Arizona Course Help

[loc]

Hello, This will be our 6th year boys Phoenix trip in 2019.

 

We are going the first week of April Staying in the Scottdale Area most likely.

 

Looking for some new courses to play.

 

Here is what we have played in the past:

Visti Verde

Longbow

Sundunes

Legends Trail

Sunridge Canyon

Eagle Mountain

Lookout Mountain

TPC Stadium

TPC Champions

Dinosaur

Talking Stick

Raven at Verrado

Legends Trail

Club West

Quintero

Trilogy

Troon North Monument

Troon North Pinnacle

Sidewinder

Stone Creek

We-Ko-PA

ASU Karsten

 

Thanks in advance for you suggestions.

[puttnforthe8]

Easy. New course at Verrado(Victory); Wickenburg Ranch, Vistancia, Estrella, Papago, Legacy, Raven South Mountain, Los Caballeros, Boulders

 

Possible others: Aguila, Wigwam, Wildfire

[loc]

puttnforthe8, thanks so much..i will check them out

[Skaffa77]

Was going to mention Wigwam or AK-Chin Southern Dunes

[loc]

Saw somewhere Club 500? Any good

 

Prefer non neighborhood courses or less house lined courses.

[Young Tommy]

Las Sendas, Dove Valley Ranch

[BirdieRoll]

If you're staying in Scottsdale, Camelback Ambiente and Padre should be on the short list.

[Rohlio]

Southern Dunes must be on your list.

[fsutanker]

Grayhawk?

[DrSchteeve]

Hello, This will be our 6th year boys Phoenix trip in 2019.

 

We are going the first week of April Staying in the Scottdale Area most likely.

 

Looking for some new courses to play.

 

Here is what we have played in the past:

Visti Verde

Longbow

Sundunes

Legends Trail

Sunridge Canyon

Eagle Mountain

Lookout Mountain

TPC Stadium

TPC Champions

Dinosaur

Talking Stick

Raven at Verrado

Legends Trail

Club West

Quintero

Trilogy

Troon North Monument

Troon North Pinnacle

Sidewinder

Stone Creek

We-Ko-PA

ASU Karsten

 

Thanks in advance for you suggestions.

 

You have played more courses than many of us who live here! We should be asking you for your comments.

 

You could let us know something more about what you are looking for since, again, you have plenty of information based on your past experience...

[Shilgy]

Easy. New course at Verrado(Victory); Wickenburg Ranch, Vistancia, Estrella, Papago, Legacy, Raven South Mountain, Los Caballeros, Boulders

 

Possible others: Aguila, Wigwam, Wildfire

Plus 1 to this. In April a great day could be had playing 36 at Los Cab and Wickenburg Ranch. Problem with that is you'd miss Little Wick

[teejaywhy]

Hello, This will be our 6th year boys Phoenix trip in 2019.

 

We are going the first week of April Staying in the Scottdale Area most likely.

 

Looking for some new courses to play.

 

Here is what we have played in the past:

Visti Verde

Longbow

Sundunes

Legends Trail

Sunridge Canyon

Eagle Mountain

Lookout Mountain

TPC Stadium

TPC Champions

Dinosaur

Talking Stick

Raven at Verrado

Legends Trail

Club West

Quintero

Trilogy

Troon North Monument

Troon North Pinnacle

Sidewinder

Stone Creek

We-Ko-PA

ASU Karsten

 

Thanks in advance for you suggestions.

 

Notes about what you liked/didn't like can help with recommendations.

[kiddoc]

Grayhawk?

 

Glaring omission for sure.

36 holes

NCAA coming here.

 

Not a price deal as TROON North is on the list.

 

 

We Ko Pa a must as well

 

36 holes

[loc]

Hello, This will be our 6th year boys Phoenix trip in 2019.

 

We are going the first week of April Staying in the Scottdale Area most likely.

 

Looking for some new courses to play.

 

Here is what we have played in the past:

Visti Verde

Longbow

Sundunes

Legends Trail

Sunridge Canyon

Eagle Mountain

Lookout Mountain

TPC Stadium

TPC Champions

Dinosaur

Talking Stick

Raven at Verrado

Legends Trail

Club West

Quintero

Trilogy

Troon North Monument

Troon North Pinnacle

Sidewinder

Stone Creek

We-Ko-PA

ASU Karsten

 

Thanks in advance for you suggestions.

