2018 Phoenix Course Conditions

[ferrispgm]

Getting ready to fly out to PHX next Thursday, and have a chance to play Friday. Where to play? I've played SD already, so would like to try something different. Staying up in Scottsdale, but could drive if needed. I think I could get on Desert Mountain through my local club pro. Is it worth it, and which course should I pick (if I had to pick 1, or 2 max)?

 

Thanks!

 

I have never been to Desert Mountain so I can't comment about there but I would recommend WeKoPa, GrayHawk or Troon in the Scottsdale area. If you want to drive then Verrado which is about 35 minutes west of Phoenix is another great option and one of my favorite places to play.

[jamesons]

I visit often from NJ and those are always on my list. I think those are solid recommendations for someone visiting. 36 at all three - I like Saguaro over Cholla at WeKoPa. I prefer Grayhawk Raptor over the Talon. And Pinnacle at Troon. Enjoy wherever you play. I'll be out there early April.

[az2au]

Getting ready to fly out to PHX next Thursday, and have a chance to play Friday. Where to play? I've played SD already, so would like to try something different. Staying up in Scottsdale, but could drive if needed. I think I could get on Desert Mountain through my local club pro. Is it worth it, and which course should I pick (if I had to pick 1, or 2 max)?

 

Thanks!

Outlaw then Geronimo then Renegade then Cochise then Chirichua and finally Apache. Apache kinda sucks. Outlaw is easily the best (not even remotely close). The rest are similar enough in quality.

[StarFleetGolfer]

Getting ready to fly out to PHX next Thursday, and have a chance to play Friday. Where to play? I've played SD already, so would like to try something different. Staying up in Scottsdale, but could drive if needed. I think I could get on Desert Mountain through my local club pro. Is it worth it, and which course should I pick (if I had to pick 1, or 2 max)?

 

Thanks!

 

Outlaw is my favorite.

[jamesons]

Visiting in early April and playing -

 

Eagle Mtn

Grayhawk Raptor

Troon Pinnacle

WeKoPa Saguro

 

The only thing I read on here recently was a potential problem with Grayhawk. Any other bad course conditions that I need to know about? It’s crunch time if I want to make changes. Thx!

[AzSuperHack76]

Played 36 out at Verrado this weekend. Great conditions.

 

 

Greens were spotty at Victory, to be expected though. Dormant Bermuda which is starting to have little patches of growth come through, a lot of bouncy rolls. Rest of the course was in superb shape. Got to try the food from the kitchen at Victory. They make a killer hamburger. Forgot the name of it but it had chipotle mayo and fried jalapenos, with pepper jack cheese it was great.

 

Founders, greens were near perfect, rolling fast and true. Rest of the course was in great shape. Wind was really up this weekend making both courses a good test.

 

Just a fun 36 holes of golf. Anyone looking for 36 holes, this should be near the top of your list.

[txeconomist]

Visiting in early April and playing -

 

Eagle Mtn

Grayhawk Raptor

Troon Pinnacle

WeKoPa Saguro

 

The only thing I read on here recently was a potential problem with Grayhawk. Any other bad course conditions that I need to know about? It’s crunch time if I want to make changes. Thx!

 

I haven't been out to PHX since around Xmas but I have a hard time believing that Grayhawk is really in bad shape in the middle of March.

[puttnforthe8]

Seville this weekend and it was excellent tee to green; greens were spectacular - virtually perfect. Some dead/bare spots away from the main track.

 

Poston Butte($60) - fairways were great, greens rolled ok - slow and a bit uneven though. bunkers in good shape.

[fore_life]

Toka sticks on Sunday, course is in solid shape, especially considering the deal time price of under $40 at 10am.

 

 

The greens are deceptively tricky, and I LOVE that they have firmed the course up, actually heard one of the mensclub members getting into it with a cart guy over it being too firm. Cart guy said “you always b**** about something, last month it was too soggy, now it’s too firm! Play better!”

 

[ferrispgm]

Played GCU Sunday....course was in excellent shape. Greens firm and fast as always, very few ball marks and I don't recall seeing the ball bounce more than once when I was putting. For the most part, fairways were actually fairly firm which is a first for me playing out there....I love the course playing firm...brings more of the fairway bunkers into play and encourages better strategy off the tee to not run into the tree lines. There were some wet spots but 98% of them were out of play and within the first 200 yards of the teebox.

