Long Weekend Golf Holiday Planner: 3 Nights and Days in Phoenix

Phoenix was recently named ''America's Best Place to Live for Golfers" in the Robb Report … and with the sunny days, fine weather and lack of wind around, we can understand why! It is also a great place to go to check out what the rest of America has to offer. Today we give you a suggested vacation plan for golf holidays to Phoenix, with a day-by-day guide.

Day 1: Dinosaur Mountain at Gold Canyon Golf Course

Unpack those bags quickly, and get out to Arizona's number one rated public golf course -- just relax long enough to be sure you can take in the beauty at holes 4 and 5! This is a course with gorgeous views and steep elevation changes, a slope of 143 and rating of 4 stars.

Afternoon 1: Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is open every day and costs just a few dollars to get in -- it is home to more than 1,400 animals ffrom around the world. You'll want to brush up on the various species of birds and other wildlife you might see on the course!

Day 2: Kierland Golf Course

Rather than trying to transport a well-behaved tropical course into the unruly desert, this Scott Miller course appreciates the beauty of the desert, and thrives on its colors and flora. The hospitality is fantastic, and if you have chosen to stay in the Scottsdale resort corridor, it is only a short trip away.

Afternoon 2: Phoenix Art Museum

This is home to around 17,000 artworks from around the world, including artists in Asia, Europe,and Laitn America. There is an interactive gallery for children … but even the biggest, oldest and meanest kids have been known to enjoy it!

Day 3: Grayhawk -- Talons Course

Enjoyable and challenging are the keywords for the Grayhawk Talon course, designed by David Graham and Gary Panks. This was in Golf Magazine's 'Top 10 you can play', and has breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains and Sonoran Desert. Slope of 141, and rating of 4.5 stars.

Afternoon 3: Turf Paradise

If your golf holiday to Phoenix is during the traditional golf season, it is probably also during Turf Paradise's horse racing season. Nothing better than a sprt where you can dress up and not be active for a while … and drink a little champagne. This is a golf vacation, after all!