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Red Rock Golf and Southwest History and Culture

Program Number: 4803RJ
Start and End Dates:
4/14/2013 - 4/19/2013; 10/20/2013 - 10/25/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Price starting at: $898.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Golf
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

In the red-rock surroundings of beautiful Sedona, experience a golf adventure for all levels of players and an exploration of Southwestern prehistoric culture and archaeology. On the golf course, PGA-certified pros provide small-group instruction to improve all aspects of your game. Off the links, Sedona’s culture and history come alive during field trips and excursions. Enjoy presentations on Hopi culture and Sedona’s storied past in the motion-picture industry.




Highlights

• Play two great golf courses, one a Trent Jones designed course set against stunning red-rock cliffs and in a lush desert oasis. Play 45 holes of golf, including a fun 9-hole scramble.
• Experience three hours of small-group golf instruction with PGA-certified pros who delve into swing mechanics, chipping and putting.
• Explore Montezuma Castle National Monument’s five- story cliff dwelling and enjoy an open-air trolley excursion to Sedona’s favorite destinations, including the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Chapel of the Holy Cross and Airport Mesa’s stunning overlook.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles on golf courses, uneven terrain.



Coordinated by Northern Arizona University.




Sedona

Sedona was historically a rural ranching community in Oak Creek Canyon. Today, the sunny city attracts visitors to its red-rock cliffs and lush evergreens, international film festival, and lively art scene.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotel with outdoor pool and spa.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Richard Stephens
Rich has been director of Northern Arizona University’s highly popular Road Scholar programs since 2001. He previously spent many years in the field as a program coordinator and group leader, where he honed his skills and learned the importance of detailed, pre-trip planning. Before making his home in Arizona’s spectacular red-rock country, Rich spent 10 years in Yosemite National Park and the Santa Cruz mountains as an environmental educator.
 
Stewart Lasseter
After completing studies in geo-science, natural history and Spanish at the University of Arizona, Stewart Lasseter studied as the protege of a Native American healer, learning from her practices of wholeness, kinesiology, mind-body medicine and dyslexia correction. He has years of experience bringing groups in touch with the natural world, and is currently pursuing post-graduate studies in health sciences at Prescott College.
 
Garrett Roberts
From the historical to the cinematic to the dust-on-your-brow trail, Garrett Roberts knows the American West. His lectures invoke intrigue and humor to dispel the myths created by Hollywood’s western genre. Garrett replicates museum-quality 19th century leather equipment for theater, is an avid hiker, and enjoys singing jazz. He has also worked for Emmy award-winning wardrobe designer Michael Boyd and was the key costume designer for Stephen Spielberg’s “Into the West.”
 
Chris Coder
Chris Coder has been a professional archaeologist since 1981, working on the Colorado Plateau, across the intermountain west and the Great Plains. He was a project archaeologist for the Grand Canyon National Park on the Colorado River from 1990-1996, and since then has been the archaeologist for the Yavapai-Apache Nation in Camp Verde. Chris has a bachelor’s in geology from Augustana College and a master’s in anthropology from Northern Arizona University.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   La Quinta Inn
  Sedona, AZ 5 nights
 La Quinta Inn
Type: Motel
  Description: Location! Less than a mile from the Oak Creek Country Club. The surrounding area is located on the escarpment where the Colorado Plateau meets the Sonoran Desert. Over thousands of years, Oak Creek has carved a red rock paradise that has been called the most beautiful setting for a city in America.
  Contact info: 6176 Hwy 179
Sedona, AZ 86351 USA
phone: 928-284-0711
web: www.lq.com
  Room amenities: Cable TV, alarm clock radio, coffee maker, hair dryer, dataport phones, iron w/ board.
  Facility amenities: This facility offers 103 guest rooms on two floors. Heated outdoor pool, hot tub, free local calls, free USA Today, complimentary continental breakfast.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Rates vary, call hotel. 
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Rates vary, call hotel. 
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
On site registration from 4:30 - 5:15 PM, in the lobby of the hotel. You will be staying at La Quinta Inn that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends at 10:30 AM, after a short morning program. You will be staying at La Quinta Inn the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
On hotel premises, no charge.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Sedona, AZ
  Nearest city or town:  Phoenix, AZ 120 mi S; Flagstaff, AZ 30 mi N
  Nearest highway: AZ Hwy 179
  Nearest airport:  Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
  From End of Program
  Location:  Departures
Travel Details
 