 

Notes about what you liked/didn't like can help with recommendations.

 

home town is Pittsburgh PA, we play very much elevation changes and tree lined courses, thus when we come to AZ we look for elevation changes but mountain/desert courses. Quintero by far was the fav......Sunridge Canyon is a fav....as in Dinosaur and Sidewinder... Raven at Verado was liked by some but not by others....TPC played twice...overrated in my eyes for the price but had to do it just because....We also liked the Troons pinnacle and monument.....but i think the troons are liked because we like the local restaurant for after golf at Pinnacle Grille off Jomax road....

[SilverBullets]

I can't add anything new to what the first couple posters put. Wickenburg Ranch is a HIKE from North Scottsdale but it's my favorite course out here. To me, it's everything Quintero isn't that you want it to be. It's pretty, the conditioning is outstanding, it's never busy, and the things it provides which Quintero doesn't... For starters, it has a clubhouse and a really solid restaurant. More importantly, it has a really good layout. It's a fun golf course to play. The lil' wick par 3 course is a nice touch if you have the time to kill.

 

Grayhawk Raptor and Southern Dunes are glaring omissions from your list. Those are kind of on the must play list once you get past Troon and Wekopa. The new Victory course at Verrado is also very solid and worth playing (I like it more than the original Verrado course). Camelback Ambiente is a good course, although, I'm not as fascinated with it as others are on this forum. It's solid but it's nothing more than solid in my book.

[puttnforthe8]

I was assuming the "Sundunes" was just a typo for Southern Dunes? :dntknw:

[jcleve]

Southern dunes is house free and a great layout

[Dr. Hack]

This is the great thing about Scottsdale. You still have more places to check out!

 

-Ill second Southern Dunes as a must-play.

 

-Camelback Ambiente isn't a bad option for someone looking for something new. Not a "scottsdale style" desert course so I don't usually recommend to visitors but it seems to get hype among the locals. It's an out-and-back links-style design.

 

-Mountain Shadows is a must-play short course in my opinion. Iconic location at the base of Camelback on one of the most exclusive pieces of real estate in the valley. I think it must be one of the oldest Scottsdale courses too, dating back to the swanky 60's times, and restored more recently. If you've played La Quinta Mountain Course it's like a mini version of that. Not many amazing holes but the venue is really fun. And it can be played in 2 hours and is only 10 minutes from old town, so very easy to squeeze in.

 

-The Faldo course at Wildfire might be a good option. The Palmer course is good but not super memorable. These rival Grayhawk, I think, although you've been here enough times that you will probably need to play Grayhawk just to say you've played it....Either Talon or Raptor. Those are the two big omissions from your list in that immediate area. The Grayhawk courses are excellent and have great routing and a few very memorable holes, but for some reason playing up there I always feel like I'm in a valley at the top of a hill. I honestly prefer the views at Talking Stick or even McCormick but it's a personal thing.

 

-Wickenburg is another glaring omission if you're willing to drive out there.

 

-If you want cheaper places of great quality and classic desert feel, check out Aguila, Trilogy, Legacy, and Papago.

 

-I would probably play We-Ko-Pa Saguaro every single time I visited, If I was from out of town. Best public course in the state, and is probably out-done by only a couple private courses in my opinion.

 

Lastly, The Phoenician just finished the course re-design and I've been curious to check it out. Probably overpriced but if anyone can weigh in, please do so.

[az2au]

Ill second Southern Dunes as a must-play.

 

Camelback Ambiente isn't a bad option for someone looking for something new. Not a "scottsdale style" desert course so I don't usually recommend to visitors but it seems to get hype among the locals.

 

Mountain Shadows is a must-play short course in my opinion. Iconic location at the base of Camelback on one of the most exclusive pieces of real estate in the valley. I think it must be one of the oldest Scottsdale courses too, dating back to the swanky 60's times, and restored more recently. If you've played La Quinta Mountain Course it's like a mini version of that. Not many amazing holes but the venue is really fun. And it can be played in 2 hours and is only 10 minutes from old town, so very easy to squeeze in.

