Traveling to Phoenix.....Some course info for you

One_Putt_Blunder

Phoenix/Scottsdale/Mesa Golf Course Write Up

/clapping.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':clapping:' /> Hey everyone. I figured since I happen to live in a well traveled and golfed part of the country, I thought I would share a little course write up/minireview with you. It is broken down by price and I will add my personal opinions on the courses. I wll break it down by courses in the $150 and up range with=$$$; $75-$149=$$; and 74-less=$. Note I went by peak season prices, they get lower as the temp goes up.





First up are the high end courses $$$ These are the ones most people have heard of so these are pretty easy. In no particular order



Boulders South/North: Phoenix classic great views/service. The south course has the famous boulder outcropings/senic value. The north course is the original and may be the tougher of the two. Old design now becoming a bit dated. Great scenery.

Boulders



Troon North Monument/Pinnacle: Another must play course, its spectacular and always in good shape. Play Pinnacle over Monument. Monument does have some very cool holes but there are also a lot of forced layups or positioning off the tee if your playing the right tees. Pinnacle allows the player to be a bit more aggressive off the tee. Played 36 out here again and realized just how good it is. I finally figured out I like the Pinnacle course better but both outstanding. Troon



We Ko Pa Saguaro/Cholla: While you cant go wrong with either course. It is my home track so I may be a bit biased. I prefer and play most of my rounds on the Saguaro course, I think its more of a natural golf course not as tricked out. With that said its such a beautiful area, true desert golf no homes on the courses. Saguaro a must play if you actually want to walk a course here. Cholla is not walker friendly and an avoid at all costs track post overseed when it is cart path only. By far two of the more senic courses here. Casino nearby if on course gambling is not enough We Ko Pa Pics for both courses



Legend Trail: Another fantastic course and usually a bit more reasonable price wise. Apparently conditions have improved since I last updated. If that is the case then it returns to its status of a great challenging course. 06/07 played it again and back in solid shape. Forgot how much I liked playing out there Legend Trail



Tpc Scottsdale Stadium: Would not be my first choice to play out here, however I will say it is an experience to play the Stadium especially if you can play while the bleachers are still up from the WM Open. Play more for the experience then anything. Post Reno updates. The renovation came out fantastic the course is pretty dang enjoyable now they did a great job making the course more challenging and interesting off the tee. It is still not a great value course so my play for the experience still kinda holds true but it is no longer the most over rated track in town after the rennovation. TPC



Grayhawk Talon/Raptor: Perfer the Raptor course over Talon, Raptor is more challenging and has more memorable holes. Talon has two really good par 3's, but there is not much more that stands out compared to Raptor. Great customer service and ammenities, makes for a real enjoyable 36 hole day if you can followed by a bite to eat at Phil's Grill Grayhawk

Grayhawk Pics http://www.golfwrx.c...holes-15-16-17/



EagleMountain: Great views of the valley, course features a forgiving(slopes that move the ball back to the fairway) yet challenging design(green complexes). They can get you with some of the pin placements if they want. Eagle Mountain



Kierland: Another Troon managed course with 3 9's More of a resort layout the Acacia/Mesquite nines are prob the better two. Outstanding customer service as well. Now it is one of the most overpriced courses in town and not worth the full rate considering they are charging more than Troon North now. Kierland is prob the most over priced over rated track in town currently. Kierland



Wildfire Faldo/Palmer: Home to the LPGA Founders, although they play a combo of both courses. Another resort course with 2 18's Faldo is well bunkered design with some more natural settings then you would find at Kierland. Palmer course was ok still prefer the Faldo course. Wildfire



Gold Canyon Dinosaur: Almost forgot this one. You are going to want to have plenty of golf balls for this one. Some fantastic views and a few good holes. Only downside is it is quite a drive from Scottsdale/Phoenix 45+ min Price wise I cant remember where this one falls I think it is less than $175 Sidewinder is not nearly as good as Dinosaur

Dinosaur



Quintero: This one will depend on who you ask and what you value in a quality golf. If you like scenery over design then you will love Quintero. I find all the par 4's to be very similar except 2 of them Par 3's look nice but are within 25 yards of each other and due to elevation changes end up hitting the same shot 4 times. IMO not worth the drive, but there are a ton of people who love the course







Mid Priced Courses $$: This is where the majority of the courses fall into place here and I'm sure there will be some varying opinions on these but here are mine .