Sedona, AZ to/from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Ace XPress Shuttle Co
phone: 928-639-3357
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $60, price does not include gratuity.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2.5 hours 
 

Distance:

 

120 miles
   

Scheduled as much as possible to your arrival in Phoenix. Pick up all terminals and nearby airport hotels, drop off at program hotel. RETURN: Scheduled as much as possible to your departure time from your hotel. Drop off at your terminal at Phoenix airport. Reservations required.
 

Sedona, AZ to/from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Sedona-Phoenix Shuttle Co
phone: 928-282-2066
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $45, price does not include gratuity.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2.5 
 

Distance:

 

120 miles
   

Many shuttles daily from Phoenix International Airport to Sedona. Pick up shuttle just outside the terminal's baggage claim. RETURN: pick up at your hotel, drop off at your terminal at Phoenix airport. www.sedona-phoenix-shuttle.com. For ease of travel transfers, it is recommended that participants check shuttle schedules PRIOR to booking airfare.
 

Sedona, AZ to/from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
A Van Go Shuttle
phone: 866-448-2646
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Estimated $45, price does not include customary gratuity.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours (from Phoenix). 
 

Distance:

 

120
   

Van Go times shuttles to arrive in conjunction with program start/end times. Best to arrive into Phoenix Sky Harbor airport by 12:30 PM and book departures from PHX after 3:00 PM. Call shuttle company PRIOR to booking flights to aid in ease of travel transfers as Van Go offers just one shuttle departure time. Van Go picks up from all terminals at Phoenix airport and nearby airport hotels, and drops off at program hotel. Return shuttle departs immediately upon conclusion of program.
 
Driving Directions
  Sedona La Quinta from I-40 Take the I-40 to exit 195 south in Flagstaff. Go south on the I-17 for 42 miles to exit 298, AZ Highway 179, Sedona. Turn right on AZ Highway 179 for 7 miles, La Quinta is on the left in the Village of Oak Creek. Just past the La Quinta, at the fourth traffic circle turn around and come back to the Hotel.
  Sedona La Quinta from Phoenix I-17 Go north on the I -17 for 105 miles to exit 298, AZ Highway 179, Sedona. Go northwest on Highway 179 for 7 miles to the La Quinta, on the left in the Village of Oak Creek. Just past the La Quinta, at the fourth traffic circle turn around and come back to the Hotel.
Elevation Note: 4500 feet. elevation. Those with heart or lung concerns should consult physician before attending.

Equipment Requirements: Must bring own golf clubs, or rent clubs at extra charge of approximately $90.00/week.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration/Orientation & Introductions
(Sunday, April 14)
   
 Afternoon: On site registration in the hotel lobby from 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM.
 Dinner: Dinner at Red Chopstick, adjacent to the hotel. Red Chopstick serves Chinese food family style.
 Evening: Introductions and program orientation. Review the weeks schedule, get to know your fellow participants, and get excited and prepared for the week ahead. A golf specific review of etiquette and group concerns will be addressed.
   
Accommodations: La Quinta Inn
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Sedona Trolley/Tour of Sedona/Golf Instruction/Evening Presentation
(Monday, April 15)

Note: Trolley tour takes multiple stops along the way requiring minimal walking. 3 hours of lessons has very little walking, but you will be on your feet and active the entire time.
   
