In 1764, a stroke on the pastureland of Scotland created a ripple across the pond. America became the new place where things go to become old.

Today, the Old West becomes new again when the hooves trod along fairways near the town that was almost made the capitol. A misty mountain range skirts this geo-electric paradise that feeds freedom and a need for open range.

The minerals, flowing water through the draws and valleys of the treacherous desert maintain life that thrives and prospers by a frog hair in Wickenburg.

It fell one or two votes short of being named the territorial capitol and it is surrounded by the whispers of ghost towns with names like Vulture City and Skull Valley. The affair with millions in gold and silver have been coveted by so many who died penniless, dedicating their lives to bogie and hoping for the birdie on the back nine. Even in the darkest hours, precious metals and the water that flow from the Hassayampa River, fuel the greatest love affair ever played. On a 100-mile long intermittent waterway, mostly underground, the water became life blood for the next round of America’s performance.

There was turmoil in the front nine, 1900’s America, moving, shaking, chopping and changing, but it was a romance by which a country was born.

The water flowed and families grew America.

Downtown Wickenburg rings a song of peace and prosperity, marking a culture of country and community while avoiding a fat shot.

Today Wickenburg is still not afraid of the dark with its agreeable climate and stunning vistas — tourism became a natural choice. The Old West still lives on as does the love affair with gold, silver and water. Freedom thrives with the romantic images of miner and cowboy culture. Hard pioneers looking for a better life built the longstanding infrastructure and even working ranches became the hub for oasis-style communities of today.

Built in 1948, Ranchos de los Caballeros took backstage just outside the town and set a standard for luxury accommodations. The spotlight falls on the tees, plush flower gardens while the horseback rides wind through the fairways.

While the sunsets and cast shadows from the peaks of Vulture Mountain, a weary Wall Street golfer, a busy corporate executive, or the independent woman looking for a raw authentic Arizona can relax knowing their needs are met.

At this oasis resort, there are 13,300 rideable acres that offer privacy and individual experiences woven between casitas, capturing the mammoth sunny spirit of Arizona, with artisan decor and upscale amenities of small town America. Offering a fully automatic trap and skeet range, October through May, a hands-on shotgun and ammunition lesson can be provided by a resident, expert instructor. To teach and assist, to take a stroll and pay attention to the tempo of the Sonoran Desert, Wickenburg is a spring effect for Arizona and southwest culture.

Diverse flora and fauna dominate majestic landscapes while the endless trails are filled with over 300 species of desert birds for watchers and photographers. Historic settlements from the gold mining era continue to draw the next generation of brave souls with a lust for gold and luxury.

Romp, muse and prospect with a trip to downtown Wickenburg. Take a stroll back to the future of Arizona with historic downtown scenery and Old West culture on course with a hole in one. Home to more than 400 works of Western art, including sculptures by famous artists Frederick Remington and Charles Russell, the 60 year old museum, Desert Caballeros Western Museum, is also known as one of Arizona’s finest.

Henry Wickenburg came to the area in search of gold and was rewarded with the discovery of the Vulture Mine, where over 340,000 ounces of gold and 260,000 ounces of silver were found. Tee off today with a western experience and start this year’s love affair with the hooves of a golden fairway.

To learn more, visit www.ranchodeloscaballeros.com and www.ci.wickenburg.az.us.