 

The Faldo course at Wildfire might be a good option. I prefer that to Grayhawk. The Palmer course is ok but not super memorable. Those are the two big omissions from your list in that immediate area. For some reason playing up there I always feel like I'm in a valley at the top of a hill. I honestly prefer the views at Talking Stick or even McCormick but it's a personal thing.

 

Wickenburg is another glaring omission if you're willing to drive out there.

 

If you want cheaper places of great quality and classic desert feel, check out Aguila, Trilogy, and Papago.

 

Lastly, The Phoenician just finished the course re-design and I've been curious to check it out. Probably overpriced but if anyone can weigh in, please do so.

Per the Southwest forum conditions thread, Mountain Shadows lost their greens during overseed. The Phoenician is also still terrible.

[toddnt]

The Boulders.

[sabram]

Here's a link to photo tours of 32 area golf courses: https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/collections/72157631875831171/

[Chanceman]

Assuming you only played one of the Talking Stick and WeKoPa courses, you didnt specify, then you can play the other ones, say WKP Cholla and TS Pipaash, plus Wickenburg Ranch, Ak Chin Southern Dunes, the two Boulders courses North/South, the two Grayhawk Raptor/Talon, and I would suggest a possible day trip up to Seven Canyons in Sedona. That makes 9 courses to choose from. Plus Mountain Shadows par 3 course for dessert.

[NDSwim]

Was just out at Mountain Shadows and the greens are horrible. I would

not recommend.

[Kale_m]

We are playing the south course at talking stick when we are there for the WMO

 

Can’t wait

[puttnforthe8]

We are playing the south course at talking stick when we are there for the WMO

 

Can't wait

 

, play the North Course. South is boring, contrived and not as good overall.

[JHR]

Hello, This will be our 6th year boys Phoenix trip in 2019.

 

We are going the first week of April Staying in the Scottdale Area most likely.

 

Looking for some new courses to play.

 

Here is what we have played in the past:

Visti Verde

Longbow

Sundunes

Legends Trail

Sunridge Canyon

Eagle Mountain

Lookout Mountain

TPC Stadium

TPC Champions

Dinosaur

Talking Stick

Raven at Verrado

Legends Trail

Club West

Quintero

Trilogy

Troon North Monument

Troon North Pinnacle

Sidewinder

Stone Creek

We-Ko-PA

ASU Karsten

 

Thanks in advance for you suggestions.

 

Great list! I have played all of these . Arizona is my favorite golf destination. I have a few more to add to list. There is so much golf there and so many great courses.

 

Grey Hawk

Kierland

Golf Club of Estrella

Poston Butte

Las Sendas

Legacy

Ocotillo

Superstition Springs

Whirlwind - Devils Claw

Wildfire- Palmer and Faldo

Foothills

Dove Valley

[nocarts83]

If Quintero is your favorite, you may have wildly different views of courses (I'd go 1. Wekopa Saguaro 2. TN Pinnacle 3. Wekopa Chola....Quintero close to last), but....

 

I'm really a fan of Apache Stronghold. Yes, I am well aware that it is a far drive from Scottsdale and, yes, I'm well aware it's terrible conditioned compared to everything mentioned here. Yes, there are many ground-under-repairs in the middle of greens. Yes, I was cleaning dust out of every crevice of my bag and body for weeks.

 

But otherwise, it's hard to ask for more. You get elevation and undulation you're asking for and some of the most unique and interesting holes I've ever played. Some favorites:

-A par 4 where you have to choose between a blind tee shot and a blind approach, or play it as a par 5. Taking 1 of the shots blind allows to play the other straight on.

-Par 3 with what I'd call a 90 degree rotated Biarritz green such that the valley is parallel to the line of play rather than perpendicular. Weak players are thrilled to hit the big green, but better players ticked about 3 putting through the valley.

-Drivable par 4 with a hidden slope and pit to swallow reckless tee balls.

 

If you can overlook the conditioning and enjoy it for what it is, it's a blast. I paid a combined $25 for the round and a polo, so you can balance out your round at the TPC.

[mci711]

If Quintero is your favorite, you may have wildly different views of courses (I'd go 1. Wekopa Saguaro 2. TN Pinnacle 3. Wekopa Chola....Quintero close to last), but....

