This week, the Swing State series is your typical happy hour guide or demo day drop. I’m flipping the script with some imagination and a lotta heat.

Before we dive into tee boxes and turf talk, here’s a quick tip: Read Scottsdale Scoop.

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What If Golf Got Weird in the Desert?

If you think Arizona golf is all sunshine and 18-hole fairy tales, think again.

Welcome to:

The 5 What-Ifs of Arizona Golf.

Because let’s be honest… we all daydream about hitting it pure.

But what if the whole Valley golf scene zigged instead of zagged?

Here’s what might’ve gone down, and why we’re lucky (or unlucky) it didn’t.

What if Grayhawk became a private club?

• Say goodbye to the people’s short game sanctuary.

• No more Phil Mickelson sightings. No more post-round burritos at Isabella’s.

• Every mid-am qualifier would’ve needed a black card and a blazer.

Why it matters:

Grayhawk staying public kept AZ’s golf soul intact. Period.

→ Learn more about Grayhawk

What if Rolling Hills never got lit up?

• No more 9 p.m. birdie chances under the lights.

• Your Wednesday night skins game? Toast.

• No post-sunset putting contests with the squad.

Why it matters:

Rolling Hills isn’t just a course, it’s an ecosystem. Thank the golf gods they turned on the lights.

→ Rolling Hills at Night

What if TPC Scottsdale banned the 16th hole chaos?