Our list of the Top 10 U.S. Golf Resorts for Women was going to be alphabetical, but then we noticed that one resort appeared on every panelist’s ballot. And so we single out The Boulders, a romantic Sonoran Desert hideaway north of the hustle and bustle of Scottsdale, Arizona, 40 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Its location, Carefree, describes the ambience for guests, who park their cars on arrival and then walk or shuttle from place to place with prompt and cheerful service (and without ever having to reach into their purses for tips).
Pictures don’t do justice to The Boulders, and it has a long reputation for courting women golfers. Just look at the options of tees on each meticulously maintained course – and both golf facility and staff win raves from our panel. “One of my all-time favorite places to stay and play,” says one.
The resort was sold this year to Columbia Sussex and will be transitioning from a Waldorf Astoria to Hilton’s elite Worldwide Curio Collection. Could it get even better for women? We’ll see. A high bar has been set.
TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: North Course – White 6,293/75.8/137; Copper 5,879/73.5/135; Gold 5,197/70.7/126; Gold-Red Combo 5,021/69/117; Red 4,900/68.1/116. South Course – White 6,246/75.3/138; Copper 5,642/73.1/130; Gold 5,141/70.1/122; Gold-Red Combo 4,856/68.4/117; Red 4,716/67.7/116.
AMENITIES: Four pools, including one at the 33,000-square-foot spa reserved for adults. Fitness center with classes. Six restaurants, including healthy option of Cafe at spa. Eight courts at the terraced “Tennis Garden.” Bountiful golf shop, and plenty of boutiques on site and at the nearby El Pedregal. Proximity to the dining and nightlife of Scottsdale, and to spring training baseball. Many desert adventures, tours and hikes.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: November through April.
*2-2-2 COST (AS OF MAY 1, 2015): $1,300.
*Approximate price for two nights and two rounds of golf for two guests
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