Verde River AKATEGAVAH AKA VISTA VERDE: Outsanding Ken Kavanaugh design about 15 minutes east of Troon. It has very generous fairways with very tricky green complexes. Wonderfull golf course that reminds me of Wekopa Saguaro with tougher green complexes and way cheeper. It will lose some of its allure when the housing development goes in but that looks to be a few years away. Update 01/03/10 Course fairways not overseeded only the tees and green were. So expect firm and fast from the tee box and to look at a landscape of brown. Still a great track and an awesome value. 07/2015 Development of the homes has started so not quite the scenic value that it once had but still a great design. More on Vista Verde http://www.verderive...om/verde-river/



Tpc Champions: The lower priced of the Tpc courses but a great new track one of my favorites right now can be testy from the back tees. Unposted price for walkers is $49 for residents or non residents. One of the better deals you will find for a good course. Extremley fun layout that has a great mix of holes. I actually like Champions more than the Stadium same link as above. Conditions vary so always worth reading current reviews before booking.



Talking Stick North/South: I definatley like the North course over the South course. Both courses pretty wide open from the tee, and pretty flat. Very typical Coore/Crenshaw bunkering around the fairways and greens. South Course has water that comes into play on 3-4 holes including the risk reward par 4 18th. North course is more of a links feel with no water. IMO pretty impressive job from a design aspect with a pretty boring piece of land as a canvas. 05/2015 Greens are rolling so bad right now killing the enjoyment of the course

Talking Stick



Whirlwind Cattail/Devils Claw: I get the two tracks mixed up in my mind. Devils Claw is a course you can score well on but can also bite back a little bit with some of the fairway bunkers. Its a Troon Facility so it is in good condition but overpriced for me. Whirlwind



Copper Canyon: Same as the above 2 except even farther from the house. The most reasonable priced Troon managed course. Copper Canyon.



Longbow: Good course right next to the plant where they make the apache helicopter hence the name longbow. Would rather play here than Las Sendas. Great driveable risk/ reward par 4 followed by a long par 4 closing hole Overall a good course for a good price. Longbow



Las Sendas: Very interesting course. Be prepared to loose some balls there are a lot of challenging/blind shots here. They also just re-did the greens in the last year or two and I have not played the new greens, but Sendas will put your game to the test. Las Sendas



Raven at South Mountain: Very good option on the way in to town or out since it is fairly close to Sky Harbor. A bit on the pricey side in the winter, but overall good course and another one where they can get you with some of the pin placements. Played it again 06/04/14 and really forgot how much I like this course. Raven



Asu Karsten: Another valley classic I believe the only public Pete Dye design in town. Play where quite a few pga pros played while at ASU.* Right on flight path to Sky Harbor so if loud background noise bothers you play elsewhere. Played again 05/28/09 and still not a fan of it. RIP Karsten Course /bye.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':wave:' /> /biggrin.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> /yahoo.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':yahoo:' />

Karsten



Mcdowell Mountain Ranch GC: Next to Westworld so if you are here for Barrett Jackson or FBR open its very close. Some fun holes some blah not a great value course for me since I can often find a better option for the same or less. Close to home for me so when I do get out to the range it is usually here.

Sanctuary/Sunridge Canyon



Sunridge Canyon: Played it a few times now. The front nine is a bit odd from a design standpoint, but the back nine minus the wash on hole 11 is wonderfull and in my opinion may have the best 5-6 hole closing stretch of any course out here. 01/2015 edit not really liking the course anymore greens are painted dormant bermuda and bumpy very unforgiving design even for better players. Sunridge Pics



Southern Dunes GC: This course is way out in Maricopa, but well worth the drive. Not your typical desert style course, It has a bit of links golf flavor mixed into the desert backdrop. Fast but true rolling greens. One of the highest course ratings I have seen in the valley from the one ups its 74.8 playing at 7337 yards. Some difficult tee shots but really enjoyed the course and would make the drive again. Greens are very fast, but very receptive to shots.

