Category: Travel

18 holes at Fire Rock

Last week I spent time in Scottsdale, AZ  visiting a few clients. I love working with folks in the golf industry. We spent most of our time answering the two most important questions.

Thanks again to Eddie at Victory Golf Works and Fred and Tim at Golf Academy of America- Phoenix for treating us so well. I think I would work for free golf if my family didn’t have crazy demands like eating regularly or shelter.  I did get the opportunity to play at Fire Rock Country Club outside of the Phoenix-Scottsdale area.  This was a treat for me since I had never played in the desert before. The contrast of the fairways and greens with the desert was beautiful.

Enjoy the pics below. Does anyone have a great southwest golf  experiences to share?

[ No. 1 fairway ]

Funny, it is sunny 350 days a year. We hit one of the 15 days it rains.

[ Par 3 over the desert ]

[ Oasis in the valley ]

[ Definitely unplayable ]

Golf in the Kingdom (of Swaziland)

I had never heard of the Kingdom of Swaziland until a few months ago, much less did I think I would play golf there. However, my dream to play the best golf courses on every continent (at least 6 of them anyway) is in motion.

I spent the first 2 weeks of the year in South Africa and Swaziland with my wife’s family. They know of my love affair with the game and generously allowed me time to play the best course in Swaziland. I know what you are thinking, Kingdom of Swaziland? Prince Akeem? My thoughts exactly.

However, my eighties movie daydream was only fractionally accurate. There is a king and queen. The country is incredibly beautiful and the culture is fascinating. Please stay tuned here for more African adventures….back to golf

We stayed in the Ezulwini valley while in Swaziland. It is home to the Royal Swazi Sun Spa and Golf. The resort boasts a Gary Player signature course that hosts the Swazi Open, a Sunshine Tour event, held annually. John Daly won the tournament in 1990.

Mike, the marketing manager where we booked our safari,  joined me for the round. We had a blast walking the course and getting acquainted. I had cleveland irons and woods as my weapons for hire. It was quite interesting playing the distances in meters, especially with regular shafts.