February 1–5 Phoenix Trip - Are we crazy?

[DadShoeGolf]

We are planing a golf trip to Phoenix/Scottsdale February 1–5, getting out right before the WM Open. We understand that greens fees will be at the peak this week and are looking to see if the trip will be possible within our budget or if we should pivot. 

 

The Group:

4 golfers (early 40s) - Handicaps range from 8–15

February 1–5

Golf Budget: $1,000 per person 

Rounds: 7ish

 

We have our hotel, rental car and flights taken care of with points, so this opens up the budget for golf, food and drinks. I’m looking to get some feedback on if, A - Our budget is realistic and, B - The quality of courses/experience we could play within that budget would make the trip worth it. We are okay not playing the top tier courses and don't mind driving out at bit each day. We definitely want to come to phoenix to play desert golf, so we selected mostly desert courses. I’m looking for feedback on the courses we selected and if anyone has any idea of what greens fees would be. I have called a few courses and most do not have their rates available yet for February. Also, the dynamic pricing makes it pretty difficult. 

 

Here is what we tentatively have down:

 

February 1st (Thursday) - 18 holes - Arrive around 9 a.m. - Looking for a tee time around Noon.

Warm up course, looking for more of a parkland style course 

Wigwam Gold

Or

Raven Golf Club

Or

Ocotillo Golf Club

 

February 2nd (Friday) - 36 holes 

Verrado Golf Club

Founders - AM - By 8 a.m.

Victory - PM - After 1 p.m.

Or

Camelback Gold Club

Ambiente - AM - By 8 a.m.

Padre - PM - After 1 p.m.

 

February 3rd (Saturday) - 36 holes (ish) - Very open to ideas here.

Golf Club of Estrella  - Replay in the Afternoon

Or

Rancho Mañana - Replay in the Afternoon

Or

Southern Dunes - Replay in the Afternoon

 

(Do you think replays will work out this time of year?)

 

February 4th (Sunday) - 36 holes

Gold Canyon Resort

Dinosaur Mountain - AM - By 8 a.m.

Sidewinder - PM - After 1 p.m.

Or

Talking Sticks

O’Odham - AM - By 8 a.m.

Piipaash - PM - After 1 p.m.

Or

Wildfire Golf Club

Faldo - AM - By 8 a.m.

Palmer - PM - After 1 p.m.

 

February 5th (Monday) - WM Open 

Swing by WM Open in the morning. I’ve seen Greenskeeper section tickets for around $20 on stubhub. 

Fly out around 7 p.m.

 

Really appreciate the feedback and help setting our expectations.

 

Thanks!

[puttnforthe8]

18 minutes ago, DadShoeGolf said:

We are planing a golf trip to Phoenix/Scottsdale February 1–5, getting out right before the WM Open. We understand that greens fees will be at the peak this week and are looking to see if the trip will be possible within our budget or if we should pivot. 

 

The Group:

4 golfers (early 40s) - Handicaps range from 8–15

February 1–5

Golf Budget: $1,000 per person 

Rounds: 7ish

 

We have our hotel, rental car and flights taken care of with points, so this opens up the budget for golf, food and drinks. I’m looking to get some feedback on if, A - Our budget is realistic and, B - The quality of courses/experience we could play within that budget would make the trip worth it. We are okay not playing the top tier courses and don't mind driving out at bit each day. We definitely want to come to phoenix to play desert golf, so we selected mostly desert courses. I’m looking for feedback on the courses we selected and if anyone has any idea of what greens fees would be. I have called a few courses and most do not have their rates available yet for February. Also, the dynamic pricing makes it pretty difficult. 

 

Here is what we tentatively have down:

 

February 1st (Thursday) - 18 holes - Arrive around 9 a.m. - Looking for a tee time around Noon.

Warm up course, looking for more of a parkland style course 

Wigwam Gold

Or

Raven Golf Club

Or

Ocotillo Golf Club

 

February 2nd (Friday) - 36 holes 

Verrado Golf Club

Founders - AM - By 8 a.m.

Victory - PM - After 1 p.m.

Or

Camelback Gold Club

Ambiente - AM - By 8 a.m.

Padre - PM - After 1 p.m.

 

February 3rd (Saturday) - 36 holes (ish) - Very open to ideas here.

Golf Club of Estrella  - Replay in the Afternoon

Or

Rancho Mañana - Replay in the Afternoon

Or

Southern Dunes - Replay in the Afternoon

 

(Do you think replays will work out this time of year?)

 

February 4th (Sunday) - 36 holes

Gold Canyon Resort

Dinosaur Mountain - AM - By 8 a.m.

Sidewinder - PM - After 1 p.m.

Or

Talking Sticks

O’Odham - AM - By 8 a.m.

Piipaash - PM - After 1 p.m.

Or

Wildfire Golf Club

Faldo - AM - By 8 a.m.

Palmer - PM - After 1 p.m.

