Scottsdale trip

[PJ Blake]

Taking my first (short) trip to Scottsdale at the end of October. I only have time to play two courses. I don't know the courses down there other than the biggies like TPC and Troon North. After perusing the usual review websites I decided to play TPC Champions course and We-Ko-Pa. I only have about a 17 handicap so I welcome any feedback on whether or not these courses are too hard for me from the whites given the fact that I've never played desert golf before.

[Bonneville85308]

Which course at We-Ko-Pa, Saguaro or Cholla? I think Saguaro is more forgiving for the higher handicapper or one who struggles to hit the ball straight. You will probably be playing in the first few days after they re-open from overseeding, so the ball isn't going to be rolling much.

 

You'll be fine on the whites at TPC Champions for sure.

 

If you are a legitimate 17 handicap you are better skilled than the average tourist who plays these courses and have nothing to worry about if you play the appropriate tees for your distances and skill. 

Edited October 4, 2021 by Bonneville85308

[PJ Blake]

Playing Saguaro. Thanks Bonneville. 

Edited October 4, 2021 by PJ Blake

[PJ Blake]

I've since read some not so wonderful reviews about TPC Champions and wonder if there isn't a better course I could play to get the real desert experience without a bunch of commercialism around.  We are staying a couple nights at the Inn at Eagle Mountain since it's close to We-Ko-Pa.  How's that course at the Inn or maybe Desert Mountain?  Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[teejaywhy]

You need to review the overseed schedule to analyze the best options...

 

 

[PJ Blake]

Teejaywhy...i just assumed that if they were open the coursess would be good to go and in good shape. But I dont know much about the seeding process in Arizona. Both of the courses I'm planning to play, and for which I have tee times at the moment, are cart path only, but I'd just as soon walk them. Does this mean that the fairways will be pretty bad still if they are open but cart path only? I'm speaking of TCP Champions and We-Ko-Pa Sanguaro. Thanks.

[azgolfer44]

General rule is to avoid overseeded courses for 2-4 weeks after they open. This year may be different (better or worse) given all the rain we had this summer.  The courses will look lush, but won’t have great playability.  They also tend to be slow due to CPO. 
 

Troon North and Boulders both have bent grass greens so those will be better options, but also only the very high end for prices. 

[Kuhndogg8]

9 hours ago, PJ Blake said:

Teejaywhy...i just assumed that if they were open the coursess would be good to go and in good shape. But I dont know much about the seeding process in Arizona. Both of the courses I'm planning to play, and for which I have tee times at the moment, are cart path only, but I'd just as soon walk them. Does this mean that the fairways will be pretty bad still if they are open but cart path only? I'm speaking of TCP Champions and We-Ko-Pa Sanguaro. Thanks.

You need to pick something as far out of overseed as possible, which is going to be tough.  It will be very wet and soggy and the greens will likely be long and hairy.  Unfortunately you're here at about the worst possible time.  Being open does not mean being good to go.  Within 3 weeks of opening is usually going to be less than ideal.

[puttnforthe8]

17 hours ago, PJ Blake said:

I've since read some not so wonderful reviews about TPC Champions and wonder if there isn't a better course I could play to get the real desert experience without a bunch of commercialism around.  We are staying a couple nights at the Inn at Eagle Mountain since it's close to We-Ko-Pa.  How's that course at the Inn or maybe Desert Mountain?  Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

Eagle Mth is fine and a fun course; it is recovering from some bad turf rot, but seems to be improving well.  I think you mean Desert Canyon (DM is private).....Des Canyon is a terrible course and not worth a play under pretty much most circumstances.

 

 

[Wardman]

Troon and get a fore caddie.  Worth the expense IMO.  TPC Champions is good value for the money, more than others.

 

Where does one find the overseeding schedule, or you have to call?

[vallygolf]

https://forums.golfwrx.com/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=540412&key=baeac6e90aaeb5f71cb0459e36deeb5b

 

 

This is sorted by puttnforthe8 into opening dates.

[PJ Blake]

5 hours ago, Kuhndogg8 said:

You need to pick something as far out of overseed as possible, which is going to be tough.  It will be very wet and soggy and the greens will likely be long and hairy.  Unfortunately you're here at about the worst possible time.  Being open does not mean being good to go.  Within 3 weeks of opening is usually going to be less than ideal.

Boy I blew it. Should've done my research. I already purchased our plane tickets so we have to go. Thanks for the heads up.

 

EDIT: It looks like TPC Champions and Troon North will be open a bit past 3 weeks after seeding when we are there. So that should be good, yeah? Also, Rancho Mañana will be about a month into their post-seed re-opening. Does anyone know anything about that course? If you guys recommend it it sure beats 300+ bucks at Troon.

Edited October 5, 2021 by PJ Blake

[DrSchteeve]

3 weeks after overseed anywhere is still going to give you shaggy conditions and CPO or just after CPO.

 

Everyone will tell you to avoid Rancho Manana, but for a 17 cap you might enjoy the views and find it a (good) memorable experience.

[PJ Blake]

23 minutes ago, DrSchteeve said:

3 weeks after overseed anywhere is still going to give you shaggy conditions and CPO or just after CPO.

 

Everyone will tell you to avoid Rancho Manana, but for a 17 cap you might enjoy the views and find it a (good) memorable experience.

Thanks DrSchteeve.  I guess $90 at a shaggy Rancho would be better than shaggy conditions for 300 at Troon.

