Show Low - Bison Ranch and Silver Creek?

[hackeraz]

Any beta on these courses? I've been getting a ton of ads for them lately and the opportunity to escape the heat once in a while would be welcome. Are either of them worth visiting? I think Bison is an old Panks course? 

[puttnforthe8]

39 minutes ago, hackeraz said:

Any beta on these courses? I've been getting a ton of ads for them lately and the opportunity to escape the heat once in a while would be welcome. Are either of them worth visiting? I think Bison is an old Panks course? 

 

Absolutely worth making the trip.  I also include Torreon when I go.  

[parkleo]

The courses were sold to a capital group that is in the ski business. Advertising has definitely picked up but playing Bison ranch was fun and different than the usual valley courses. I have not played Silver Creek but it is a nice escape from the summer heat.

[AzSuperHack76]

Bison and SIlvercreek, now named Birdie Ranch, is owned by the same group. 

 

Silvercreek, now Birdie Ranch is one of the best sleeper courses in Az in my opinion. Fantastic layout and fun to play(typical Panks design), greens are usually lightning quick and the wind makes it a great test of golf.

[vallygolf]

54 minutes ago, AzSuperHack76 said:

Bison and SIlvercreek, now named Birdie Ranch, is owned by the same group. 

 

Silvercreek, now Birdie Ranch is one of the best sleeper courses in Az in my opinion. Fantastic layout and fun to play(typical Panks design), greens are usually lightning quick and the wind makes it a great test of golf.

Wasnt aware they re-named silver creek.  Bit of a bummer IMO course has been around for 35 years and is a gem (It was on Golf Digest candidate list in 1987 for best new public course).  I believe it was Panks first solo design, and when the greens are firm and fast (which is typical) it is a great test of golf.  Really a fun layout and worth the visit.  As noted if you have any connections try and get on Torreon as well.  Both the Cabin and Tower courses are well above average.  There are a stretch of 5-6 holes at torreon that are world class.  Bison has not been historically as great.  Used to be Show Low country club (municipal way back in the day)  originally a very open front nine and tree lined back nine they were flipped in the 90's and then Bison Homes bought the land and put a ton of new homes and had Billy Mayfair redesign the course (early 2000's).  Probably 60% of the original bones are still there, but new holes were added and the property expanded.  Sorry long story it is the least of the options mentioned above.  If you have time play it, if it doesnt work out don't lose any sleep.

Edited May 16, 2023 by vallygolf

[hackeraz]

2 hours ago, puttnforthe8 said:

 

Absolutely worth making the trip.  I also include Torreon when I go.  

Isn't Torreon private? Have a couple friends with places there but none of them actually play. 

 

 

Oh, I see MCP (Purgatory, AZ Snowbowl, etc) are the new owners. Too bad they don't extend season pass benefits to golf! 

Edited May 16, 2023 by hackeraz

[puttnforthe8]

1 hour ago, hackeraz said:

Isn't Torreon private? Have a couple friends with places there but none of them actually play. 

 

 

Oh, I see MCP (Purgatory, AZ Snowbowl, etc) are the new owners. Too bad they don't extend season pass benefits to golf! 

 

Yup...it is private.  I usually go play it a few times in the summer.  I usually drop a shout to see if anyone is interested in playing.