Already well known for its two great golf courses just east of Scottsdale,
We-Ko-Pa is now a Sonoran Desert destination.
By Jeff Locke
The Cholla course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club burst on to the Scottsdale scene in December 2001 as an early Christmas gift wrapped in some of the most scenic Sonoran Desert on the planet. The Saguaro course followed in 2006. Since then, both have racked up an impressive list of accolades.
But until recently, the We-Ko-Pa experience was more of a day trip – drive out, play golf, drive back. Now, with the emergence of the resort and other fun-filled amenities, that has changed. We-Ko-Pa has been transformed into a viable vacation destination.
It all began a couple years ago, when the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation took over operations of the existing resort off of Highway 87 and rebranded it the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center. Today, the resort features all the vacation-type amenities one would expect, including 246 contemporary guest rooms and suites, Southwestern-inspired cuisine, luxurious spa and salon services, and a heated outdoor pool. And it’s well-suited for groups of all shapes and sizes.
In fact, they added new Golf Suites as a convenient and comfortable lodging option for stay-and-play vacations. Each of the four newly designed golf-themed suites accommodates four to five guests in two deluxe rooms connected by a living room with a pullout sofa and kitchen.
“The Golf Suites are ideal for anything from casual buddy trips to corporate outings,” said Matt Barr, general manager of We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. “They allow groups to gather together after the round and continue the fun in a spacious, comfortable setting where they can play cards, or watch the game of the day.”
This certainly satisfies the where-to-stay question, but how about the what-to-do factor? Quick answer: golf and other fun stuff.
Cholla and Saguaro have much in common. Both are meticulously maintained, receive high praise from golf media and guests alike, and offer quality experiences punctuated by the sights and sounds of the desert and nothing else. But they’re not without distinction. Cholla features desert golf-style challenges, while Saguaro was designed with more of a traditional look and feel.
“We couldn’t be happier with the way the golf courses turned out,” said Barr. “They each have a unique personality, and the surrounding desert is teeming with wildlife and mountain views.”
Designed by Scott Miller, the Cholla course emerged this fall after a $1.8 million renovation that included replacing tifdwarf bermudagrass on the greens with a faster-rolling MiniVerde variety, new bunkers, irrigation infrastructure, replacing six acres of turf with native plants, and changes to No. 8.
Photo By: Lonna Tucker
The fairway on this 605-yard, par-5 narrows as it plunges toward a deep, dry desert arroyo that runs across the front of the green which left limited space to place a second-shot layup. The landing area was widened and part of the arroyo was grassed to create a more realistic risk/reward scenario.
“After 15 years, it’s time to reinvigorate Cholla to maintain the type of conditions consistent with the high level of playability our guests have come to expect,” said Matt Barr.
Saguaro – designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw – incorporates desert golf with traditional golf course design. It’s built for walking, with greens situated near the next tee. It follows the natural movement of the land, and the playing corridors are wider – some much wider – compared to Cholla. When the particular patch of ground is flat and open, the hole is, too. Likewise, when the landscape pitches and rolls, so does the layout.
Photo By: Lonna Tucker
But you can’t play golf every day, right? Wrong! These two courses have enough twists and turns to keep even the most discriminating golfer as interested in their 50th round as their first. However, Fort McDowell Adventures opens up an entire desert full of other recreational activities.
This Old West-themed attraction allows you to get out and enjoy the desert in a number of ways. Hiking, biking, kayaking and rafting are a few people-powered options. For those who would rather be carried, horseback riding and Segways are popular choices.
Pink Jeep Tours recently set up shop at Fort McDowell Adventures. These souped-up Jeeps crawl through places where most 4x4s struggle. And blazing through desert trails in Green Zebra Adventure’s Tomcar – a fast, nearly indestructible sandrail-type vehicle – is so exciting you won’t want to give up the wheel. But eventually the ride comes to an end, and it’s time to chow down at a cowboy cookout and watch the fiery sunset fade to a starlit night.
For those who’d like to test their luck at a game of chance, Fort McDowell Casino is next door. It’s a full-service gaming facility offering slots, keno, bingo, a card room and blackjack. It also offers a half-dozen eating and drinking outlets, along with live entertainment at the Lucky 7 Saloon.
Owen Doka, assistant general manager and a member of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, said he likes what he sees.
“Thanks to the people of Arizona and the foresight of the Tribal Council, we were able to allocate the resources needed to build something that attract visitors worldwide to The Valley of the Sun,” Doka noted. “The entire Arizona community can be proud of what We-Ko-Pa has become.”
While the name We-Ko-Pa, which means Four Peaks in Yavapai, is rightfully recognized for its award-winning duo of dramatic golf courses, it’s obviously grown into much more. It’s now a place to stay and play – golf or otherwise.
Jeff Locke is a writer and publicist for Scottsdale-based Communication Links.
