Appeared in September/October 2005 LINKS

It’s not nearly as famous as Cypress Point, Pacific Dunes or even Old Head, but if we’re discussing golf’s most gorgeous venues, Seven Canyons certainly belongs in the debate. Just west of the New Age mecca of Sedona, Seven Canyons is surrounded by  national forest in the heart of Red Rock Country.

Tom Weiskopf designed the course at Seven Canyons (866-367-8844, www.sevencanyons.com), a private club that’s the centerpiece of an exclusive residential community. Although relatively short (6,746 yards, par-70), it’s no pushover, and the 246-yard, par-3 17th and 490-yard, dogleg-left par-4 13th are among the Southwest’s most punishing holes.

The stunning natural beauty of Seven Canyons  changes hourly as the sun travels across the sky. In the morning, surrounding rocks are layered yellow, purple, orange and white; late in the day, they glow a deep red, with shadows adding texture and definition to the rocky canyons, spires and arches.