Thinking Sedona? It’s a dream for nature-lovers, photographers and golfers

An hour before sunset, I scrambled up the short-and-sweet trail to the top of Cathedral Rock. When I reached the summit, the western sky was burning and the iron-rich cliffs surrounding me were ignited with a red-hot glow. With a dozen other photo-seekers, I waited my turn to stand on the lone aerie ledge to get my postcard shot.

Indeed, whether you’re photographing iconic red-rock scenes or blasting golf balls against the beautiful backdrops, “shooting” in Sedona is as good as it gets in the southwest.

Located approximately 90 miles north of Phoenix in the Coconino National Forest, Sedona is an iconic Arizona destination that’s famous for its spectacular sandstone rock formations. Hikers, mountain bikers, photographers, naturalists, new agers — and, yes, golfers — flock to the region to get their red-rock fix. Summers in Sedona — bolstered by the fact that it’s typically 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Greater Phoenix — are especially appealing.

Unquestionably, jaw-dropping spots like Cathedral Rock (my personal favorite), Devil’s Bridge (a popular spot with daredevils seeking social media stardom), Bell Rock (use your imagination) and Red Rock Crossing (a famous location where dozens of Westerns have been filmed) immediately come to mind when you’re considering Sedona’s most spectacular “shooting” locations. And there are, literally, dozens more.

Sedona is also famous for its vortexes. That’s right, according to local lore, Sedona radiates with potent spiritual energy. The area actually boasts four sacred and supernatural power points — vortexes — where Earth’s metaphysical and spiritual forces are heightened. (So if you’re standing on a tee box and you abruptly feel those all-over tingles, perhaps it’s more than just nerves.)

Interestingly, many golfers, myself included, have tried to tap into that pulsing power while playing golf in the area. You know, to sink a few more putts, will the ball over great chasms of doom, hex the opposition into shanking themselves silly, that type of thing. But I can confidently state this: it doesn’t seem to work that well.

What does work well, however, are the stunning visuals and thrill of shooting — golf balls, that is — against the dazzling red-rock backdrops in Sedona. All three courses in the area — Sedona Golf Resort, Oakcreek Country Club and Seven Canyons — are worthy places to tee it up. And all three courses are decidedly different in character.

Located in Oak Creek, a small village located just five minutes south of downtown Sedona, the Sedona Hilton Golf Resort boasts the “friendliest” course in the area. The 6,646-yard layout, anchored by the well-appointed Hilton hotel that sits on the bluff above the course, is relatively generous off the tee with large, undulating greens that are a treat to putt on. Managed by Troon Golf, the Gary Panks-designed course has also recently gone under the knife for extensive irrigation and bunkering upgrades. The renovations have significantly bolstered the playability and conditioning of the course.

“People have said this is about as close as you can get to playing golf in the Grand Canyon,” says Jeremy Hayman, the GM at Sedona Hilton Golf Resort. “The views are just non-stop. You’re in a dream world. I don’t think you could ever get tired of looking at those stunning red rocks. And this golf course is very manageable for the average resort player. Most people tend to walk off the 18th green happy with their score and, more importantly, thrilled with the entire experience.”

Just a couple of beefy par-5s down the road from the Hilton, the Oakcreek Country Club, the first championship length course in the area, is a mature, parkland test that has that “exclusive” private-club feel, although tee times are readily available throughout the year for out-of-town players. (Greens fees top out at $209 during the summer season.)

Designed by the father-son duo of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr., Oakcreek features beautiful bunkering, three lakes, classic doglegs that require specific shot shapes and — surprise, surprise — absolutely stunning views of the chiseled, fire-red mountains that frame the property.

That said, for the ultimate mountain-encased setting, Seven Canyons, which is tucked away in a secluded spot 10 minutes north of Sedona, is the champ. It’s private, but there are a couple of ways you can access the course and this gated oasis. Staying at the nearby Enchantment Resort — it’s a luxurious retreat that won’t disappoint — or booking a stay with Sedona Luxury Rentals will open the door to play at Seven Canyons. Both will cost a pretty penny but the payoff will be substantial.

Seven Canyons can play relatively tight and isn’t a bomber’s delight (bring an extra sleeve or two), but this Tom Weiskopf design serves up a postcard-worthy shot on every tee. Standout holes include the par-3 14th — which features a perched-on-the-rock tee and a small green swarmed by deep bunkers — and the drivable par-4 16th. The latter careens along a glass-smooth pond and features a tiered, heavily bunkered green and an eye-popping backdrop.

Naturally, before or after a round, exploring the local hiking trails in Sedona is highly recommended. There are dozens of great options. On my last visit to Sedona I also completed the short trail to the famous Birthing Cave, which is situated close to Seven Canyons. This famous destination — think cliff-side alcove — is a deeply spiritual place that is sacred to the local Hopi people. I’m hoping the powerful energy I found will give my golf game a much needed rebirth. Time will tell.

Andrew Penner is a freelance writer and photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. You can follow him on Instagram at @andrewpennerphotography.

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