What lured Joel Dahmen to Scottsdale, Arizona, 16 years ago is no mystery. “Waking up with the sun every single day, you’re just happier,” he says. When he arrived in the desert city in 2010 as a young pro, the hot, arid climate was a welcome contrast to the rainy weather of his native Pacific Northwest. In Scottsdale, he could play and practice nearly every day. Off the course, Dahmen enjoys hiking (when his schedule permits) amid the dramatic landscapes of the Southwest, and as a self-proclaimed foodie, he appreciates that the city’s ever-evolving restaurant scene means there is always a new place to try. “It just felt like home to me from the first time I got here,” he says, “and I don’t plan on leaving.”
Bungalow
“It’s the best housewares store. When we walk in, the sales associates greet us by name, which means we’re probably there a little too much. They have everything that you need, and if they don’t have what you want, they’re going to find it for you somewhere. They’ll even come to your home and help style your house.”
Wrigley Mansion
“[Chewing gum magnate] William Wrigley Jr. built the house for his family in 1931, and it’s turned into an incredible brunch and dinner spot. Getting a tour of the mansion, especially after brunch, is super cool. It sits high on a hill [in Phoenix] overlooking the Biltmore area, and the view is absolutely incredible. It’s one of my favourite places.”
Third Hole on the Monument Course at Troon North
“It’s one of my favourite golf holes in Scottsdale. You would think it’s kind of gimmicky, with a 30-foot-tall boulder in the middle of the fairway, but quite a bit of strategy goes into that. It’s kind of in the way, but I just tell the guys I play with to aim at it, because the odds of them actually hitting a ball straight at it are low.”
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
“I love how the architecture blends into the landscape and the hotel’s surroundings. When you’re at the pool, you don’t feel like you’re in a city anymore—you’ve got views of the mountains and views of the desert.”
Hush Public House
“They serve seasonal comfort food. We love to sit at the chef’s counter and talk with the chefs. We’ll ask them questions about what they’re making, and if it’s not busy, we’ll get to taste a bunch of different things. The duck confit is absolutely delicious.”
JL Patisserie
“I love an almond croissant, and JL Patisserie has the best in Scottsdale, [with] a very crispy, flaky crust.”
Uchi
“It might be my favourite sushi place. It’s kind of dark and moody, and they serve a citrus old-fashioned made with Japanese whisky and yuzu bitters. That Japanese twist with the citrus flavour is unbelievable. It’s the best easy-sipping old-fashioned I’ve ever had.”