Scottsdale and Area Trip Report (Nov 16-23)

As a frequent user of this forum to gather information when planning my group's trip, I thought I would give a little run down of our annual trip during the week of Nov 1-19 in case it can assist others. This was our 2nd year in the Scottsdale area, and we will be back for another one next year!! I have to give Jimmy and Golftroop a shout out for assisting us with the house and course line-up. If you are planning a trip to the Scottsdale area, check him out…. He was invaluable in assisting us with moving things around during a rare few rainy days!!

Anyway, here is our review!

Courses:

Nov 17 – Ls Sendas: Great course – this was one of the two repeats we did from last year’s line-up. We were cart path only (to be lifted on the 19th). The course was in great condition – although the greens were a little shaggy and slow, but rolled fine. The mountain views/holes provided excellent scenery. Of the courses we played last week, the scores here were the highest….. Pace of play was very reasonable, and the staff at the Pro-shop were great.

Nov 18 – Verde River. Not knowing a lot about this course when we booked it, we were all pleasantly surprised. Again, CPO, but a very good pace of play. The course conditions were great – and the greens were also rolling well. Amazing views from the restaurant!! This will be a course that we put on next year’s list (if it is not private by then!)

Nov 19 – TPC Champion. It is hard to say anything negative about a TPC Course…. The putting green was one of the best we had ever seen. That being said, the “wow” factor that we had felt at other area courses was just not there for this course. In no way is would I say the course is a dud, but it was lacking some of the views and elevation changes that our group liked. As well, the noise from the nearby airport was also a little distracting. Overall, the course was enjoyable, and fairly good value (as they offered a free replay – that got rained out for us)… but I am not sure that we would put it on the list again next year. 

Nov 20 – Rained out (Longbow)…. So we hit up Top Golf – which was new for all of us. A great option to get out and swing the club on a rain day

Nov 21 – Wickenburg… but rained out again. We did get to play the first four or five holes. I hesitate to say after 5 holes - this was one of our favorite tracks… the conditions were immaculate, and the greens were the fastest/smoothest we had seen in a long time. By the time we got to the fifth hole however, the rain had came and made the course unplayable. Based on the first few holes however, this too will be a repeat next year. Well worth the drive!!

Nov 22 – Dinosaur Mtn.(played 36 here)- This course came highly recommended to us by numerous people and did not disappoint. Bearing in mind that our group is coming from eastern Canada, so the views of the mountain, desert, and elevation changes that this course offers are new to us, and we thought they were spectacular. By far and away one of the most scenic courses that we had ever played (though  I can understand how some people do not like the elevated tees and need to guess some of the yardages), Once again it was CPO, and the greens were still a little slow, but the fairways were in great shape. 

Nov 23 – Verrado Victory (played 27)… This was the second repeat from last year,.= This was the first course that was 90 degree with the carts – which was impressive given the rain that fell in the previous few days. The fairways and greens were in good condition – though the greens were fairly slow. This course also offered great value – providing free replays and a lunch voucher. The verdict on this course within our group was split…. While there were a few holes that offered evaluation changes, and large grass bunkers – there were a few other holes that were a fairly straightforward and lacked much character. The area is very quiet, with limited housing (which was nice). 

Nov 24 – Troon North – Another great course with fabulous views and different holes, although in my opinion overpriced. Only the second course where were could do 90 degrees. The greens here were fast, though, the most ball marked that I have seen in a while (it seems like no one fixes the ball marks here). I was really expecting much better conditions, Also good to note = the course is also fairly tightly lined with houses/condos…..we were paired with some fairly novice golfers who hit a few houses and went through a few sleeves of balls! The pace of play here was also very slow (which maybe why the group behind us was hitting into us multiple times) …. close to 5 hrs. Great staff at this course –from the proshop to the player assistants; some of the best service that I have seen.

Our criteria may be a little different than most. Our group enjoys the courses that offer great scenery, elevation changes, and holes with a little character (even some that may be considered a little gimmicky). With that in mind, our final ratings:

1) Dinosaur Mountain

2) Wickenburg

3) Verde River

4) Las Sendas

5) Troon North

6) TPC

7) Verado Victory

It is hard to rate these courses, as we enjoyed them all….. Our 7th ranked course would still be high on our list of all time favorite courses. Any of these courses are a great choice.

I have to agree on the aircraft at Scottsdale Airport. I'm a big aviation fan, but having Cessnas and Learjets buzzing your head every few minutes is annoying.

Have you played We-Ko-Pa or Quintero yet? Those are my two favorite tracks out there.