It's all part of an ambitious efforts to rool back the arid desert clime. Today, this golf resort is very much within the bounds of built-up Phoenix. It is still worth a visit, chiefly because its low-slung, earth tone architecture and Art Deco interior bear the unmistakable stamp of Frank Lloyd Wright in his heyday. Two municipal courses do come highly recommended, however. Understandably, since the fees are very modest, the course conditions good, and the tree-lined, rolling fairways a pleasant change of pace from typical desert golf.
Mounds separate each hole, and there are plenty of deep swales to play over and around.
Even from close up it's hard to distinguish the buildings from the wild array of natural rock scapes and teetering boulders that have been there for goodness-knows how many millions of years. The folks who live here are lucky - and wealthy, too. The bone-dry foothills surrounding them make for extraordinary views in early morning and late afternoon. Here's how bad the local market is. They turn away four groups for every one that can be fitted onto Troon North's time sheet.