Accenture World Matchplay - The Ritz Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain

The Ritz Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain was opened to rapturous applause in 2009 and not just among the world’s best players who will be contesting the Accenture World Matchplay Championship this week. Jack Nicklaus, who laid down the 27 spectacular holes on offer at Dove Mountain, wanted it the course to appeal to mere mortals as well and, unsurprisingly considering Nicklaus’s standing in the game, the course is now a firm favourite among private members and those who travel to Arizona in search of some fun on the fairways of the world’s finest desert courses.

The course is a reflection of the Sonoran Desert’s lush, mountainside terrain, and blended naturally among noble saguaros that stand beneath the surrounding Tortolita Mountain Range, it offers a series of unique challenges and a distinct character.

Saguaros dominate the desert landscape on which this magnificent course was built.

As with many Nicklaus designed golf courses, the fairways at Dove Mountain are generously wide but this doesn’t necessarily make it an easy course to drive on. Carries over desert washes required on several tee shots and clever routing that demands shots to be shaped in both directions ensure the best players have plenty to think about with the big stick in their hands! While this may sound daunting for the average club player there are five sets of tees which are designed to accommodate players of abilities. The bunkering varies from classic, deep pot-style obstacles to expansive waste areas that stretch along the pristine fairways and coupled with the subtle elevation changes calls for a high degree of accuracy. Throw in the odd water hazard and you can easily run up a big score if you’re not careful. This is certainly not a course where you can spray it around and get away with it…just as well Phil “The Thrill” Mickelson is on holiday with his family then!

The two tournament nines – the Saguaro and Tortolita – form a par 72 that measures a monstrous 7,833 yards from the tips. Not only will these holes pose a significant challenge to the world’s best players, the courses were laid out to accommodate the best gallery viewing areas, including a natural grassy amphitheatre that surrounds the ninth green of the Tortolita Course.

Subtle undulations will certainly come into play when the big boys arrive to contest the Accenture Matchplay Championship this week.

Although the golf course is the main attraction at Dove Mountain, particularly this week, there is also an infinitely luxurious 250-room Ritz-Carlton resort hotel which makes this an ideal place for travelling golfers who wish to sample the delights of desert golf.

Overlooking the beautiful outdoor areas, the guest rooms and suites at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain are the epitome of luxury, bedecked in high class touches and complete with all the amenities expected of a five star destination.

Among the amazing myriad of dining options at the resort are the Core Kitchen, serving classical American cuisine, and Ignite, where the south western gastro pub style menu is complemented by amazing cocktails.

The short holes at Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain are some of the most picturesque on the course and could play a big part over the weekend.

The resort’s invigorating playground reaches out through a majestic Saguaro forest, and into the Sonoran Desert. Here the more adventurous among you can explore the desert through an array if activities. From a casual walk along natural trails to mounting up for an authentic, Old West trail ride, as guests at Dove Mountain you will have 20 miles of National Park quality hiking trails, adventure programs, along with marked mountain biking routes and guided jeep tours.

For those who would rather take a load off when not on the golf course at Dove Mountain, there are also three swimming pools, one of which has a 235-foot adventure water slide for the young and the young at heart!

All in all the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain Resort is one of the finest in the State of Arizona and a perfect place for your 2012 golf break to the USA. Have a little peek at the action from the Accenture World Matchplay this weekend. That should really wet your golfing whistle and an Arizona golf holiday may be just around the corner.

For information on Arizona golf breaks and other USA golf holidays please visit www.yourgoflftravel.com or call free on 0800 043 6644.