As a golf architecture enthusiast, I’ve traversed fairways and walked the sacred grounds of over 200 courses worldwide, from the windswept links of Scotland to the sun-drenched fairways of the American Southwest. Each course tells a story, a narrative crafted by the land and the vision of its architect. But sometimes, the allure extends beyond the greens and bunkers, encompassing the entire canvas of a destination. This is precisely the case with the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, a sprawling oasis nestled against the dramatic backdrop of Arizona’s McDowell Mountains.
While the focus for many a golfer will understandably be the adjacent and famed TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course – a Pete Dye design reimagined by Tom Weiskopf, host of the raucous WM Phoenix Open – the resort itself plays a crucial, complementary role in the overall experience. It’s a carefully composed piece of desert architecture that reflects the same thoughtful design principles we appreciate on the course.
A Desert Oasis: More Than Just a Resort
The first thing that strikes you about the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is its sheer scope and the meticulous attention to detail in its landscape. Spanning 65 acres, it’s a masterclass in integrating Spanish Colonial architecture with the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The resort doesn’t just sit on the land; it embraces it, with lush gardens breaking up the ochre and terracotta hues of the buildings. Thoughtfully constructed plazas invite lingering, much like a well-placed bunker might invite strategic contemplation.
My eye for design naturally extends beyond golf courses to the spaces where we relax and recuperate. The Spanish Colonial styling here isn’t just aesthetic; it feels authentic, creating a sense of place that instantly transports you. It’s reminiscent of how a skilled architect like Alister MacKenzie would use existing contours to define a hole – here, the buildings and pathways flow with the desert’s gentle undulations.
One of the true gems within the Princess is La Hacienda, the state’s top-rated Mexican restaurant. Beyond its celebrated cuisine, it offers an experience that underscores the resort’s commitment to quality. Here, you’ll encounter Berkeley Alvarado and Christine Lord, the “Tequila Goddesses” – certified experts who travel to Mexico annually to personally select an exclusive barrel from distillery El Tequileno. This commitment to sourcing and curating unique experiences resonates deeply with the spirit of golf travel, where uncovering hidden gems is half the fun.
“I cannot wait to share the wonderful memories I made,” Alvarado says. “Specifically the love and passion that goes on behind the scenes while making tequila.”
That passion is palpable, not just in their tequila but in every corner of the Princess. From the 750 guest rooms, many offering panoramic views of the TPC Scottsdale Stadium course, to the six unique pool complexes – including a breathtaking rooftop adults-only option at the 44,000-square-foot Well & Being spa – every element contributes to a cohesive, luxurious experience. It’s an ecosystem designed for relaxation and enjoyment, much like a well-routed golf course designed for strategic play and aesthetic pleasure.
Courtesy of Fairmont
The Stadium Course: A Spectacle of Design and Roar
For the golf aficionado, the proximity to TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course is, of course, the main draw. It’s fascinating to observe how architecturally, the resort mirrors the dynamism of the course it overlooks. Pete Dye’s original design, often characterized by his bold, sometimes divisive, yet always strategic use of mounding, water, and dramatic bunkering, created the foundational canvas. Tom Weiskopf, a thoughtful designer in his own right, later refined it, enhancing playability while retaining the Stadium Course’s iconic character.
I’ve played numerous Dye courses, and his philosophy is always about challenging the golfer mentally as much as physically. There’s an element of risk-reward on nearly every shot, and the Stadium Course is no exception. Its strategic design encourages thoughtful course management, especially with the pressure of the WM Phoenix Open crowds in mind. During tournament week, resort guests even enjoy the unique perk of complimentary access to the 5th fairway – a fantastic vantage point to witness the architects’ vision come alive under competitive fire.
Courtesy of Fairmont
While the infamous par-3 16th hole grabs all the headlines for its stadium-like atmosphere, the entire course offers intriguing design elements. The subtle rolls and strategic bunkering demand precision, and the desert landscape is integrated brilliantly, serving both as a hazard and a beautiful backdrop. It’s a course that rewards strategic placement off the tee, setting up angles into often well-guarded greens. The architects here understood the dramatic potential of the desert and harnessed it to create a truly memorable experience.
A Taste of Excellence: Beyond the Fairway
Dining at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is another aspect that elevates the entire golf travel experience. With five restaurants, including Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina and two Richard Sandoval Latin American concepts (Toro at the TPC clubhouse and La Hacienda), the culinary offerings are as diverse and high-quality as the experiences on the links.
Returning to La Hacienda and those exclusive tequila barrels, it’s a microcosm of the resort’s dedication to excellence. The tableside guacamole is a simple pleasure, yet it’s the curated tequila selection, especially that unique El Tequileno barrel, that truly stands out. It’s the kind of bespoke touch that discerning travelers appreciate, much like a perfectly sculpted green complex from a true master of design.
“Amazing flavors of caramel, honey and vanilla give it just the right amount of sweetness but still allow the cooked agave to continue to shine through,” says Lord. “It is such a high-quality bottle — perfect for new tequila drinkers or tequila connoisseurs. We are so proud and cannot wait for everyone to try it.”
It’s this fusion of world-class golf design, exceptional hospitality architecture, and meticulously crafted culinary experiences that makes the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess a compelling destination. It’s not just a place to play golf; it’s a place to immerse yourself in a thoughtfully designed environment that caters to every sense. Whether you’re dissecting the strategic choices on the Stadium Course or savoring that exclusive tequila, you’re engaging with a commitment to quality that transcends the ordinary. It’s a place where every detail, from a desert bunker to a hand-selected barrel, tells a story of passion and precision.
