As the heat index rises in the Valley of the Sun, head north to Prescott where the air is cool but the golf is hot! Situated on Bluff Top drive, there is no bluffing on this course. You want to bring your A-game for this sacred round of golf. Sacred, you ask? Built on traditional Native American land, respect for ancient burial grounds was a serious consideration in the way architect Randy Heckenhemper carved this course out of the desert canyons. A medicine man blessed each hole before completion. It is also a sacred round for all the “Thank Gods” expressed for lucky bounces, birdies and an eagle.

Nestled in the heart of Northern Arizona, StoneRidge Golf Course, which plays 7,052 yards from the back tees and offers 5 sets of tees to fit everyone’s skill level, serves up scenic views and more than 350 feet of elevation changes from the highest tee to the lowest green. If you love elevation changes, tight fairways (on some holes), occasional long carries, a thinking man’s course, and much cooler temps you are going to love StoneRidge.

Upon arrival, seeing the green fairways with all the elevation changes throughout the valleys and ridges will take your breath away. This course is a challenge for the advanced golfer as well as the novice, yet fair and rewarding, as well as very woman friendly.

And, if you want to add 20 yards to your drives without buying new equipment, remember that shots gain distances due to the “Mile” high elevation, so your club selection will vary from the altitude as well as the elevation changes on each hole. Fairways offer generous roll so be careful on doglegs. This course is target golf and it’s known to change quickly with wind coming into play on occasion. Always remember this is mountain golf when reading the greens, it does make a difference.

Hole #5, par 4, 383 yards the tips ­– This is a thinking man’s hole for sure. Tee shot is over a deep ravine to a dogleg right fairway sloping down to the green. Don’t kill your drive, try to stay short of the fairway bunker. Fairway is very narrow with a bunker to the right of the green.

Hole #12, par 3, 230 yards from the tips – This tee box is cliff city with its drop to the green. Whoaaa…is your first expression when you see it! Just club down enough (sometimes 2 clubs), depending on wind, and don’t overshoot the green. It’s an awesome par 3, for sure and most fun to play of all the holes.

StoneRidge is in outstanding condition with lush fairways and thick rough. It’s a course to return to over and over again because you love the scenery as much as the challenge. You will definitely want to play it a second time for that chance to score, after getting a feel for the layout and your club selection.

The 15,000 sq. ft. clubhouse houses the well-appointed, full service pro shop, outdoor event and conference pavilion, covered patio overlooking the 9th hole, and The Grille at StoneRidge which serves up a wonderful breakfast, lunch and after golf menu and houses banquet facilities seating up to 200. The staff is wonderful about making you feel right at home and you are very aware they are there to serve your every need. Service is exceptionally outstanding.

Offering an excellent driving range, along with putting, bunker and chipping areas, they offer several golf instruction programs: private lessons, group instruction and junior golf.

While StoneRidge is open to public play 365 days a year, (Rate information can be found at www.stoneRidgegolf.com), starting in June 2014, the Club is offering a 6 month summer membership for summer visitors and Arizona residents. The 6 month membership is offered at $1650 plus tax and includes unlimited green fees, cart fees and practice balls.

For more information on memberships, contact Tom Catanzarite, Director of Golf Operations, at 928.772.6500 or email tcatanzarite@stoneridgegolf.com. Summer rates start at $32 to $44 on weeekends. Cool pricing, cool temperatures along with ‘hot’ golf!

Located just 45 minutes south of Sedona and 1 ½ hours drive from Phoenix, with average temperatures generally 20 or more degrees cooler than the Valley of the Sun, StoneRidge Golf Club is your destination golf outing for cool golf with increased yardage on every club.

Take the challenge, while increasing your distance with every club in your bag, at this ‘Mile’ high, outstanding golf adventure. You’ll be ready for your second round as soon as you finish the first one. And, you’ll be exceptionally happy with your equipment in your bag…for the distance you’ve gained.

StoneRidge is definitely a “Must Play” for best courses to Arizona.