Southern Dunes



Golf Club Of Estrella: Just had the chance to play this course 12/23/09, and I must say its a fantastic layout. 17 and 1/2 real solid holes of golf (the tee shot on 18 is a little wierd). They also have quite possibly the hardest par three under 230 yards in the valley in #17 206 yards and anything that does not hit the green bogey or higher becomes a very realistic score. Well worth the drive to the SW Valley to play this course.

Would make for a great 36 hole day if you combine it with Raven at Verrado.



Camelback Ambiente: A marked improvement over the original Indian Bend course really enjoyed the layout and thing it will mature into a fine golf course. Played it again and it is softening up which it needed. Real fan of this layout, very strategic fairway bunkering that will always be in play when you play the correct tees. 2nd time around I found myself leaning more towards 3 wood off the tee on some holes to come up short of bunkers. Really good green complexes. 07/2015 Been playing out here a bunch and its becoming one of my favorite spots to play.



Wigwam Gold: Going to add this one to the list as I really enjoyed playing out there. Traditional parkland layout so do not expect the desert style golf you get from most of the others on the list but I found it to be a nice change of pace and a very well manicured course.



Trilogy at Vistancia: Another one up on the Northwest side of town and enjoyable layout with a good mix of holes. I would probably play out there more often if it was not so far from home.



Dove Valley Ranch: They lost the course a couple years ago due to poor maintenance. 2015 they brought it back new seed and new greens. Not something to seek out as a destination course but if you find a deal in the $50 range would make a decent warm up round especially if you are staying in North Phoenix are.





OPB's Top 25 PHX Public Access Ranking



1: Wekopa Saguaro

2: Ak Chin Southern Dunes

3: Troon North Pinnacle

4: Camelback Ambiente

5: Grayhawk Raptor

6: Wekopa Cholla

7: Troon Monument

8: Grayhawk Talon

9: TPC Scottsdale Stadium (renovation really did wonders but condition can be lacking at times)

10: Verde River

11: Verrado Founders. (Victory to be rated upon re opening in fall)

12: Golf Club of Estrella

13: TPC Champions

14: Papago

15: Trilogy at Vistancia

16: Raven Phoenix

17: Legacy

18: Legend Trail

20: Wildfire Faldo

21: Whirlwind both courses (I cant differentiate between the two so they both get 21)

22: Wigwam Gold (some love for traditional parkland courses)

23: Wildfire Palmer

24: Boulders North

25: Aguila



Ranking notes: I placed substance of course design over scenery in all cases. I also assumed good to very good course conditions in my rankings. Basically I went down the list and asked myself which courses would I want to play the most. I excluded Wickenburg and Northern/Southern AZ. Notable omissions Talking Stick. Consistently bad conditions forced me to leave off the North. Eagle Mountain, Sunridge Canyon, Boulders North all scenery>substance. Left off Maryvale pending reopening post reno. Scary to think that in a land of 200+ public courses it gets really really hard to think of ones worthy of spots 20-25











The Tourist Traps

Here are a few places you may want to avoid. Not that they are bad tracks, just that if you are here on a limited time your money can be better spent on a nicer course IMO.

#1A+++ Kierland just wayyyy overpriced for what it is.

#1 Orange Tree for some reason this place gets a lot of play but take your $100 and play Whirlwind, Longbow, or, Talking Stick

# 2 Biltmore Both Courses: Both these tracks get $180 during peak season for non residents while the links course is okay, spend your $180 at We Ko Pa, Troon, or Boulders

3: Starfire: just avoid if you can while nothing wrong per say not what I would consider a good vacation course

4 Silverado: Same as above

5: McCormick Ranch not bad courses but the palms course might as well be in florida and they charge way too much during peak season.





Good websites for tee time deals at most of these courses

https://www.discountteetimes.com/ https://twitter.com/DTT_Golf Better yet call David at 480-874-3133 and tell them One Putt Blunder (or Matt Bateman) sent you Call David first to see what he has available. He has had some really good deals for me in 2015. He is a great option if you are flexible and willing to wait until the last minute. Generally as good or better than GN or Teeoff. Plus he occasionally has deals for Wekopa

Golfnow Phoenix High fees but most courses are on GN

http://www.teeoff.com Not as many courses but lower booking fees and better promos like the constant 20% off codes they send out.







