Glendale, AZ Outdoor Activities

Born in 1945, Fred Amator's Arizona-bound life began on a dairy farm southwest of Phoenix. Later, work took him across the state, from the Sonoran Desert and Mogollon Rim to the Grand Canyon. During his Jeep tours, the CPR-certified driver's intimate knowledge of Arizona comes alive as he escorts two–four guests on desert journeys full of historical anecdotes, rather than mirages of Benjamin Franklin greedily chugging water.

During expeditions, Amator’s passengers take in panoramic views of the Gila Bend Mountains, off-road past the native trees and cacti around the White Tank Mountains, or potentially spot coyotes and rabbits at Margie's Peak. Amator also accompanies guests on three-hour trips to a farm in West Phoenix, where they observe fields full of growing cotton and the beginning of vegetable season before touring a dairy.

The nine-hole executive course's open fairways and flat terrain present a laid-back layout for golfers to build confidence and practice short-game skills. The course does away with many of the treacherous hazards found at larger courses, such as deep bunkers, long shots over water, or enticing offers for island green timeshares. To aid in the development of consistent golf skills, PGA professional instructors oversee the golf center's facilities, ready to enlighten new golfers on anything from proper etiquette to trick shots, which students can then ingrain into muscle memory at the driving range.

Maintaining a fleet of 19.5- and 25-foot speed boats, Sunset Toy Rentals' crew sees the water as an endless canvas on which to paint high-speed adventures and relaxing getaways. The team complements every boat rental with the addition of skis, tubes, and wakeboards so customers can add water-slicing entertainment to their time afloat. Alternatively, Sunset Toy Rentals' experienced drivers can captain charter cruises for customers. Aboard a 28-foot yacht, an experienced driver churns the vessel through the water as groups relax—lounging atop couch seating, sipping beverages from a cooler, and listening to their favorite phone messages on built-in stereo equipment.

Named to the PGA President's Council on Growing the Game in 2006 for his efforts with player-development programs, teaching professional Jason Magee aims to make the sport of golf more enjoyable through private and on-course lessons. Within his instructional domain at local Phoenix golf courses, he helps players of all skill levels to hone their entire games, from drives off the tee to putting on the green. Jason also helps players with the mental aspects of the game through instructional rounds, where he shares course-management strategies and debunks the myth that placing magnets in each hole the night before will facilitate holes in one.