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Photos by Greg Dunivant
The Southwest was built on legends and trails. To this day, people are still in search of the elusive treasure left behind in the hills and mountains. If you follow your map (i.e. GPS) to north Scottsdale, just on the border of Cave Creek and Carefree, the treasure chest opens up to a challenging but fair golf course, situated within a scenic, natural Arizona desert environment. The picturesque greens mix with the Sonoran desert to offer stunning views of nature and wildlife. Tranquil sunsets, desert tortoises, and even a bobcat have all been spotted in and around the course. Playing at Legend Trail is a treat in and of itself, but if you want to score well, take advantage of their interactive course map online. Each of the 18 holes takes their name from the desert surroundings. Starting at Nature’s Bounty (hole 1) to the Finishing Touch (hole 18), you are sure to get a swing up on your opponent. Using the aerial computer image, as well as actual pictures of each, hints about the layout are given as well as tee markers and yardage. Challenges along the way include sand traps, a pond, trees, Saguaro cacti, and the new TifEagle ultra dwarf, small bunkering. The wide fairways, island tees and 30
desert vistas have catapulted Legend Trail into the top 100 courses named in Golf Magazine. It has also been named as one of the top 100 WomanFriendly Fairways by Golf For Women magazine. It gets better. Golf Digest magazine rates Legend Trail with 4-1/2 out of 5 stars for “Best Places to Play.” But Legend Trail is more than a rating and a panorama of scenery. As part of the Scottsdale Golf Group, they are the definitive leader is golf services. Scottsdale Golf Group consistently delivers the ultimate in branded golf experiences for corporate clients and discerning golf customers--experiences that are on par with those enjoyed by professional golfers. Under the guidance of golf industry expert Shelby Futch, Scottsdale Golf Group has grown
from the undisputed leader in golf instruction to become a master of club operations, management, and consumer marketing services as well. You can expect world-class golf services from Scottsdale Golf Group--and get them. Other courses in the Scottsdale Golf Group are Hillcrest Golf Club, Painted Mountain Golf Resort, Orange Tree Golf Club, Red Mountain Golf, Corte Bella and River Crossing. Designed by Rees Jones, Legend Trail is a golf facility that also offers state of the art instruction, catering, and shopping. Sure, many golf courses can try to boast the same, but Legend Trail is host to the famed John Jacob’s Golf School and Academies. If you would like to brush up on your skills, you can attend a two or three day school, or if you’d prefer private, semi-private, or group lessons, they have something for you. After over 35 years teaching golfers of all skill levels to consistently hit better shots and shoot lower scores, the Golf Academies lessons are scheduled at your convenience & tailored to your needs. No course is complete without great food. The Cantina at Legend Trail offers a variety of Southwestern and Mexican inspired dishes. It is the perfect 19th Arizona Golf Central • Volume 3, Issue 4