[jatrain]

Papago today. Great shape. Greens were pure.

[wybrh]

Toka sticks on Sunday, course is in solid shape, especially considering the deal time price of under $40 at 10am.

 

 

The greens are deceptively tricky, and I LOVE that they have firmed the course up, actually heard one of the mensclub members getting into it with a cart guy over it being too firm. Cart guy said "you always b**** about something, last month it was too soggy, now it's too firm! Play better!"

 

That's funny. I really like playing down there. Small greens are challenging and you just can't beat the price.

[OspreyCI]

Toka sticks on Sunday, course is in solid shape, especially considering the deal time price of under $40 at 10am.

 

 

The greens are deceptively tricky, and I LOVE that they have firmed the course up, actually heard one of the mensclub members getting into it with a cart guy over it being too firm. Cart guy said "you always b**** about something, last month it was too soggy, now it's too firm! Play better!"

 

That's funny. I really like playing down there. Small greens are challenging and you just can't beat the price.

Agree on both notes. Small good greens the price is great through the winter price hikes everywhere else.

[DrSchteeve]

Saguaro perfect except 5 hour round. Wind was fun.

[DBill]

Anyone play Ocotillo lately?

[Lexicographer]

Southern Dunes on Saturday and Troon North Pinnacle today. Conditions at both were fabulous. Southern Dunes had some of the nicest greens I’ve ever putted on. Troon North just as good.

[Lexicographer]

Wekopa Saguaro this morning. Rough areas were a little brown (still dormant?), but it didn’t effect play one bit. Rest of the course was in perfect shape. Fun course.

[c. howard]

Toka sticks on Sunday, course is in solid shape, especially considering the deal time price of under $40 at 10am.

 

 

The greens are deceptively tricky, and I LOVE that they have firmed the course up, actually heard one of the mensclub members getting into it with a cart guy over it being too firm. Cart guy said "you always b**** about something, last month it was too soggy, now it's too firm! Play better!"

 

Ha, I was there in the afternoon that Sunday. Greens are tricky right now, though it was first time out this year for me.

[ddetts]

Seville this weekend and it was excellent tee to green; greens were spectacular - virtually perfect. Some dead/bare spots away from the main track.

 

Poston Butte($60) - fairways were great, greens rolled ok - slow and a bit uneven though. bunkers in good shape.

 

I enjoy both of these courses. I've played Seville a couple of times as I have relatives in the area. I haven't played Poston in some time, probably since around the year it opened. It was enjoyable and had some memorable holes.

[cubuffs]

Played Eagle Mountain on Sunday - some definite issues as the greens and fairways were thin and bare in some spots. Rough looked like the overseeing didn’t take and had some very thin spots. Overall -still an enjoyable day for my Son and I who are in from Nashville. Pro was very friendly and worked with us on the rates - would go back but not anything close to Troon Pinnacle (more on that below).

[jamesons]

Played Eagle Mountain on Sunday - some definite issues as the greens and fairways were thin and bare in some spots. Rough looked like the overseeing didn’t take and had some very thin spots. Overall -still an enjoyable day for my Son and I who are in from Nashville. Pro was very friendly and worked with us on the rates - would go back but not anything close to Troon Pinnacle (more on that below).

 

That's disappointing. I am scheduled to play there during my upcoming trip the week of 4/9 with my wife. I've played it before and know it is not the same as a WeKoPa or Troon, but I consider it more playable for my wife. I am struggling to think of an alternative course. Any ideas?

[az2au]

Played Eagle Mountain on Sunday - some definite issues as the greens and fairways were thin and bare in some spots. Rough looked like the overseeing didn’t take and had some very thin spots. Overall -still an enjoyable day for my Son and I who are in from Nashville. Pro was very friendly and worked with us on the rates - would go back but not anything close to Troon Pinnacle (more on that below).

 

That's disappointing. I am scheduled to play there during my upcoming trip the week of 4/9 with my wife. I've played it before and know it is not the same as a WeKoPa or Troon, but I consider it more playable for my wife. I am struggling to think of an alternative course. Any ideas?

Verde River and Grayhawk Talon are both very playable but also far less scenic. Why not Saguaro? It is a blast for all levels.