 

I'm really a fan of Apache Stronghold. Yes, I am well aware that it is a far drive from Scottsdale and, yes, I'm well aware it's terrible conditioned compared to everything mentioned here. Yes, there are many ground-under-repairs in the middle of greens. Yes, I was cleaning dust out of every crevice of my bag and body for weeks.

 

But otherwise, it's hard to ask for more. You get elevation and undulation you're asking for and some of the most unique and interesting holes I've ever played. Some favorites:

-A par 4 where you have to choose between a blind tee shot and a blind approach, or play it as a par 5. Taking 1 of the shots blind allows to play the other straight on.

-Par 3 with what I'd call a 90 degree rotated Biarritz green such that the valley is parallel to the line of play rather than perpendicular. Weak players are thrilled to hit the big green, but better players ticked about 3 putting through the valley.

-Drivable par 4 with a hidden slope and pit to swallow reckless tee balls.

 

If you can overlook the conditioning and enjoy it for what it is, it's a blast. I paid a combined $25 for the round and a polo, so you can balance out your round at the TPC.

 

If there was ever a way to get me to not play a course, you just did it.

[nocarts83]

If Quintero is your favorite, you may have wildly different views of courses (I'd go 1. Wekopa Saguaro 2. TN Pinnacle 3. Wekopa Chola....Quintero close to last), but....

 

I'm really a fan of Apache Stronghold. Yes, I am well aware that it is a far drive from Scottsdale and, yes, I'm well aware it's terrible conditioned compared to everything mentioned here. Yes, there are many ground-under-repairs in the middle of greens. Yes, I was cleaning dust out of every crevice of my bag and body for weeks.

 

But otherwise, it's hard to ask for more. You get elevation and undulation you're asking for and some of the most unique and interesting holes I've ever played. Some favorites:

-A par 4 where you have to choose between a blind tee shot and a blind approach, or play it as a par 5. Taking 1 of the shots blind allows to play the other straight on.

-Par 3 with what I'd call a 90 degree rotated Biarritz green such that the valley is parallel to the line of play rather than perpendicular. Weak players are thrilled to hit the big green, but better players ticked about 3 putting through the valley.

-Drivable par 4 with a hidden slope and pit to swallow reckless tee balls.

 

If you can overlook the conditioning and enjoy it for what it is, it's a blast. I paid a combined $25 for the round and a polo, so you can balance out your round at the TPC.

 

If there was ever a way to get me to not play a course, you just did it.

 

 

That's cool. You can play Quintero, I'll play Apache Stronghold, and everybody goes home happy. Isn't that what golf's about?

[mci711]

If Quintero is your favorite, you may have wildly different views of courses (I'd go 1. Wekopa Saguaro 2. TN Pinnacle 3. Wekopa Chola....Quintero close to last), but....

 

I'm really a fan of Apache Stronghold. Yes, I am well aware that it is a far drive from Scottsdale and, yes, I'm well aware it's terrible conditioned compared to everything mentioned here. Yes, there are many ground-under-repairs in the middle of greens. Yes, I was cleaning dust out of every crevice of my bag and body for weeks.

 

But otherwise, it's hard to ask for more. You get elevation and undulation you're asking for and some of the most unique and interesting holes I've ever played. Some favorites:

-A par 4 where you have to choose between a blind tee shot and a blind approach, or play it as a par 5. Taking 1 of the shots blind allows to play the other straight on.

-Par 3 with what I'd call a 90 degree rotated Biarritz green such that the valley is parallel to the line of play rather than perpendicular. Weak players are thrilled to hit the big green, but better players ticked about 3 putting through the valley.

-Drivable par 4 with a hidden slope and pit to swallow reckless tee balls.

 

If you can overlook the conditioning and enjoy it for what it is, it's a blast. I paid a combined $25 for the round and a polo, so you can balance out your round at the TPC.

 

If there was ever a way to get me to not play a course, you just did it.

 

 

That's cool. You can play Quintero, I'll play Apache Stronghold, and everybody goes home happy. Isn't that what golf's about?

 

Of course. Sorry didn't mean to come off confrontational, just making a joke! Everyone likes different courses and different things.