 Breakfast: Deluxe continental breakfast at hotel to include: Fresh Waffles, Fresh Fruits, Pastries, Bagels, Cereals, Muffins, Juices, Milk, and Coffee.
 Morning: After breakfast, you'll board the open air "Sedona Trolley". The Sedona Trolley is referred to as the "First Best Thing To Do In Sedona" and hits many of the towns scenic highlights. Tour Uptown Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and views of Sedona and its surrounding red rocks from Airport Mesa. We will return to our hotel by 10:30 and head over to the golf course. Meet your golf instruction pro's and we will have our first one hour session of golf instruction.
 Lunch: Lunch at the country club, serving contemporary, health-focused cuisine. Lunch choices include selections such as: Grilled Pizza with Roasted Tomatoes, Basil and Mozzarella; Roasted Vegetables, Hummus, Olive - Feta Spread and Tabouleh Salad; and Soup de Jour & Chopped Salad with house vinegarette, for example
 Afternoon: 2 more hours of golf instruction at the Oak Creek Country Club. Instruction will be in a small group format with a max ratio of 8 participants to one instructor. The group will receive instruction and will practice tips on swing mechanics, putting, chipping, iron and wood play. The group will rotate between different pro's as we address different parts of the game
 Dinner: Dinner at the Oak Creek Country Club features an eclectic menu of southwestern specialties and classic American fare. Choices rotate daily and could include: Vegetable Risotto with plum tomato sauce; Chicken Paillard, with spinach salad, roasted tomatoes, and spicy olives; and Pan Roasted Cod with brown bread, spinach, tomatoes, and spiced burre blanc, for example.
 Evening: Enjoy an evening presentation on a topic of interest -- regional history, natural history, or Sedona movie history.
   
Accommodations: La Quinta Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Hopi Culture/Golf at Oak Creek Country Club
(Tuesday, April 16)

Note: 9 holes of golf. While golf carts are mandatory for play, it is possible, when conditions have been rainy, that players will have to keep carts on the cart path and thus have to walk up to 1 - 2 miles, on top of the rigors of playing 9 holes. The golf course is largely flat terrain.



   
 Breakfast: Deluxe continental breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: After breakfast, a Hopi presenter will discuss Hopi customs and traditions. The Hopi, descendants of the Grand Canyon's Ancestral Puebloans, live on ancient mesa villages northeast of Sedona. Discover the fascinating world of this enduring Native American culture and discuss the modern challenges which they face.
 Lunch: Lunch at the country club.
 Afternoon: Following lunch, tee times for 9 holes of golf at the Oak Creek Country Club.The Oak Creek Country Club is an 18 hole championship golf course nestled in the majestic Sedona red rocks. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr., this Sedona, Arizona golf course is truly a masterpiece featuring Sedona red rock views beyond compare. This Sedona golf course is a traditional layout similar to those that you may find in the Midwestern United States. In the usual Trent Jones manner, the fairways are classic tree lined doglegs with fairway bunkers strategically placed in the landing areas, and the greens are all slightly elevated and surrounded with large swirling green side bunkers. The golf course is "player friendly", allowing plenty of room for error but always with an opportunity to recover and get errant shots back into play.
 Dinner: Dinner at Pago's Italian Restaurant. Enjoy various homemade style pastas and pizza. All entrees come with a salad, drink and desert.
 Evening: After dinner, no scheduled talks are planned. Enjoy a little free time to relax from our first 2 days.
   
Accommodations: La Quinta Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Sinagua Ruins at Montezuma Castle National Monument/Golf at Oakcreek Country Club
(Wednesday, April 17)

Note: Montezuma Castle field trip will have approximately 1 mile of walking on mostly flat terrain. 18 holes of golf in afternoon. While golf carts are mandatory for play, it is possible that players will have to keep carts on the cart path (when conditions have been wet) and thus have to walk up to 2 - 3 miles, on top of the rigors of playing 18 holes. The golf course is largely flat terrain.



   
 Breakfast: Deluxe continental breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: After breakfast, travel to nearby Montezuma Castle National Monument. Montezuma Castle is a 5-story, 20-room cliff dwelling nestled in a limestone recess high above the flood plain of Beaver Creek in the Verde Valley. It is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America, constructed 700 years ago by the Sinagua Indians. Walking of less than one mile on even trails.
 Lunch: Enjoy a hearty sack lunch, including a sandwich or wrap, chips, apple and cookie.
 Afternoon: After lunch, 18 holes of golf at Oak Creek Country Club. Bring your camera to capture a course layout that can only be found where red rock cliffs, vibrant green fairways and sparkling blue skies collide - true Sedona!
 Dinner: Dinner at Maria's Mexican Cantina. Multiple Mexican and American style entrees to choose from.
 Evening: As our golfing will conclude in late afternoon, we will have a later dinner followed by a free evening.
   
