Suggest private courses with "reasonable" reciprocal policies during summer?

[OK_Golf]

Hello GolfWRX community,

 

I'll be heading to the Scottsdale area the week of the 4th of July, and wonder what the experts would suggest are good spots to check out on the private side.  I've spent time on the forums and heard all the talk on good publics, but very little on privates.

 

I'm also not sure how far "up the food chain" I could go with it being summer.  So would appreciate any feedback from folks who have an idea of how open the reciprocal policies are.  I would say my club is basically a middle of the road private club, nothing "top 100" or anything.

 

Of course, I'll ultimately ask my pro to set something up, but wanted to narrow down the universe (based on good courses and potential for success on the reciprocal side), before approaching him.  I guess the "big game" like Estancia would be amazing, and I see just using Google maps that places like Troon CC and Desert Highlands are close to where we are staying, but again I have not idea what's really possible and what's not.

 

Appreciate any input.

 

Edited June 11, 2021 by OK_Golf
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[cbbaron]

Wonder if any of them are allowing guest play yet?

[OK_Golf]

Hey cbbaron,

Thanks for dropping by ... yes, I was hoping to get some intel on both recommendations for good private courses to consider and any help in setting my expectations (ie don't try Desert Highlands they are very restrictive or Troon CC doesn't allow unaccompanied guests, even with a call from your pro so that's a dead end ... or hopefully responses on the positive side: XYZ club is a great course and they have a pretty accommodating reciprocal policy in the summer, give it a shot).

 

 

 

A ton of views on this topic is great, but appreciate anyone who can provide insights.  if you prefer to PM me that's great, too.

 

Thanks all for any input you have.

 

 

[bgeorge24]

I would see if your pro knows anyone out here. While it is very rare that a non member(s) plays it does happen. Usually the course will send a caddy with you or a pro from the course will play with you, but I have seen unaccompanied groups as well. I do think though if your pro doesnt know anyone out here its very unlikely that you will be able to play anywhere in the north Scottsdale area, even in summer. (Whisper Rock, Silverleaf, Estancia, Desert Mountain, Desert Highland, Troon CC, Scottsdale National). 

 

Now if you were to start looking at other private courses outside of these though, I think you have a much better chance of playing

 

[OK_Golf]

@bgeorge24

thanks so much … exactly the sort of thing I was wanting to understand.

[bgeorge24]

Glad to help. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me. And hope you are ready for the heat, its suppose to be in the 120's in a few days 😅

[Bonneville85308]

I'd guess the OP might have some luck with his pro calling one of the corporate-owned clubs like Ancala, Tatum Ranch, Gainey Ranch, etc. but IMO there are public courses more worth playing than those.

 

[Gregj1234]

I was going to be In Scottsdale  the first day the stadium course reopens after renovation in august. Does anyone know how the course condition is after that July closure typically when it reopens ?  Thanks. 

[Gregg J]

Supposed to play the stadium in early august right when they reopen. What should I expect as far as conditions?  It will have been closed for several weeks.

 

thanks! 

[Bonneville85308]

Both courses at TPC close for a few weeks on one or two occasions during the summer for maintenance, on a staggered schedule so one of the two is always open. My experience has been that the courses are usually in good condition when they reopen from the closures, it seems TPC just doesn't want customers on them when they are in less than ideal condition immediately after maintenance such as greens aeration, etc. Most courses will open the day after the greens are aerated, but TPC waits and I assume does some other work in the meantime.

[cbbaron]

1 hour ago, Bonneville85308 said:

Both courses at TPC close for a few weeks on one or two occasions during the summer for maintenance, on a staggered schedule so one of the two is always open. My experience has been that the courses are usually in good condition when they reopen from the closures, it seems TPC just doesn't want customers on them when they are in less than ideal condition immediately after maintenance such as greens aeration, etc. Most courses will open the day after the greens are aerated, but TPC waits and I assume does some other work in the meantime.

A few years back in the summer  played Stadium it was God awful but I think it only cost me like 50 bucks