Thinking of Sedona? It is a dream for nature lovers and golfers

An hour before sunset, I climbed the short and sweet trail to the top of Cathedral Rock. When I reached the summit, the western sky was burning and the iron cliffs around me were burning with red light. Along with a dozen other photo-seekers, I waited for my chance to stand in one spot to snap my postcard.

Of course, whether you're capturing scenes of red-rock exploding or hitting golf balls against a beautiful backdrop, “shooting” in Sedona is as good as it gets in the southwest.

Located about 90 miles north of Phoenix in the Coconino National Forest, Sedona is an Arizona landmark famous for its spectacular sandstone formations. Hikers, bikers, photographers, naturalists, teenagers – and, yes, golfers – flock to the region to get their red-rock fix. Summers in Sedona — fueled by the fact that they're typically 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Greater Phoenix — are especially attractive.

Undoubtedly, jaw-dropping places like Cathedral Rock (my personal favorite), Devil's Bridge (a popular spot with social media daredevils), Bell Rock (use your imagination) and Red Rock Crossing (a famous spot where dozens of Westerners have been filmed) immediately come to mind when considering Sedona's attractions. And there are, literally, tons more.

Sedona is also famous for its vortexes. Of course, in terms of local history, Sedona shines with spiritual energy. This place actually has four sacred and supernatural points – vortexes – where the energies of the metaphysical world and spirits rise. (So ​​if you're standing on the tee box and suddenly feel that sensation, it's probably more than just emotion.)

Interestingly, many golfers, including myself, have tried to tap into that power hit while playing golf on the course. You know, sinking a few more putts, the ball will make it over the big canyons of doom, mix opponents up to shoot themselves silly, that kind of thing. But I can say this with confidence: it doesn't seem to work that well.

What works well, however, is the spectacular view and the joy of shooting — golf balls, that is — against the glorious red backdrop of Sedona. All three courses in the area – Sedona Golf Resort, Oakcreek Country Club and Seven Canyons – are perfect places to get together. And all three courses are completely different in character.

Located in Oak Creek, a village located just five minutes south of downtown Sedona, the Sedona Hilton Golf Resort has the “friendliest” course in the area. The 6,646-yard layout, backed by a well-appointed Hilton hotel that sits in a vacant lot above the course, is relatively large off the tee with large, consistent greens that are a joy to putt on. Owned by Troon Golf, the Gary Panks-designed course has also recently gone under the knife for irrigation improvements and layover improvements. The overhaul has greatly strengthened the playability and course environment.

“People have said this is as close as you can get to playing golf in the Grand Canyon,” said Jeremy Hayman, GM at the Sedona Hilton Golf Resort. “The views don't stop. You're in a dream world. I don't think you'll ever get tired of looking at those amazing red rocks. And this golf course is very manageable for the average resort player. Most people usually leave the 18th hole happy with their score and, most importantly, happy with the whole experience.”

Just a few par-5s down the road from the Hilton, Oakcreek Country Club, the first championship-length course in the area, is a mature, parkland test with that “exclusive” private club feel, although tee times are readily available year-round for out-of-town players. (Green fees increase by $209 during the summer.)

Designed by the father and son duo of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr., Oakcreek features beautiful bunkering, three lakes, classic doglegs that require a specific shot shape and — surprise, surprise — stunning views of the cool, fiery red mountains that frame the course.

That said, the last mountain-enclosed area, Seven Canyons, tucked away 10 minutes north of Sedona, is a winner. It's confidential, but there are several ways to access the course and this gated community. A stay at the nearby Enchantment Resort — a luxury resort that won't disappoint — or booking a vacation rental with Sedona Luxury Rentals will open the door to adventure at Seven Canyons. Both will cost a pretty penny but the benefits will be greater.

Seven Canyons can play tough and aren't bombastic (bring an extra sleeve or two), but this Tom Weiskopf design offers a postcard-worthy shot from every tee. Standout holes include the par-3 14th – which features a perched-on-the-rock tee and a small green dotted with deep bunkers – and the par-4 16th. The latter caresses around a glass-smooth pond and features a compact, heavily bounded green and a glossy back.

Naturally, before or after a round, exploring the local hiking trails in Sedona is highly recommended. There are plenty of good options. On my last visit to Sedona I also completed a short trail to the famous Birthing Cave, located near the Seven Canyons. This famous place – think cliff-side alcove – is a deep spiritual place sacred to the local Hopi people. I'm hoping that the new found strength will give my golf game a much needed rebirth. Time will tell.

Andrew Penner is a freelance writer and photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. You can follow him on Instagram at @andrewpennerphotography.

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