Travel planning. We all know what peak season is everyone wants to get out of the cold and come play golf in the winter etc. Year after year I see guys pop up with trips in Sept-Nov and I feel bad because this is the worst time to come out here. Rates go up and conditions go south.



If you are planning a trip and want to come during the shoulder seasons I would highly recommend coming in mid May to early June. The higher end courses are typically in great shape plus rates start to take significant drops at many courses in mid May. This time period will give you the best value and combo of conditions and pricing. Yes it will be hot but really not much hotter than Sept-Oct would have been anyways.



If any of you are travelling out here and need a playing partner feel free to PM me as I am always willing to play. Im a solid 4 hndcp and can play Sat or Sun. Also feel free to PM me if you have any questions on any of the courses or eating/drinking establishments here. I do the best I can to keep this thread updated with current info. If I have missed something or a course that you would recommend please feel free to add to the topic.



*Disclaimer: These are just my personal thoughts on a few of the many outstanding courses we have here. While you are all free to post your personal opinions please lets keep this mature and friendly. The whole point of this is that I really just want to be a tiny bit of help to anyone who may be travelling here to play golf.



Thanks,

Matt



Last Edits: 05/21/2017 Tweaked 10-13 reshuffled TPC Champ, Verde River, Estrella, and Verrado Founders

01/09/2017 Tweaked top 10 rankings reshuffled TPC Stadium and Verde With Talon and Monument

Update 1/05/16 Removed order of play based on price tiers added Top 25 list. Added short review of Dove Valley Ranch P27, replaced Boulders South with North in Top 25 fixed some links and grammar

08/01/2016 Revised top 25 list.

poppyhillsguy

Good reviews.



I've never been a fan of Kierland, TPC Scottsdale Stadium, Wildfire Faldo, or Las Sendas.



You HAVE TO go play Sunridge Canyon. I really like it especially the back nine climb up the canyon to the clubhouse.

GolfWRX

One_Putt_Blunder

Thanks I will definatley make it to sun ridge right after I get back out to We Ko Pa to play Cholla. I will agree with you about Las Sendas and Wildfire/Faldo, Used to live out in Las Sendas and was never a huge fan for some reason. Wildfire is more of a summer course for me cause its close to home and fairly well maintained. Overall its an ok track but I wouldnt drop the 150+ on it in winter. I dont know what it is about Kierland. I just love to play out there maybe its just a nice change from desert golf for me.

Just waiting for the aerations to get done around here so I dont have anymore excuses for my putting /black eye.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':man_in_love:' /> .

WL_Eric

Myself and a bunch of other guys from my club in TX just got back from a 5 day Scottsdale golf trip a couple weeks ago. We played both Troon North courses, Saguaro at We Ko Pa, TPC Stadium, Talon course at Gray Hawk, and Whirlwind. My favorite was the Troon North Monument course followed up by Saguaro at We Ko Pa. All of them were great, but these two courses were just a bit above the rest in my opinion. TPC Stadium was probably my least favorite because the fairways were in transition and in terrible shape so I didn't get the true experience from it. I still enjoyed it though.



Does anyone know if the tees, fairways, and greens at We Ko Pa are bent grass? It definitely looked like it to me and one of the locals confirmed my suspicions, but a fellow companion of mine disagreed. There's no mention of it on their site and I've seen conflicts in reports from other golf review sites.

One_Putt_Blunder

WL_Eric

You nailed the course selection right on the head. Tpc Stadium is closed for rest of the summer now and yes the fairways get pretty bad starting in june. I believe you are right and wekopa is bent grass I just cant confirm it for you

AirTime23

Also, always ask for special rates at the courses or check the websites. Troon Golf nearly always has some sort of special running.

Played Estrella ($105+tax) and Poston Butte ($99+tax) with unlimited golf incl. cart and lunch and a sleeve of Warbirds (PB) / dozen ProV1s (Estrella) with coupons from troongolf.com.



