When it’s 110 degrees in the Valley of the Sun, even die-hard golfers think twice before teeing it up. For that reason, a golf pal and I recently gave Sedona Golf Resort a go. At 4,000 feet, it’s 10-15 degrees cooler, which doesn’t sound like much but – believe me – it is! 

The get-to from Phoenix is easy, too: just bomb up the 17, hang a left at Highway 179 and a few minutes later, you’re golfing. 

Designed by Gary Panks, the par-71, 6,646-yard golf course takes full advantage of the many postcard views of red-rock country. It starts out with a manageable uphill par-4 followed by a dramatic downhill par 3 that usually plays into the breeze – a cool breeze. From there it’s pedal to the metal with two par 5s within three holes at Nos. 3 and 5. In fact, the 5th earns the No. 1 handicap rating by playing 623 yards uphill.

“At the first tee box you’re playing at about 3,600 feet, and as you continue further into the golf course, you climb up to the high point of the property at about 4,200 feet,” said Jeremy Hayman, General Manager of Sedona Golf Resort. “So, as your round unfolds, the views — and the golf holes — get better and better.” 

He’s right about that. The splendor of the place really hit me between the eyes as I turned around to walk off the green at the par-4 6th. I don’t know which pleased me more, the incredible view or the chip-in for bogey I just holed. Either way, both were clearly guided by the divine. And although there was a little backup on the tee at the par-3 7th, I couldn’t have cared less. We just chilled in the shade of a burly juniper tree and took it in until it was time to fire away.

Things got even better after meeting up with the beverage cart gal on the 8th hole; got to stay “hydrated.” The 9th hole – the third par 5 on the front nine – plays uphill like No. 5, but weighs in 100 yards less. The ascent brought us to one of the most scenic holes in the game. 

Chances are you’ve already seen the iconic image of the par-3 10th. It’s easily one of the most photographed golf holes in the Western U.S. Not even my bone-headed double bogey could cast a shadow over this beauty.

The next three holes are made up of two down-hill par 4s that play shorter than the scorecard indicates, with the lone par 5 on the backside sandwiched between them. The 15th certainly gets your attention. As the No. 2 handicap hole, trouble pinches in as the fairway plunges towards the green. With a little imagination, the 16th hole almost reminds you of the famed Road Hole. However, unlike the original, if you take a line over the building you’ll find a pond or parking lot instead of the fairway.

The twists and turns, ups and downs of the golf experience at Sedona Golf Resort finish with two manageable holes at the par-3 17th and the par-4 18th. And although the golf course is reason enough to frequent the place, that’s just where the fun begins. The clubhouse, overlooking the same wonderful views, is a great place for a post-round beverage. There’s also a palpable air of romance to the setting. The Sedona Golf Resort dresses up nicely as one of the most unforgettable ceremony/receptions sites on the planet.  

Those who are also passionate about mountain biking will be happy to know Sedona Golf Resort also hosts a one-of-a-kind race and celebration called Sedona Bike & Brew Festival. The third running of the event kicks off August 26-27 with more than 100 riders, 200 spectators, and as the name would suggest, “keggers” furnished by Oak Creek Brewery, Four Peaks Brewery, and Oskar Blues. 

“With all the wonderful rides in the Sedona area, mountain biking is a very popular sport around here,” said Hayman. “A great time was had by all last year, including a good turnout from our little riders. We supported a worthy organization and managed to have a lot of fun along the way.”   

The six-mile course takes riders around all 18 holes, 400 feet of elevation change, and 90 acres of fairways, tee boxes and cart paths.  

The first day, riders participate in a leisurely group ride to get used to the track, followed by a 20-minute criterium before evening festivities that include dinner, music and cold beers at the Juniper Bar & Grille, Sedona Golf Resort’s restaurant. 

The next day, three Junior Divisions will give it a go before the Women’s and Men’s Sport Divisions hit the track for a single-lap sprint. Finally, the race for the Men’s Open Division pits the best riders in a two-lap, lung-busting scramble for top honors. 

The event concludes at the Juniper Bar & Grille with an awards ceremony, music and silent auction benefiting the Verde Valley Cyclist Coalition Trail Fund. Other partners include the Sedona Bike & Bean, Four Peaks Brewery, Oak Creek Brewing Company, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and the Hilton Sedona. 

Over the years, Sedona has mystified and mesmerized a host of travelers with its surreal beauty, the kind that must be experienced to be appreciated. If beating the heat for a round of golf isn’t enough of an excuse, perhaps a fun-filled mountain bike race and beer festival is.

For more information, visit SedonaGolfResort.com, SedonaBikeBrew.com or call 928.284.9355 to make a reservation in this one-of-a-kind destination.