Photo Courtesy Pointe South Mountain Resort

IT'S SIZZLING OUT THERE, BUT WITH THESE REDUCED SUMMER GOLFING RATES, WHO CAN RESIST A DAY ON THE LINKS?

If you’ve ever hit the links in August, you’ve probably heard the following from your non-golfer buddies: Are you crazy? You must be a masochist to play golf in these temperatures!
 
Maybe so, but summer may just be the best time of year to play golf in Phoenix. Some of the nicest courses in the country are at the heel of your driver and are offered up at reduced rates, catering to golf gurus who shun the shade in favor of a good 18 holes.

Also, the amount of time it takes to get through a course drops significantly. Hop in one of the air-conditioned carts that are sprouting up at courses everywhere, and a twosome of low-handicappers should be done in three hours. Sounds a lot more tolerable, right?

Here are some of the Valley’s best courses to hit during the summer. Just remember to pack plenty of water and sunscreen – it’s hot out there!

The Boulders Resort, Carefree  >> The scenic backdrop of 12-million-year-old granite formations is enough to lure golfers to one of two award-winning courses at The Boulders Resort, just north of Scottsdale, but if that doesn’t do the trick, this will: Summer rates can drop to as low as $30, and there are plenty of package deals for resort guests who want to golf. Information: 480-488-9028 or theboulders.com.

Gold Canyon Golf Resort, Gold Canyon >> The premier course at this way-East Valley resort is Dinosaur Mountain, which costs around $189 to play during winter but only $54 to $64 during summer. The Sidewinder Course comes even cheaper at $39 to $44. Information: 480-982-9090 or gcgr.com.

Grayhawk, Scottsdale >> While this cart-path-only course commands more than $200 during high-season, you can play both courses here for between $50 and $75. The 6,973-yard, par-72 Talon Course is the host site of the finals of the Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf. Information: 480-502-1800 or grayhawk.com.

Painted Mountain Golf Resort, Mesa >> This short par-70 is home to the famed Steak & Golf Special: After 1 p.m. daily, you can get 18 holes with a cart and a full steak dinner at the neighboring Grandview Steakhouse, all for $24.95. There’s nothing like a satisfying meal after a satisfying round. Information: 480-832-0156 or paintedmountaingolf.com.

Phantom Horse Golf Club at Pointe South Mountain,
Phoenix >> This is one of the most diverse, challenging courses in the state, with dramatic elevation changes and difficult blind shots. But for only $20 on most days of the week, how can you resist? 
Information: 602-659-6333 or pointesouthmtn.com/golf_golfclub.htm.

Troon Courses, Valleywide >> For superior playing time, try one of the many Troon courses around the Valley, which include Troon North Monument, Troon North Pinnacle, The Phoenician, Kierland, Octotillo and Estrella Mountain Ranch. A round at any one of these courses during spring will set you back $295; summertime rates, however, run $30 to $50. Information: 480-585-7700 or Scottsdale.com/golf.