Scottsdale or Greater LA area in January?

I am planning my winter trip but I am torn as to where to go.

I can go to Scottsdale for the first time or return to LA for the 5th time since 2011 to play golf.

Which would you pick and why?

I would be playing TPC Scottsdale 2 weeks or so before the tour is there but I am not familiar with any of the other courses out there and have no idea where else to play.

In the LA area, I would be playing Rustic Canyon and possibly Angeles National, Rancho Park (twilight round), Brookside and or Industry Hills. Maybe some other options.

Other reasons for Scottsdale are free room and board

Other reasons for LA is that I am a big NJ Devils fan and I would love to see them play in LA against the Kings.

Help would be greatly appreciated.

Check the sw sub forum, tons of great info on PHX area options

Looking for suggestions of one vs another

Go to Scottsdale. Get the 36 hole rate at We-Ko-Pa and play Troon North Pinnacle. You've done the LA deal 5 times in 3 years, so go and experience desert golf at it's best.

Scottsdale hands down. So many great courses, great restaurants and it's time to expand your horizons.

I appreciate the feedback guys.

I've been fortunate enough to do a lot of traveling for golf over the last 5 years. In addition to my multiple trips to SoCal, I have taken trips that in part included golf to Myrtle Beach, Pinehurst, New Orleans, Cabo, Northern California and 4 trips to south Florida. Expanding my horizons isn't a priority to me. Looking over the rates, golf in Arizona seems to be expensive in January.

That said, I am still open to the idea and would like to hear more.

PHX is going to be expensive this year with the Superbowl there in Feb.

[quote name='AP2 712' timestamp='1416532286' post='10480715']
That said, I am still open to the idea and would like to hear more.
[/quote]


It's THE most expensive time, and probably even more so this year with the Super Bowl etc.

I forgot about that, damn

[quote name='AP2 712' timestamp='1416532262' post='10480713']
I appreciate the feedback guys.

I've been fortunate enough to do a lot of traveling for golf over the last 5 years. In addition to my multiple trips to SoCal, I have taken trips that in part included golf to Myrtle Beach, Pinehurst, New Orleans, Cabo, Northern California and 4 trips to south Florida. Expanding my horizons isn't a priority to me. Looking over the rates, golf in Arizona seems to be expensive in January.
[/quote]

I haven't done Cabo or New Orleans, but Scottsdale (and Phoenix greater area) beats the others hands down...if you can afford it.

Perfect course conditions, perfect weather, great course options, especially if you are willing to drive a bit - that can get you to courses (almost) as good as Scottsdale. It will be crowded, but I doubt any more so than SoCal.

[quote name='DrSchteeve' timestamp='1416536189' post='10481023']
[quote name='AP2 712' timestamp='1416532262' post='10480713']
I appreciate the feedback guys.

I've been fortunate enough to do a lot of traveling for golf over the last 5 years. In addition to my multiple trips to SoCal, I have taken trips that in part included golf to Myrtle Beach, Pinehurst, New Orleans, Cabo, Northern California and 4 trips to south Florida. Expanding my horizons isn't a priority to me. Looking over the rates, golf in Arizona seems to be expensive in January.
[/quote]

I haven't done Cabo or New Orleans, but Scottsdale (and Phoenix greater area) beats the others hands down...if you can afford it.

Perfect course conditions, perfect weather, great course options, especially if you are willing to drive a bit - that can get you to courses (almost) as good as Scottsdale. It will be crowded, but I doubt any more so than SoCal.
[/quote]

Having never been, I highly doubt that Scottsdale is better than San Diego golf. I highly doubt that Scottsdale is better than golf in NorCal. I highly doubt that Scottsdale is better than Pinehurst.

I appreciate the feedback but I sense a little bias.

I used to live in Phoenix/Scottsdale area and you can have frost delays in January so keep that in mind if your are trying to do 36 in a day.

[quote name='birdman72' timestamp='1416536729' post='10481085']
I used to live in Phoenix/Scottsdale area and you can have frost delays in January so keep that in mind if your are trying to do 36 in a day.
[/quote]

I learned that the hard way playing up in the mountains near San Diego last December. 2+ hour frost delay at Barona Creek.
Thank you for the heads up on that.

I am born and raised here and think AZ/Scottsdale is the most overhyped golf destination, and I can't believe what they charge peak season.

[quote name='AP2 712' timestamp='1416536662' post='10481073']
[quote name='DrSchteeve' timestamp='1416536189' post='10481023']
[quote name='AP2 712' timestamp='1416532262' post='10480713']
I appreciate the feedback guys.

I've been fortunate enough to do a lot of traveling for golf over the last 5 years. In addition to my multiple trips to SoCal, I have taken trips that in part included golf to Myrtle Beach, Pinehurst, New Orleans, Cabo, Northern California and 4 trips to south Florida. Expanding my horizons isn't a priority to me. Looking over the rates, golf in Arizona seems to be expensive in January.
[/quote]

I haven't done Cabo or New Orleans, but Scottsdale (and Phoenix greater area) beats the others hands down...if you can afford it.