[puttnforthe8]

7 hours ago, PJ Blake said:

Boy I blew it. Should've done my research. I already purchased our plane tickets so we have to go. Thanks for the heads up.

 

EDIT: It looks like TPC Champions and Troon North will be open a bit past 3 weeks after seeding when we are there. So that should be good, yeah? Also, Rancho Mañana will be about a month into their post-seed re-opening. Does anyone know anything about that course? If you guys recommend it it sure beats 300+ bucks at Troon.

 

 

LOL....No...Do not play Rancho under any circumstances!  From the horrible service and management, to potentially the worst collection of golf holes anywhere, to holes where you are likely to get hit and to horrible maintenance....you will regret every second!

[puttnforthe8]

5 hours ago, PJ Blake said:

Thanks DrSchteeve.  I guess $90 at a shaggy Rancho would be better than shaggy conditions for 300 at Troon.

INCORRECT to the nTH DEGREE!!!!  

You're better off going to the desert and digging holes in the ground and playing your own made up course!

[PJ Blake]

31 minutes ago, puttnforthe8 said:

INCORRECT to the nTH DEGREE!!!!  

You're better off going to the desert and digging holes in the ground and playing your own made up course!

🤣👍 Thanks for the heads up! I'll just ask about one more: Sunridge Canyon?  Appears they seeded earlier than most. Thanks...

[puttnforthe8]

4 minutes ago, PJ Blake said:

🤣👍 Thanks for the heads up! I'll just ask about one more: Sunridge Canyon?  Appears they seeded earlier than most. Thanks...

Sunridge is ok - but a very difficult course.   Some cool holes and views, some bad holes.  But it is an option based on price and timing.  Good 19th hole. 

Edited October 6, 2021 by puttnforthe8

[puttnforthe8]

To make things easier here is a ranking with your dates....some are flippable.

 

Course	Close Date	Reopen Date	rank
Troon North Golf Club - Pinnacle	19-Sep	7-Oct	1
Quintero Golf and Country Club	20-Sep	15-Oct	2
Grayhawk Golf Club - Talon	20-Sep	3-Oct	3
Verrado Golf Club - Founder’s Course	9-Oct	28-Oct	4
Verrado Golf Club - Victory Course	20-Sep	8-Oct	5
Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia	27-Sep	15-Oct	6
Camelback Golf Club - Ambiente	27-Sep	16-Oct	7
Legend Trail Golf Club	13-Sep	26-Sep	8
TPC Scottsdale - Champions	20-Sep	4-Oct	9
Longbow Golf Club	11-Oct	27-Oct	10
McDowell Mountain Golf Club	27-Sep	13-Oct	11
Sunridge Canyon Golf Club	1-Aug	1-Oct	12
Wildfire Golf Club - Palmer	20-Sep	11-Oct	13

[PJ Blake]

puttnforthe8....WOW!  Thanks for going to the effort to rank those for me... very helpful. Much appreciated.

[DedonatoD]

Hi Everyone. I’m looking at booking a golf trip to Arizona. I’ve played golf there about 15 years ago and played Troon North and boulders. Can anyone help me out with some courses to play please and where to stay. I would like to play some top course with some beautiful views. I’m looking at playing 4 rounds sometime in February/March 2022. Would like to play TPC but is it overrated? 

[fore_life]

On 10/7/2021 at 6:35 PM, DedonatoD said:

Hi Everyone. I’m looking at booking a golf trip to Arizona. I’ve played golf there about 15 years ago and played Troon North and boulders. Can anyone help me out with some courses to play please and where to stay. I would like to play some top course with some beautiful views. I’m looking at playing 4 rounds sometime in February/March 2022. Would like to play TPC but is it overrated? 

There’s a great thread that covers this

[YMark]

On 10/5/2021 at 8:41 PM, puttnforthe8 said:

To make things easier here is a ranking with your dates....some are flippable.

 

Course	Close Date	Reopen Date	rank
Troon North Golf Club - Pinnacle	19-Sep	7-Oct	1
Quintero Golf and Country Club	20-Sep	15-Oct	2
Grayhawk Golf Club - Talon	20-Sep	3-Oct	3
Verrado Golf Club - Founder’s Course	9-Oct	28-Oct	4
Verrado Golf Club - Victory Course	20-Sep	8-Oct	5
Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia	27-Sep	15-Oct	6
Camelback Golf Club - Ambiente	27-Sep	16-Oct	7
Legend Trail Golf Club	13-Sep	26-Sep	8
TPC Scottsdale - Champions	20-Sep	4-Oct	9
Longbow Golf Club	11-Oct	27-Oct	10
McDowell Mountain Golf Club	27-Sep	13-Oct	11
Sunridge Canyon Golf Club	1-Aug	1-Oct	12
Wildfire Golf Club - Palmer	20-Sep	11-Oct	13

 

Nice list but I think you have Quintero way overrated at number 2. If you're going that far west, just drive another 30 minutes and play Wickenburg Ranch.

[Chanceman]

We Ko Pa Saguaro is the one not to miss.

Then play Ak Chin Southern Dunes.

+1 for Wickenberg Ranch.

[puttnforthe8]

On 10/9/2021 at 3:45 PM, YMark said:

 

Nice list but I think you have Quintero way overrated at number 2. If you're going that far west, just drive another 30 minutes and play Wickenburg Ranch.

NOTE:  List is based on overseed and visitor considerations - not a course rating.   

 @Chanceman @YMark

 

 

Edited October 14, 2021 by puttnforthe8