Golfing in Phoenix, what you need to know

While everybody knows the basics about planning a golf vacation, there are always small things that people tend to overlook when planning there vacation. A lot of information about golf vacations is universal but you also have specialized knowledge that is available for the areas that you choose, for example golfing in the desert is very different from golfing on the East Coast. Here are some things you need to know about golfing in Phoenix.

Dress requirements:
Many people want to know if there are certain dress requirements for playing golf in the desert or if the requirements might differ from golf courses in other areas. The answer to that question is that yes there are dress requirements at each golf course and they are pretty much the same as golf courses in other areas. When going to Phoenix to golf you won’t want to wear golf clothes that you would wear in cooler temperatures, such as long pants and sweaters, instead you should bring some golf shorts and some collared shirts that will keep you cool in the heat. Also do not bring spiked shoes, as this is a no-no at almost every golf course. Keep in mind that if you don’t dress approximately you won’t be allowed on the golf course. So before you go on vacation find out the dress codes for the golf courses you are going to be visiting.

Desert rule and carts:
Many people do not know what a Desert Rule is and if you plan on golfing in Phoenix you must be familiar with the terms and conditions for playing golf. In Phoenix the desert rule usually means that the desert areas are played as water hazards (although you will also find water hazards at some golf courses as well). The general rule is that you take a one stroke plenty and drop the ball within two club lengths from the point of entry. Another thing to be aware of in Phoenix is that not all courses will allow you to drive your golf carts out into the desert, so before you start your round of golf you should check in at the pro shop to find out what rules apply at the golf course.

Water:
On your golf vacation you will probably see many man made lakes on the golf courses and even though this water might look good you should stay away from it. Most golf courses are actually conserving water (it is the desert and water is scarce) so the water is actually reclaimed water. The last thing you want to do is drink it or swim in it, for that matter you shouldn’t put your hands in it at all, so be sure to bring a ball retriever with you.

Summer golf:
While you might be able to get really good rates during the summer months the reason for that is because of the desert heat, not too many people want to stand out in the hot sun playing 18 holes of golf when the temperatures can reach over 115 degrees. But if you are brave enough to face golfing in the summer months you should take a few precautions such as bring sunscreen, a hat, a wet towel, a cell phone, and drink plenty of water (even though the golf courses don’t allow outside food or drink they will make an exception to bottled water so make sure to bring some of your own, cart service isn’t always reliable). It is easy to become dehydrated in the summer heat and it is easy to get heat stroke so make sure to drink plenty of water and remember that beer and soda is not a substitute for water, they can actually cause you to become more dehydrated.

Critters:
Another thing that you have to keep in mind when golfing in Phoenix is that you are not alone out there. Many critters tend to hide in the shade of rocks, boulders and other dark places to help themselves stay cool. Rather than sticking your hand under a rock or into a bush you should use a golf club, you never know when you might disturb a rattlesnake or a scorpion.