raptor Course.

The Talon gained prominence during the Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf. It offers breathtaking views of the nearby McDowell Mountains as well as the distant Phoenix-Scottsdale skylines. The fairways appear smaller in size than they actually are, but the greens are quite large and multi-tiered. The back nine is especially scenic, with deep box canyons laden with thick stands mesquite, palo verde, and ancient saguaros.

Raptor also is a thrilling challenge through a high-stakes game of risk and reward. The fairways are generous, with well-placed bunkers off the tee. The greens are big-time in every way, but beware the large bunkers that guard these pristine surfaces. Over the years, the Raptor has hosted a number of high-profile events, including the Williams World Challenge and more recently the Tommy Bahama Challenge.

Steve Nicodemus' tip: Both courses are awesome. Of the two, the Raptor is better suited for the low-handicapper while the Talon is more friendly and forgiving. The greens can be a challenge, but here's a hint: Most putts break toward Phoenix. Be sure and arrive early to enjoy the entire Arizona Grayhawk Golf experience, which is best, capped off with a beverage in Phil's Grill. Yes that's Phil and in Phil Mickelsn, the PGA Tour star who calls Grayhawk Golf Club his home.