Also I personally would take the Pinnacle over the Monument course at Troon North anytime. The monuments good holes start on the back nine. 1-9 is pretty normal.

One_Putt_Blunder

Airtime just out of curiosity when did you play troon? Was it before or after they re-routed and re-designed some of the holes?

GolfWRX

azgolfer2

Just curious why Long Bow in Mesa gets overlooked. It's been redesigned, managed by OBSports as is WeKoPa and Eagle Mountain. No houses around, just small planes at Falcon Field. Really a nice design with good practice facilities and really good archectecture. Lots of different hole designs. Not too expensive. Good web site: Longbowgolf.com IMO worth looking at and fun to play.



Raven South Mountain is user friendly and service profile is good. WeKoPa is somewhat expensive for non az residents but Cholla course is absolutely first rate. Just be cautious about cart path only during peak season, it's a long walk across really wide fairways.



good list. Suggest you register with GolfNow.com to get emails for discount rates all over town.



My credential: lived in Scottsdale 11 years 10.6 azgh index old guy



regards



azgolfer 2

One_Putt_Blunder

Good point about Longbow it is worth looking into and playing. When I lived in Las Sendas I played there quite a bit. I will add it and the website to my list. I do like the course and have always played well there. I just was not a real big fan of the price hike that happened when OB took over.



Edit: been registered with golfnow pushing three years now, working on my 4th free round this year (every 10 you book you get one free at selected tracks of course) I just stockpile them all till fall/winter when the rates go up

mngolfguy

Awesome reviews. Thanks. My in-laws have a place at Trilogy Vistancia, which is just north of Peoria. Good Test and would probably fit in the mid-priced courses. I usually only go out there in March but i know they have awesome summer deals (like most courses in AZ) including $1 beers on the course.



I've only played Coyote Lakes of the ones you mentioned above and agree that it is a tight course which presents challenges for us hitters who like to spray the ball! Conditions when i played were o.k. but believe we payed $50 in winter so well worth it.

dizzydog

Some of my Faves are in the Chandler and Gilbert part of the Valley.





Ocotillo Golf Course- This is a Troon managed course. You can play for about $39 all summer. Fantastic course and quite challenging, especially the Gold course. My favorite full length course in AZ in the summer. $39



Kokopelli- Fun course, cheap, lots of hills. $30



Las Colinas- Cheap golf. Great course, no service. $17



Toka Sticks- Fun course, good service, average shape. $15



Augusta Ranch- Exec Course, but you will use every club in your bag. My personal favorite. Well maintained. Top notch. $14!



Painted Mountain- Gas carts is a bumer but its a enjoyable good time course. No service. Cheap. $25



Always try their websites first. If not the best deal use www.golfnow.com



Hope these additions were helpful

AirTime23

Played this January after the reworking. The first nine of the Monument are pretty flat and meander through the densely housed area of the plot. On the other 27 holes there are houses too, but of the more expensive kind and not so many.

GolfWRX

One_Putt_Blunder

AirTime23 wrote on Jul 17 2008, 10:05 AM:

Played this January after the reworking. The first nine of the Monument are pretty flat and meander through the densely housed area of the plot. On the other 27 holes there are houses too, but of the more expensive kind and not so many.

Hmm im going to have to get back out there and play both again and see if my opinion changed. Now if I could just find someone who has a Troon Card.

AirTime23

If you'd be playing this time of the year it shouldn't be as expensive as when I was there. There was the SUperbowl there the week I flew back no less.

But weather here in Germany usually sucks for golf that time of year.

One_Putt_Blunder

AirTime23 wrote on Jul 18 2008, 05:42 AM:

If you'd be playing this time of the year it shouldn't be as expensive as when I was there. There was the SUperbowl there the week I flew back no less.

But weather here in Germany usually sucks for golf that time of year.

Its still 90$ weekend mornings right now 45$ with a troon card.

Superbowl week was ridiculous courses were price gouging everyone. We had to wait untill the last minute sun morning to book a tee time for less than $75 at a bad course

meroj

AirTime23 wrote on Jul 16 2008, 04:47 PM:

Also, always ask for special rates at the courses or check the websites. Troon Golf nearly always has some sort of special running.

