There’s nothing most Arizonans can do about the summertime weather – 110 degrees and a chance of a monsoon storm is your rinse and repeat forecast. But as hardcore players already know, there’s no such thing as “too hot” for golf, and to prove it I went on a little road trip south.

I picked the foothills of Tucson as my destination, and was blown away by my experiences at both The Golf Club at Vistoso in Oro Valley, and Arizona National Golf Club in the northeast Tucson. The service from the moment I walked up to each clubhouse was noteworthy, as attendants from both courses commented about how they didn’t remember seeing me before, and asking if the visit was my first to their course. For two Clubs that are pretty busy in their own right, it was a great touch.

“Giving our players the best service possible is something that we really pride ourselves on,” said Dennis Palmer, General Manager of Arizona National Golf Club. “It’s not just fantastic golf you’re getting when you come to Arizona National. It’s a fantastic overall experience.”

At Arizona National, I took on the Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design from the 6,785-yard back tees, and was blown away by the views in all directions. Every hole had either a directional or elevation change, leading to more cell phone photos than planned – apologies to the group behind me! The 575-yard par-5 2nd hole was majestic looking from the tee box, staring directly at the Catalina Mountains before a 90-degree dogleg to the right. Two small carries later, I happily tapped in for bogey, as the hole was tougher than it looked at first glance (a sign of things to come).

The first time I actually took a few more practice swings than necessary was at the slightly downhill 184-yard par-3 4th, with basically all of Tucson in view behind the pin. Thanks to the clear weather, the Rincon Mountains were visible and I figured it had to be the signature hole of the Par-71 layout. Man was I wrong. The views definitely got into my head, I duffed my tee shot and miraculously scrambled to make bogey.

“It’s fun hearing our first time players talk about the visual distractions on the course,” Palmer said with a chuckle. “I always recommend getting at least one round of experience under your belt, before really testing yourself out here.”

I ended my round at the actual signature hole: A jaw-dropping 513-yard par-5 finishing hole. 200 feet below the tee box, the hole had everything: An open fairway with strategically-placed bunkers on each side to test your accuracy, water in the background to make you think twice about going for the green in two, and like the fourth hole a beautiful view of The Old Pueblo in the background. It was precisely the kind of hole that brings a player back for more. And believe me: I’ll be back.

Meanwhile over at The Golf Club at Vistoso, I got another dose of the private club feel at one of the nicest daily fee courses in the area. I was greeted with an ice-cold cucumber towel, and got ready for my round at the bustling practice area, an expansive zone complete with putting green, range and beverage shack.

“I like to put myself in the players’ shoes and ask, ‘What is it that I would want out there if I’m playing today?’” said Rich Elias, The Golf Club at Vistoso General Manager. “A friendly attendant and a small way to provide relief from the heat isn’t asking too much. Here, it’s expected.”

The par 72, 6,954-yard Tom Weiskopf design was in great condition, and my cell phone camera got plenty more usage. The 188-yard par-3 3rd tees off to the east, with the Catalina Mountains directly behind the hole. By then I had accepted I can’t play picturesque par 3’s, and didn’t even let my double bogey bother me.

Elias and I both agreed on Vistoso’s signature hole: The 389-yard par 4 eighth. A solid tee shot to the wide landing area gave me a great angle at the pin, with the green guarded to the left by water and surrounded by bunkers. My best shot of the weekend landed eight feet to the right of the pin, and a birdie putt dead center to the cup had me fist pumping, even with no one around.

All in all, the combination of gorgeous views and great playing conditions stood out, and Vistoso is now among my Arizona favorites. But the course is not just a favorite for golfers, as music fans are getting ready for the 2nd annual Oro Valley Music Festival at the Vistoso practice range on October 1-2.

Following up last year’s successful event, Elias has teamed with iHeartRadio for an even bigger experience this year. Saturday’s country-music themed lineup includes superstars Billy Currington and Dan + Shay, with four more bands set to perform. Sunday’s Adult Contemporary-themed lineup is headlined by fan favorites Colbie Caillat and Daughtry, along with three more bands ready to rock the range.

“We wanted to do something good for the community, to bring Oro Valley together for an event where you can sit outside, enjoy some beautiful scenery and listen to some of the biggest names in today’s music,” said Elias. “It’s a great opportunity for Southern Arizona to experience our beautiful facility. And we can’t wait to host them.”

A TravisMathew Awesome Tour Bus will be on hand for the Ultimate VIP experience, and event organizers are offering the chance for fans to sit on stage for their favorite artist’s performance, by bidding on the “Best Seat in the House.” Tickets for the Oro Valley Music Festival are on sale at Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange in Tucson, or online at orovalleymusicfestival.com.