Phoenix area ClubCorps courses in April 2021

[wingfoot64]

My wife and I are thinking about flying out to Phoenix in April. I am a ClubCorp member in Atlanta area, so I was going to play a couple of their courses while visiting. Any must play ClubCorp courses?  I know there are lots of nice courses out there but was hoping it may be more friendly to the budget if I play a ClubCorp course. 
 

I’ve never played a desert course so I would really like to play a fun and scenic desert course. My wife won’t be playing golf with me so I will be playing as a single. 

[puttnforthe8]

7 minutes ago, wingfoot64 said:

My wife and I are thinking about flying out to Phoenix in April. I am a ClubCorp member in Atlanta area, so I was going to play a couple of their courses while visiting. Any must play ClubCorp courses?  I know there are lots of nice courses out there but was hoping it may be more friendly to the budget if I play a ClubCorp course. 
 

I’ve never played a desert course so I would really like to play a fun and scenic desert course. My wife won’t be playing golf with me so I will be playing as a single. 

There are only a few courses in the Phx area.  The best option is Anthem.  But last I checked they were not allowing outside play, even to CC members.  So you may be end up with Seville as the next best choice...and that is not desert golf.  I guess if you have to Gainey Ranch is ok for the price.

Edited February 20, 2021 by puttnforthe8

[azmx]

Unless something has changed there is only Gainey (terrible golf, nothing remotely desert related but more importantly just terrible golf in every way), Seville (nice neighborhood course) and Anthem (36 holes of above average but still neighborhood golf). 
 

Both Anthem courses are at least fun and somewhat deserty. Unless there are more CC courses I’d probably try to focus there. 

[MTgolfer]

I’m in the same boat as the op. Why the distain for Gainey?

[azmx]

5 minutes ago, MTgolfer said:

I’m in the same boat as the op. Why the distain for Gainey?

I thought terrible golf was clear enough but if you want more specifics: lack of strategy, holes that don't fit the corridors, boring greens, course feels like it should be in, I don't know, I guess Southern California or Florida with the other lifeless uninteresting courses that often populate those areas.  It also isn't in great shape a lot of the time per a member that I know that joined and is counting his days until he can get out as the deal he joined on required a year commitment.  Why did he join there?  I have no idea but he told me that he regretted it instantly after being a longtime AZ CC member.  I've played in a couple of charity events there over the years and honestly the only reason I'd play there, even for free, is as a business requirement or favor to a friend.  Otherwise there's no way I'd take the time to visit even though I could get there in less than 20 minutes.

[MTgolfer]

Ha. Fair enough. I lived in Scottsdale for a couple of years but never played the course. Just curious. 

[azmx]

1 minute ago, MTgolfer said:

Ha. Fair enough. I lived in Scottsdale for a couple of years but never played the course. Just curious. 

🙂 Given that you've lived here, I'll quantify it as a more expensive, less well designed version of Biltmore (Adobe or Links, both are terrible as well) which is neck and neck with AZ Grand for being the worst value in the area.  

[MTgolfer]

Your answers are cracking me up. I lived there right out of school and was broke as a joke so not very discerning on the courses I played. I have started heading back there for a yearly trip so will scratch this one off the list. 

[wingfoot64]

The CC courses sound like they may not be worth the effort.  There are plenty of courses recommended in the forum, may have to look at one of those.  I can drop the money on a decent course but figure I'm a CC member,might as well try and use some of the benefits that come with it, especially since they are jacking up our rates here at home.

[Bonneville85308]

4 hours ago, azmx said:

I thought terrible golf was clear enough but if you want more specifics: lack of strategy, holes that don't fit the corridors, boring greens, course feels like it should be in, I don't know, I guess Southern California or Florida with the other lifeless uninteresting courses that often populate those areas.  It also isn't in great shape a lot of the time per a member that I know that joined and is counting his days until he can get out as the deal he joined on required a year commitment.  Why did he join there?  I have no idea but he told me that he regretted it instantly after being a longtime AZ CC member.  I've played in a couple of charity events there over the years and honestly the only reason I'd play there, even for free, is as a business requirement or favor to a friend.  Otherwise there's no way I'd take the time to visit even though I could get there in less than 20 minutes.

 

az2au is that you? I thought I recognized the hate of Gainey. lol

 

[azmx]

7 minutes ago, Bonneville85308 said:

 

az2au is that you? I thought I recognized the hate of Gainey. lol

 

I don’t know who that is. I used to post here under another name but that was years ago. Gainey Ranch hate is likely universal 

Edited February 20, 2021 by azmx

[azmx]

18 minutes ago, Bonneville85308 said:

 

az2au is that you? I thought I recognized the hate of Gainey. lol

 

Haha. Based on a search I actually do know az2au personally. We are members at the same club. I’ll let him know the hate of Gainey is well known. 

[puttnforthe8]

6 hours ago, wingfoot64 said:

The CC courses sound like they may not be worth the effort.  There are plenty of courses recommended in the forum, may have to look at one of those.  I can drop the money on a decent course but figure I'm a CC member,might as well try and use some of the benefits that come with it, especially since they are jacking up our rates here at home.

 

Well, Like I said if it is open, then Anthem is a solid choice and for $20 it is a no brainer.  For you I would choose Persimmon so you can get the more desert experience.  

Edited February 21, 2021 by puttnforthe8