Played Estrella ($105+tax) and Poston Butte ($99+tax) with unlimited golf incl. cart and lunch and a sleeve of Warbirds (PB) / dozen ProV1s (Estrella) with coupons from troongolf.com.



Also I personally would take the Pinnacle over the Monument course at Troon North anytime. The monuments good holes start on the back nine. 1-9 is pretty normal.

Then you should go play Troon now. I played there on Monday (the 14th) and they are down to 18 holes, you play Monument 10-18 then skip over to Pinnacle 2-10. Beautiful course no matter how they slice it up.

dizzydog

Played Raven South Mountain today.



Course was not in the best of conditions. Sand traps are all mud.



Service is seriously lacking. Really sucked actually. Dont think the guys could have been less interested in helping us out. Never seen someone grab my bag from me in the parking lot and drop it about 15ft from my cart. WTF?



If your going to take my bag, load it up!



I wont be going back. No water on the holes when its 112 degrees out? Then charge $3 for a tiny bottle from the rude beer cart girl? I think not!



For $40 summer golf this is considered expensive. Im disappointed in the reviews of this place for sure.

GolfWRX

One_Putt_Blunder

Wow I am realy surprised to hear about service like that at the raven, yes $40 is a bit on the high side for summertime golf and puts the course in the playing field with some very good courses out here. Along with that price come expectations of being a high end course, and high end service. Unfortunatley for them it sounds like they did not live up to them for you. If your like me its pretty hard to forget about a place that leaves that bad of an impression on you. I am sorry to hear you had such a bad experience at the Raven.

skongolf

Well I just thought I would give an update on Las Sendas since I still do live there:) The new greens are starting to take and are really nice and roll true. I agree that you have to have some patience to play the course and can lose some balls if you try to hit driver on every tee shot. Its definately a shot maker's course. If you call the pro shop to make tee times, you can usually get the same deal as last minute tee times or other online tee time sites. I know the GM and know they are kinda hurting for play so there are some deals to be had there.



I like Longbow too, but I HATE the greens there. Very Grainy and do not break true at all. The other thing is rarely do you see a cart girl and there is hardly any water that is drinkable on the course. If I have my choice i take Las Sendas everytime due to price and service. The last thing about Longbow is that the low flying planes get a little annoying, especially when the bomber flies over close enough to see the people in the gun turret underneath.

teejaywhy

skongolf wrote on Jul 18 2008, 08:53 PM:

Well I just thought I would give an update on Las Sendas since I still do live there:) The new greens are starting to take and are really nice and roll true...

Did they switch over to bermuda? I played there a few times when it first opened back in the 90's and as I recall they had bent greens. Not too many courses have been successful keeping the bent greens in the Phoenix area. What's the scoop at Las Sendas?

poppyhillsguy

You guys should sign-up for Grayhawk's email news letter. They have been running $25 specials for a lot of this summer.

One_Putt_Blunder

poppyhillsguy wrote on Aug 1 2008, 03:37 PM:

You guys should sign-up for Grayhawk's email news letter. They have been running $25 specials for a lot of this summer.

I did havent got one emal from them. Ill sign up again.

On another note playing sunridge on Monday

GolfWRX

poppyhillsguy

Let me know what you think!

Dave_g

We-ko-pa greens are tiff dwarf overseeded with rye in the winter. It seems that everything in the Valley below Grayhawk in elevation has converted to bermuda.

azgreenskeeper

tjy355 wrote on Jul 26 2008, 06:18 PM:

skongolf wrote on Jul 18 2008, 08:53 PM:

Well I just thought I would give an update on Las Sendas since I still do live there:) The new greens are starting to take and are really nice and roll true...

Did they switch over to bermuda? I played there a few times when it first opened back in the 90's and as I recall they had bent greens. Not too many courses have been successful keeping the bent greens in the Phoenix area. What's the scoop at Las Sendas?

They converted to Bermuda... Miniverde is the variety if memory serves...

teejaywhy

azgreenskeeper wrote on Sep 7 2008, 11:48 AM:

tjy355 wrote on Jul 26 2008, 06:18 PM:

skongolf wrote on Jul 18 2008, 08:53 PM:

Well I just thought I would give an update on Las Sendas since I still do live there:) The new greens are starting to take and are really nice and roll true...

