Sedona Golf Resort occupies high-desert terrain in north-central Arizona, where the course plays amid the distinctive red rock formations that define the region's landscape. Gary Panks designed the layout to work with the natural elevation changes and arroyos characteristic of this part of the Verde Valley, routing holes through pinyon and juniper vegetation at roughly 4,000 feet above sea level. The setting provides views of the surrounding rock formations that have made Sedona a recognized destination beyond golf. The course reflects Panks's approach to desert design during the period when target-style golf became common in the Southwest. Fairways are defined corridors through native terrain, with forced carries over desert washes and strategic bunkering around greens. The routing takes advantage of the property's topography, with several holes playing uphill or downhill and others moving through relatively flat sections where the red rock backdrop becomes more prominent. Sedona Golf Resort operates as a public facility serving both visitors to the area and local players. The course provides a golf option for those drawn to Sedona primarily for its scenery and outdoor recreation rather than as a dedicated golf destination. Conditioning and playability vary with the challenges of maintaining turf in high-desert conditions, where temperature swings and limited water availability influence course management. The layout offers a straightforward test for mid-handicap players while the setting remains the primary draw for most who play here.