More PGA Tour pros may hang out at ultra-private Whisper Rock, but Grayhawk remains the coolest option for visiting amateurs in Scottsdale, both for the golf and atmosphere. Rock music still drifts out onto the driving range from speakers inside fake boulders, and multiple on-site food venues will fill you up quickly. Grayhawk’s Talon course, ranked seventh in Golf Magazine’s Best Public Courses in Arizona, is the older (by a year) layout and has the more unique par 3s, while the Raptor course, designed by Tom Fazio, hosted a PGA Tour event from 2007-09. Which one to play? Both. Especially since booking 36 holes at a time can save you up to $130 from now until the end of March. grayhawkgolf.com, 480-502-1800

WHERE TO STAY

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: This sprawling resort next door to TPC Scottsdale has a full range of first-class amenities, from dining (La Hacienda or Bourbon Steak) and nightlife (the Plaza Bar) to relaxation (Willow Stream Spa). Between Feb. 1 and April 30, you can book the “25th Anniversary Summer Early Special” and receive a $125 discount room rate and $25 food/beverage credit for stays between Memorial Day Monday through Labor Day Monday (special rate code is 2U8EBR). $169-$499, scottsdaleprincess.com, 480-585-4848

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa: A short walk outside the back door of this 12-story resort are 27 holes; air-cooling misters in the carts and on the range; and an expansive practice facility, featuring the academy of Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher Mike LaBauve. The resort’s Unlimited Golf package for two (including accommodations) costs $449 per night through March 31; $349 April 1 - May 23; and $179 May 24 – Sept. 9. kierlandresort.com, 480-624-1000.

WHERE TO EAT

Isabella’s: With views of the 10th and 18th holes on Grayhawk’s Talon Course (and the adjacent practice area), this casual dining spot opened last fall. Perfect spot for post-round drink, plus an Italian-themed menu. 480-502-3100, grayhawkgolf.com

Brat Haus: Located on the southern edge of Old Town Scottsdale, this newcomer is for meat lovers who like to wash down tasty brats, burgers and Belgian fries with craft beers in an outdoor setting. 480-947-4006, brathausaz.com

Tired of hearing about how great a golf trip to Pebble Beach or St. Andrews is? No kidding. These days we're looking for a golf trip that makes sense for our games and our budgets. So we've started a weekly feature on Golf.com called "Worth Your Money" where Golf Magazine's travel editors find a destination that combines great golf and great value. This week, we check out Black Mesa Golf Club in New Mexico.

THE DESTINATION: BLACK MESA GOLF CLUB, ESPANOLA, NEW MEXICO

The 12th hole at Black Mesa Golf Club. John and Jeannine Henebry

blackmesagolfclub.com; 7,307; par 72. Greens fees: $62-$82

The wild sweep of the fairways is reminiscent of an Irish links. But the surrounding sandstone foothills serve as a reminder: you’re golfing in the high desert of New Mexico. That hybrid quality—an inland course that feels as raw and windswept as a seaside layout—is a large part of the charm of the Baxter Spann layout, which sits within a short shot of Santa Fe but feels as remote as Bandon Dunes.

From the first hole, an unapologetic par 4 that requires a blind tee shot over a grassy ridge, you’re struck by the layout’s natural lilt, as well as its peaceful sense of isolation. There are no houses, no hum from highway traffic. Even the cart paths are unpaved, a rustic touch on a course that is better suited to walking anyway.

From the top of the 16th, a mildly controversial par 5 that rushes up a steep slope to the most severely contoured green on the course, the views appear unending, a big sky spreading all around. You may or may not see another golfer.

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Santa Fe. Comfortable, convenient accommodations in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. From $182, hotelsantafe.com

The Inn and Spa at Loretto. AAA-Four-Diamond property that pays homage to the region’s Native American traditions, its rooms appointed in black, red, white and gold of Anasazi pottery. From $150, innatloretto.com

The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa. A relaxing retreat set on 450 acres at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, ringed by lawns and towering cottonwoods. Rooms from $172, bishopslodge.com

WHERE TO EAT

Black Mesa Steakhouse. Prime rib, seafood, polished service and a sprawling wine list. ‘Nuff said. santaclaran.com

El Paragua. House-made tamales and tortillas highlight a menu of traditional Mexican and New Mexican cuisine. elparagua.com Gabriels. Sizzling fajitas, mesquite grilles scallops and guacamole, prepared table-side. restauranteur.com/gabriels

--From the editors of Golf Magazine

Tired of hearing about how great a golf trip to Pebble Beach or St. Andrews is? No kidding. These days we're looking for a golf trip that makes sense for our games and our budgets. So we've started a weekly feature on Golf.com called "Worth Your Money," where Golf Magazine's travel editors find a destination that combines great golf and great value. This week, we check out Forest Dunes in Michigan.

THE DESTINATION: FOREST DUNES, ROSCOMMON, MICHIGAN

The third hole at Forest Dunes Golf Club. Larry Lambrecht

forestdunesgolf.com, par 72; 7,104 yards. Greens fees: $59-$149

Like the state’s auto industry, this superb but secluded Michigan track has experienced cycles of boom and bust. Built in 1999, it soon fell into foreclosure, only to be bought by the Detroit Carpenters’ Pension Trust Fund, which harbored plans to turn it into a private club. That the Tom Weiskopf design remains public is a boon to anyone who makes the 90-minute woodsy drive from the nearest airport in Traverse City to a course that lives up to both parts of its name, spilling through pine trees on the front nine before opening on the back into a sandy dunescape. Doglegs work every which way, and decisions haunt you from start to finish. Known for his nifty short par 4s, Weiskopt does his reputation proud on the 302-yard 17th, aptly dubbed “Wild Dunes” for the features that define it. In addition to a grand clubhouse, Forest Dunes also sports a 15-acre practice facility. After the journey it takes to get there, you’ll want to take your sweet time before heading back home.

WHERE TO STAY

Forest Dunes. Stay-and-play packages, with lodging in one of six on-site guests homes, each of which sleeps four-to-six. $149 per person.

Ray’s Retreat Country Inn.

A 17-unit motel with well-kept rooms and a complimentary hot pancake-and-sausage breakfast. From $50. raysreatreatcountryinn.com Marsh Ridge. Options range from individual rooms and suites and deluxe townhouse accommodations in the form of a four-bedroom Scandinavian-style lodge. From $79. marshridge.com

WHERE TO EAT

Bennethums Northern Inn Restaurant. Hearty, seasonal American cuisine with a specialty menus that changes every month. bennethums.com

Alpine Tavern & Eatery. Brisket, burgers, pizzas, pasta and assorted tavern-style dishes. alpinetavernandeatery.com

Big Buck Brewery and Steakhouse. Very good beef. Very good handcrafted brew. bigbuck.com