Did they switch over to bermuda? I played there a few times when it first opened back in the 90's and as I recall they had bent greens. Not too many courses have been successful keeping the bent greens in the Phoenix area. What's the scoop at Las Sendas?

They converted to Bermuda... Miniverde is the variety if memory serves...

I figured. Legend Trail was closed this summer as they redo their greens - going to bermuda I presume. Also, the Palmer course at Wildfire is changing to bermuda.

One_Putt_Blunder

tjy355 wrote on Sep 11 2008, 11:13 AM:

azgreenskeeper wrote on Sep 7 2008, 11:48 AM:

tjy355 wrote on Jul 26 2008, 06:18 PM:

skongolf wrote on Jul 18 2008, 08:53 PM:

Well I just thought I would give an update on Las Sendas since I still do live there:) The new greens are starting to take and are really nice and roll true...

Did they switch over to bermuda? I played there a few times when it first opened back in the 90's and as I recall they had bent greens. Not too many courses have been successful keeping the bent greens in the Phoenix area. What's the scoop at Las Sendas?

They converted to Bermuda... Miniverde is the variety if memory serves...

I figured. Legend Trail was closed this summer as they redo their greens - going to bermuda I presume. Also, the Palmer course at Wildfire is changing to bermuda.

Correct and Correct, Legend Trail should be done next month Wildfire is working on the Palmer course now and will be starting The Faldo Course soon(I actually liked the greens on Faldo before). All will be going to Bermuda.

I cant wait to go play the new greens at legend trail. I will update as soon as I get out there once they reopen.



AzGreenskeeper what course are you at?



Edit:I just got an email from Legend Trail and they are set to re open Oct 1 and have already completed the overseed. Fortounatley I will be in the bay area playing pacific grove, poppy hills, then harding park. I should be able to get to legend trail the week after to do and update on the new greens.

GolfWRX

sabram

Mbatemn - Your rankings are pretty good (meaning I agree with them LOL). I would rank Dinosaur Mountain a little higher and Sunridge Canyon a little lower. It was just too tough for me. Also, Rancho Manana is a gem that is a good deal.



Here are links to my photos of these cousres in case anyone is inetersted.



http://sports.webshots.com/album/563720024mtsCgK (Troon North, We-ko-pa & Rancho Manana)



http://sports.webshots.com/album/557661553IzfCwd (Grayhawk, Eagle Mtn, Talking Stick, TPC)



http://sports.webshots.com/album/557662043DmPEmD (Boulders)



http://sports.webshots.com/album/557662452fZmNcM (Dinosaur Mtn)

One_Putt_Blunder

Played Legend Trail yesterday after the new greens were put in, they did a fantastic job and the new greens are great, plus the course is in great shape right now

dmitch37

Ref the above comment on Legend Trail, myself and 8 friends are visiting Phoenix at the start of November for a golf holiday. We have most of our golf booked up now but we're currently looking for one more round to book. Given our budget we're looking at among others - Copper Canyon, Longbow, Legend Trail.



We already have golf booked at Estrella Mountain Ranch, Raven Verado, Superstition Springs, Coyote Lakes, Eagle Mountain, Poston Butte.



Any of the 3 above stand out or is there one we're missing for around $80?

GolfWRX

One_Putt_Blunder

Dmitch37

All three of those courses are good courses, and I think you would enjoy them all I. However still prefer Legend Trail over the other two.

Copper Canyon is very nice but is a pretty decent drive from the Scottsdale/East Valley. and that is the only setback of Copper Canyon. Longbow is a good course too, just doesnt have the elevation changes and the design that Legend Trail has. If you can and its in your budget I say give Legend Trail a run otherwise play Copper Canyon then Longbow.

here are a few more pics of Legend Trail ignore the signs there just happend to be a tournament going off right after my group

Edit: one more to add to the mix would be Whirlwind Cattail or Devils Claw Courses. Also becarefull on the par 5's on the back nine at Coyote Lakes the get a bit narrow and the fairways all slope hard to the water play the right side of the fairway.