Summer 2023. What courses should I play?

[soregongolfer]

August 2023 is a long ways away, but it's currently 1:15 PM, 37 degrees and I'm dreaming of Arizona golf.  I played the following courses in 2022.

 

Wickenburg Ranch

Wekopa-Saguaro

Quintero

Grayhawk-Raptor

Troon North-Monument

 

I'm sure I'll stay at Hyatt House in Scottsdale/Old Town again, and I'm willing to drive 2 hours one way.  Give me your next 6.  The only one that I have locked in is Pinnacle unless somebody talks me out of it.  But I LOVED Troon North-Monument.  Especially the back 9.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

[puttnforthe8]

Pinnacle is better than Monument - so you should keep it.

 

Summer top courses for the way they play and condition:  Southern Dunes, Verrado (both courses), Verde River (if you can get on), Legend Trail, Boulders North, Grayhawk Talon

 

I would consider playing in Sedona - just because it is truly a beautiful setting. Oak Creek, Sedona Resort and in the summer there is often times at 7 Canyons - whole none are the best courses around, they are beauitful.

 

 

[soregongolfer]

2 hours ago, puttnforthe8 said:

Pinnacle is better than Monument - so you should keep it.

 

Summer top courses for the way they play and condition:  Southern Dunes, Verrado (both courses), Verde River (if you can get on), Legend Trail, Boulders North, Grayhawk Talon

 

I would consider playing in Sedona - just because it is truly a beautiful setting. Oak Creek, Sedona Resort and in the summer there is often times at 7 Canyons - whole none are the best courses around, they are beauitful.

 

 

Dinosaur Mountain?  I hate to say it, but I was less than thrilled with Raptor.  Is Talon a little better?  I heard the back 9 at Raptor was redone and lost a lot of its character.  

Edited November 16, 2022 by soregongolfer

[puttnforthe8]

21 minutes ago, soregongolfer said:

Dinosaur Mountain?  I hate to say it, but I was less than thrilled with Raptor.  Is Talon a little better?  I heard the back 9 at Raptor was redone and lost a lot of its character.  

Dino is a mediocre design with some great view of the mountains.  It is 2 different 9s that don't fit together for a cohesive course.  Visitors of course are enthralled by the views, the elevation changes and such.  You should play it to form your opinion.

 

Talon, imo, is actually the better 'course', even though Raptor is the famous course.  But if you didn't like Raptor, then you may not like Talon either - they are similar 'style and feel'

[soregongolfer]

12 hours ago, puttnforthe8 said:

Dino is a mediocre design with some great view of the mountains.  It is 2 different 9s that don't fit together for a cohesive course.  Visitors of course are enthralled by the views, the elevation changes and such.  You should play it to form your opinion.

 

Talon, imo, is actually the better 'course', even though Raptor is the famous course.  But if you didn't like Raptor, then you may not like Talon either - they are similar 'style and feel'

I only remember three holes on Raptor.  There is a par-3 on the front (7?) that I loved.  Big undulating green with saguaros on each side.  Gorgeous hole.  I guess I expected the whole course to look that way.  

 

Dino is on my short list for the reason you stated.  We'll see.  I have a lot of time to think about it.  

[fore_life]

Played Dino once and that was enough for me lol.

 

Drive up to Sedona and play oak creek Cc as well?

[vallygolf]

If you have a home club, I would see if your Pro is willing to try and get you out at the Rim club in Payson.  It is a sister club to chaparral pines.  Pre covid it was easy to get on and play, now it may take a saavy pro for some love.  It is not too far away and out of the severe heat (doesnt seem to be a problem for you).  You could play 36 or just play the Rim (it is the better course).   Typically very pristine conditions and a really great Weiskopf layout.  Southern Dunes is also a great course as are the other recommendations by Puttn4the8.