Perfect course conditions, perfect weather, great course options, especially if you are willing to drive a bit - that can get you to courses (almost) as good as Scottsdale. It will be crowded, but I doubt any more so than SoCal.
[/quote]

Having never been, I highly doubt that Scottsdale is better than San Diego golf. I highly doubt that Scottsdale is better than golf in NorCal. I highly doubt that Scottsdale is better than Pinehurst.

I appreciate the feedback but I sense a little bias.
[/quote]

You ask for opinions and then question them? I've lived in Scottsdale a total of 4 months, and I lived in NC (2 hours from Pinehurst) for 25 years - no reason for any particular bias. Insanely expensive and crowded in the winter - yes. But the golf - as good as anywhere.

[quote name='DrSchteeve' timestamp='1416577744' post='10482493']
[quote name='AP2 712' timestamp='1416536662' post='10481073']
[quote name='DrSchteeve' timestamp='1416536189' post='10481023']
[quote name='AP2 712' timestamp='1416532262' post='10480713']
I appreciate the feedback guys.

I've been fortunate enough to do a lot of traveling for golf over the last 5 years. In addition to my multiple trips to SoCal, I have taken trips that in part included golf to Myrtle Beach, Pinehurst, New Orleans, Cabo, Northern California and 4 trips to south Florida. Expanding my horizons isn't a priority to me. Looking over the rates, golf in Arizona seems to be expensive in January.
[/quote]

I haven't done Cabo or New Orleans, but Scottsdale (and Phoenix greater area) beats the others hands down...if you can afford it.

Perfect course conditions, perfect weather, great course options, especially if you are willing to drive a bit - that can get you to courses (almost) as good as Scottsdale. It will be crowded, but I doubt any more so than SoCal.
[/quote]

Having never been, I highly doubt that Scottsdale is better than San Diego golf. I highly doubt that Scottsdale is better than golf in NorCal. I highly doubt that Scottsdale is better than Pinehurst.

I appreciate the feedback but I sense a little bias.
[/quote]

You ask for opinions and then question them? I've lived in Scottsdale a total of 4 months, and I lived in NC (2 hours from Pinehurst) for 25 years - no reason for any particular bias. Insanely expensive and crowded in the winter - yes. But the golf - as good as anywhere.
[/quote]

Sorry you take offense to my OPINION. I found your OPINION to be biased. That doesn't mean either are right or wrong.
In any event, as I said above, I do appreciate your feedback.

If you like desert golf, great desert and mountain scenery, and paying thru the nose for spectacular golf, then AZ at Superbowl time is your ticket!
If you don't like desert golf, but like mountain scenery and paying ridiculous amounts of money to play golf close to the ocean, then San Diego is a good place.
If you like plains/links golf, woods, water, and great golf that you can pay thru the nose to play, then head to Pinehurst. Add ocean, head to South Carolina.
It depends what you are looking for. I like desert golf, hate paying rack rates from Dec-Apr, and the weather cannot be beat during the winter.
My opinion - have fun and hit 'em straight!

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1416537970' post='10481225']I am born and raised here and think AZ/Scottsdale is the most overhyped golf destination, and I can't believe what they charge peak season.[/quote]
For the opposing view I have played golf in more than 25 countries and Scottsdale is probably my third favorite of all of the places I have been. The only places I like better have true links golf and quantity of solid tracks.

I am leaning towards Scottsdale at the moment because I won't have to pay for a hotel or car there. Even though the golf will be more expensive, there may be a savings.

Of course this can change.

Thank you everyone for the feedback.

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1416537970' post='10481225']
I am born and raised here and think AZ/Scottsdale is the most overhyped golf destination, and I can't believe what they charge peak season.
[/quote]Mark Im from Boston its come to point where Arizona is less money for me than say Myrtle Beach Scottsdale blows away MB also as far as golf course quality imo

Both places are highly overrated in my opinion. Especially given the Scottsdale prices you are going to pay at that time. I would suggest you check the Palm Springs or Vegas threads as alternate options. Just my opinion.

I am looking over prices in Scottsdale and the 4 named courses TPC, We-Ko-Pa, Grayhawk and Troon are all $200+ to play.

What are the non $200 courses that are worth playing out there?

[quote name='AP2 712' timestamp='1416709087' post='10490035']
I am looking over prices in Scottsdale and the 4 named courses TPC, We-Ko-Pa, Grayhawk and Troon are all $200+ to play.

What are the non $200 courses that are worth playing out there?
[/quote]

Not much really southern dunes teghava raven verrado gc of estrella but pretty much all will be a drive. Life here sucks during price gouging season

There's some good cheap places to play(not in scottsdale), but the problem is that while they are good courses that are fun to play and typically in good condition/under $45 to walk, none of them are really ones I'd recommend for someone here coming for a golf vacation/destination, know what I mean? Papago is a good track, but I think its $44 for local cardholders and $68 walking for non cardholders, which seems steep.

TPC champions still have their walking rate? Anyone have any info on conditions there this year?

Haven't played TPC champ yet post overseed. Practiced out there prior to RSI event and confirmed walking rate of $50 supposed to be for locals but they've never checked. Comes out to about $70 with tax and range balls.

Course looked decent will need to get out there soon