[jamesons]

Played Eagle Mountain on Sunday - some definite issues as the greens and fairways were thin and bare in some spots. Rough looked like the overseeing didn’t take and had some very thin spots. Overall -still an enjoyable day for my Son and I who are in from Nashville. Pro was very friendly and worked with us on the rates - would go back but not anything close to Troon Pinnacle (more on that below).

 

That's disappointing. I am scheduled to play there during my upcoming trip the week of 4/9 with my wife. I've played it before and know it is not the same as a WeKoPa or Troon, but I consider it more playable for my wife. I am struggling to think of an alternative course. Any ideas?

Verde River and Grayhawk Talon are both very playable but also far less scenic. Why not Saguaro? It is a blast for all levels.

 

Already playing Raptor, Saguaro, and Pinnacle (not all with the wife). I need a 4th course that is playable. She's not playing each day, but I told her she has to at least play Saguaro...which she is.

 

I was thinking maybe one of the Wildfire courses may not be a terrible option, but haven't been there in years. I have never played Verde River. We are staying at the Fairmont and also looking to minimize the drive time to 30mins or less so this might work. Thanks for the suggestion!

[puttnforthe8]

Played Eagle Mountain on Sunday - some definite issues as the greens and fairways were thin and bare in some spots. Rough looked like the overseeing didn’t take and had some very thin spots. Overall -still an enjoyable day for my Son and I who are in from Nashville. Pro was very friendly and worked with us on the rates - would go back but not anything close to Troon Pinnacle (more on that below).

 

That's disappointing. I am scheduled to play there during my upcoming trip the week of 4/9 with my wife. I've played it before and know it is not the same as a WeKoPa or Troon, but I consider it more playable for my wife. I am struggling to think of an alternative course. Any ideas?

Verde River and Grayhawk Talon are both very playable but also far less scenic. Why not Saguaro? It is a blast for all levels.

 

Already playing Raptor, Saguaro, and Pinnacle (not all with the wife). I need a 4th course that is playable. She's not playing each day, but I told her she has to at least play Saguaro...which she is.

 

I was thinking maybe one of the Wildfire courses may not be a terrible option, but haven't been there in years. I have never played Verde River. We are staying at the Fairmont and also looking to minimize the drive time to 30mins or less so this might work. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

Legend Trail is a better option that either of the Wildfire courses. Or go do Boulders (not the greatest course, but nice scenery) and then stay out in Cave Creek for some dinner?

[ferrispgm]

IMO Verde River is a better value even with the non-resident rates. It's always in great shape and a fun layout.

[Augieholic]

I'll be spending the weekend in the Indian Bend area of Scottsdale and am looking for places to play on Monday and Tuesday AM. Since it'll be my first outdoor rounds of the season I'm looking for a relatively close by course with a good practice facility to knock off the rust. Based on this thread and the internet I've found Talking Stick and McCormick Ranch that appear to meet those standards. Is there anywhere else I should take into consideration? Thanks in advance.

[fore_life]

Camelback Padre and ambiente over both of those ImO

[ferrispgm]

I'll be spending the weekend in the Indian Bend area of Scottsdale and am looking for places to play on Monday and Tuesday AM. Since it'll be my first outdoor rounds of the season I'm looking for a relatively close by course with a good practice facility to knock off the rust. Based on this thread and the internet I've found Talking Stick and McCormick Ranch that appear to meet those standards. Is there anywhere else I should take into consideration? Thanks in advance.

 

I agree with Fore. Talking stick may not be bad though, but I hate the courses at McCormick Ranch. Too many odd things about them both. That being said I do play them once a year because when I first moved here they were close and cheaper with deal rates. McCormick does have a decent short game area though, but their range sucks. I know Camelback used to offer range passes for $25 or $30 but not sure if they still do or not. Never been to Orange Tree, but that's fairly close and based on aerial maps they have a decent set up...but I'm not sure if they offer range/practice passes either.....But the course should be an easy start to outdoor golf again.

[jatrain]

Played McCormick the first week in February - conditions were terrible. Rough was basically very thin hardpan. Unless it's really improved I'd

Stay away (even then I'd stay away. Course isn't good). If you have to stay in that area, play Silverado across the street.

 

edit: no range at Silverado

[puttnforthe8]

Champions course was in good shape yesterday. Greens were a bit marked up, but fixed up well to allow the ball to roll fine.