Accommodations: La Quinta Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Golf at Canyon Mesa Golf Club
(Thursday, April 18)
   
 Breakfast: Deluxe continental breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Today we enjoy another 18 holes of golf at Canyon Mesa Golf Club. Start with a fun spirited 9 hole scramble tournament followed by 9 holes of individual play. Golf takes place at the Canyon Mesa Executive Course. The course is set in a beautiful riparian area with water coming into play on many holes. Greens are large, fast, and often undulating. Mature trees line the fairways and provide challenging shot selection for even the lowest of handicaps. This is a fun course for all golfers.
 Lunch: Lunch at the golf course.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon. For participants who wish to play additional golf during their free time, it is advised to make your start booking previous to arrival or on Monday of the program. Ask your program coordinator for a list of courses and phone numbers.
 Dinner: Dinner at the Oak Creek Country Club.
 Evening: Enjoy an evening presentation on a topic of interest -- regional history, natural history, or Sedona movie history
   
Accommodations: La Quinta Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Movie history / Farewells / Program Ends
(Friday, April 19)
   
 Breakfast: Deluxe continental breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: After breakfast, enjoy a historical look at Sedona's development with an emphasis on its early boom years when Hollywood invaded and made many movies set amidst the towering red rocks. Program ends before hotel checkout at 11:00 AM.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Sedona, AZ General Overview
In addition to scheduled golf, the Oak Creek Country Club offers free use of their driving range from Monday to Wednesday. Points of interest w/in 2 Hours of Sedona: In the Flagstaff area, 30 miles north: Sinagua period ruins at Walnut Canyon and Wupatki National Monuments; Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument; the Native American artifacts and collections housed at the Museum of Northern Arizona, which also presents Native American performances and demonstrations; the Kachina Wilderness on the 12,600 ft high San Francisco Peaks; old downtown Flagstaff & old Route 66; Lowell Observatory, which discovered the planet Pluto. In the Oak Creek / Sedona area: Massive sandstone cliffs and riparian beauty of Oak Creek Canyon; Sedona red rock monoliths and the surrounding Secret Mountain Wilderness; Sedona’s fine art and jewelry galleries and its international cuisines; the New Age Sedona vortex offerings; the Sinagua ruins at Montezuma’s Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments; Jerome, AZ a mining ghost town. In other outlying areas: Hopi & Navajo Reservations; the Mary Colter designed La Posada Hotel / Restaurant at Winslow, AZ; Grand Canyon Railroad at Williams, AZ and the Grand Canyon National Park (2.5 hours north.)
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Ancient Peoples of the American Southwest


Author: Steve Plog


Description: The American Southwest is home to some of the most remarkable monuments of America's prehistoric past, such as Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde. Stephen Plog, who has spent decades working in the region, provides the most readable and up-to-date account of the predecessors of the modern Hopi and Pueblo Indian cultures in this well-received account. Chaco Canyon became the center of a thriving Anasazi cultural tradition. It was the hub of a trading network extending over hundreds of miles, whose arteries were a series of extraordinary roads that are still being discovered and mapped. Interweaving the latest archaeological evidence with early first-person accounts, Professor Plog explains the rise and mysterious fall of Southwestern cultures. 224pp.



Arizona: A Cavalcade of History


Author: Trimble, Marshall


Description: During America's first 100 years as a nation, pioneers moved ever-westward to new frontiers. When it became too crowded or the soil was mined out, they moved on to virgin land. Those days are gone forever. We have to learn to live with the problems we create. The knowledge gained from studying the mistakes of the past can help provide a better future. Will Rogers said it best: "The Indians never got lost because they were always looking back to see where they'd been." 368pp



Explorer's Guide Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona & Central Arizona: A Great Destination


Author: Christine Bailey


Description: Imagine all the adventures you’ll have in Arizona— touring the mountains and red deserts, seeing one spectacular natural wonder after another: the Grand Canyon, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument...Discover the art galleries, museums, resorts, and cuisine that help make Phoenix and Scottsdale such hot destinations. Full-color photographs throughout.



Secret Sedona: Sacred Moments in the Landscape


Author: Larry Lindahl


Description: This book provides an overview of the terrain, ancestral Indian ruins and petroglyphs found in Sedona's wilderness areas. Extraordinary photography from one of the nations most photogenic areas. 80 pages.





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