Golfing in the Pines! This is not what one thinks of when they think of Arizona. When one thinks of Arizona, they think of the desert – not pine trees and mountains. However, Flagstaff is a golfer’s paradise in the Pines.
Golf is coming into its own in Flagstaff. In addition to several public courses, there are four outstanding private golf clubs.
Forest Highlands
Forest Highlands was developed in the mid-1980’s in a setting two miles south of Flagstaff. Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish designed the Canyon Course. It has been ranked among the top 100 courses in the world by Golf Magazine and was rated by Golf Digest as the #1 private course in Arizona. The name, Canyon Course is a correct description. The course was designed around a deep canyon that contains the 9th, 17th and 18th holes. Every hole is special and provides panoramic views of the San Francisco peaks, rippling brooks and lakes.
Forest Highlands has a second course that opened in 1999 and was designed by Tom Weiskopf. Unlike the Canyon course, the Meadows course is built on a more gentle terrain, and boasts many lakes. It is a perfect walking course.
In September 2006, Forest Highlands hosted the Mid-Amateur Tournament on its courses. The finals were all played on the Canyon Course, and the officials and players had rave reviews for this beautiful, unique course.
 As the most established, gated, golf community in Northern Arizona, Forest Highlands offers many amenities. Both courses have their own pro shop, driving range and putting green. In addition there is an 18 hole putting course located in the Canyon area. Forest Highlands is unique in that membership to the golf courses comes with the purchase of property.There are two clubhouses, The Canyon and the Meadows. Each has a swimming pool, and tennis courts are situated near the Canyon Clubhouse. The fitness center is located in the Meadows clubhouse.
The Recreation program at Forest Highlands can’t be beat. Day camps are offered to the homeowners for their children and grandchildren. The camp is located adjacent to the Meadows swimming pool, has a playground area attached, and is within walking distance of the sports park. The sports park offers volleyball, basketball, fishing and a large playing field used for the various sports camps, such as soccer.
Forest Highlands is popular as a summer destination for families from Scottsdale, Phoenix and nearby cities. It is a unique community in that all age groups are represented. For the working residents, it’s a short drive (130 miles) from the Valley, and is an easy commute for weekend getaways. More and more residents of Forest Highlands are becoming full-time residents. Access to the towns of Flagstaff and Sedona, shopping, and the airport make it a desirable place to live.
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Flagstaff Ranch
Flagstaff Ranch is west of Flagstaff and is nestled on 454 acres dotted with the beautiful pine and gambel oak trees so prevalent in this area. It was designed by U.S. Open Champion Jerry Pate. The course boasts of 4 tee boxes and is 6,931 yards from the championship tees.
This gated community has a beautiful clubhouse and will open the community center this year. There are custom homesites, resale homes and smaller communities built by Cachet Homes. Membership to the club is dependent upon owning property.
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Pine Canyon
 One of the newest golf communities in Flagstaff, Pine Canyon was built within Forest Land. Jay Morrish designed the course utilizing the rolling wooded areas and gave it his signature by placing trees in strategic places on the fairway.
Pine Canyon opened its beautiful stone and wood clubhouse in September 2006. The club overlooks the “fishing lake” and 18th green – an absolutely awe-inspiring view. The community center for families is scheduled to be completed in 2007.
Pine Canyon offers a number of choices to match your lifestyle. There are private lots for custom homes, villas and townhouses. As a homeowner, you have access to hiking trails and are within two miles of the spectacular Walnut Canyon that is filled with historical sites such as cave dwellings from earlier Indian residents.
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Aspen Valley Golf Club
Aspen Valley is located east of Flagstaff and is one of the older courses. The course was designed by Billy Johnson and opened in 1981. Aspen Valley offers panoramic views and is surrounded by homes. |