Insider Tips

When I speak to people about coming to Scottsdale I do so from an insider's perspective - Scottsdale is where I live and planning golf packages is how I have made my living for over 20 years. Wouldn't you rather talk to a guy like me than to someone who speaks halting English, sits in […]

When I got here in January of '86 there was a golf boom in progress for Scottsdale and the surrounding communities of Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Chandler and you could count on 8-10 new public/resort courses opening every year. This explosive growth continued until the downturn of the late 90's when our inventory of courses […]

Everyone in the hotel biz, willing to discuss development plans for Scottsdale - whether it's; Extended Stay, Boutique, Loft, Corporate or Leisure oriented, Limited Service, Full Service, Resort or Luxury brand, all seem to believe in their tiny little corporate hearts that their concept or management style will succeed where others have failed. Even though […]

Growth in 2007 has slowed to a trickle -mostly in response to the real estate crisis, but this is only a temporary situation that will see Scottsdale rebound to even greater heights within the next two years. There are still thousands moving here daily to take advantage of the mild winter climate and job opportunities. […]

I won't deny that in the past some of our hotels and resorts have fallen prey to what I refer to as the evil empire, the likes of Expedia, Hotwire, Hotels.com, Orbitz and other discounters that sell massive amounts of rooms but require suppliers to sell their souls in the bargain. You would have to […]

Once upon a time (just 20 short years ago) you could still see miles of empty desert in what is now considered the heart of Scottsdale. There were just a handful of resorts and a total of about ten good courses available to the public. Since that time, golf course construction, housing and commercial development […]

Hello, my name is Dick Schaefer and I have been a resident of Scottsdale, Arizona for 23 years. You can read more about me in the "About" section of this blog where I list background information and the various roles I have enjoyed within the Scottsdale Hospitality Industry. The reason I decided to do a […]

This website is a review site: "Your #1 source for unbiased, knowledgeable reviews about golf courses, accommodations, restaurants and more, in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona." Each one is reviewed personally by me and carries my personal stamp of approval for dining, playing or staying there. Along with my reviews of Scottsdale attractions I will offer […]

The Short version is this: Scottsdale boasts some of the best weather in the country no matter what time of year. During the winter months, the mild, sunny days lure golfers from snowbound states to focus on their games and get out in the sunshine. The golfing climate is also ideal during the spring and […]

These Guys (and Gals) Are Good! 
If you follow the PGA Tour you can't come to Scottsdale and not be impressed by the number of the "These Guys Are Good" crowd that call Scottsdale home or choose to practice here. Young guns like the ultra-cool, Aaron Baddely pounding balls at the exclusive Whisper Rock CC. Tom […]