 

February 5th (Monday) - WM Open 

Swing by WM Open in the morning. I’ve seen Greenskeeper section tickets for around $20 on stubhub. 

Fly out around 7 p.m.

 

Really appreciate the feedback and help setting our expectations.

 

Thanks!

 

Couple of answers:

• Replay is not likely - but it just depends on the day.  There could be a frost delay still, which pushes tee times back.  Then you only have until about 5:30.  So you would need to 1) be the first 2-3 tee times on the morning course and then make sure you have your time booked for no later than 1pm in the afternoon.
• Budget wise - Camelback and Wildfire will take you off budget...each course will be over $20o.
• Ocotillo and Rancho Manana are definite NOs - I wouldn't ever play those for a trip to AZ. That's like saying, "I know you like women" then you show up and it's Mama June waiting for you (the pre-Mama June too).
• Sidewinder is such a poor course; Dino is not great, but as a tourist people love it.  So that is a maybe.
• Day 1, I would just do Raven.  Wigwam is not worth the drive and drive back after a flight.  The other option, is one of the Whirlwind courses(Cattail probably best).  Call them Desert Parkland.  They have a very good patio, restaurant, facility, etc as well.  
• Definitely 100% Verrado is a great option.  Lock that in!
• For Feb 4th - you should do Wekopa or Troon North, both courses.  If you are going to spend your $, might as well do it on the best courses with the best desert experience.

 

My rough estimate (as who know what they will charge this year).

Day 1:  Raven - $150

Day 2:  Verrado:  $150 each - $300 (Replay rate might bring it down by $50 total)

Day 3:  Southern Dunes:  $150 each w/ Replay $300  (Replay may bring it down by $50 total)

Day 4:  Wekopa/Troon:  $255+ each - $510+  (Wekopa does a 36 hole package which my bring it down).  Could look at Whirlwind too.

 

But if you want these, they need to be booked now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[DadShoeGolf]

7 minutes ago, puttnforthe8 said:

 

Couple of answers:

• Replay is not likely - but it just depends on the day.  There could be a frost delay still, which pushes tee times back.  Then you only have until about 5:30.  So you would need to 1) be the first 2-3 tee times on the morning course and then make sure you have your time booked for no later than 1pm in the afternoon.
• Budget wise - Camelback and Wildfire will take you off budget...each course will be over $20o.
• Ocotillo and Rancho Manana are definite NOs - I wouldn't ever play those for a trip to AZ. That's like saying, "I know you like women" then you show up and it's Mama June waiting for you (the pre-Mama June too).
• Sidewinder is such a poor course; Dino is not great, but as a tourist people love it.  So that is a maybe.
• Day 1, I would just do Raven.  Wigwam is not worth the drive and drive back after a flight.  The other option, is one of the Whirlwind courses(Cattail probably best).  Call them Desert Parkland.  They have a very good patio, restaurant, facility, etc as well.  
• Definitely 100% Verrado is a great option.  Lock that in!
• For Feb 4th - you should do Wekopa or Troon North, both courses.  If you are going to spend your $, might as well do it on the best courses with the best desert experience.

 

My rough estimate (as who know what they will charge this year).

Day 1:  Raven - $150

Day 2:  Verrado:  $150 each - $300 (Replay rate might bring it down by $50 total)

Day 3:  Southern Dunes:  $150 each w/ Replay $300  (Replay may bring it down by $50 total)

Day 4:  Wekopa/Troon:  $255+ each - $510+  (Wekopa does a 36 hole package which my bring it down).  Could look at Whirlwind too.

 

But if you want these, they need to be booked now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank for the reply. I really appreciate the feedback. 

Day 1 - I was leaning towards Raven. Thanks for the feedback on the other ones. 

Day 2 - Will lock in Verrado as soon as tee times open up. I called and they are not available yet. 

Day 3 - Southern Dunes. Will try to lock this in as soon as possible as well. 

 - Thoughts on the Golf Club of Estrella? - Would like to include one course with some nice elevation changes. 

Day 4 - Okay, No Dino. I agree, I haven't seem much praise for the sidewinder course. WeKoPa is $565 for 36. This puts us over budget, but we could splurge if it really seems worth it. Any other suggestions for 36 on the last day? We would prefer a place with two courses. 

 

A few other course that we were considering...

Lookout Mountain 

Legends Trail 

Some friends told us about Wickenburg Ranch, but it looks like it is now 100% private. 

 

[DadShoeGolf]

26 minutes ago, puttnforthe8 said:

 

Couple of answers:

• Replay is not likely - but it just depends on the day.  There could be a frost delay still, which pushes tee times back.  Then you only have until about 5:30.  So you would need to 1) be the first 2-3 tee times on the morning course and then make sure you have your time booked for no later than 1pm in the afternoon.
• Budget wise - Camelback and Wildfire will take you off budget...each course will be over $20o.
• Ocotillo and Rancho Manana are definite NOs - I wouldn't ever play those for a trip to AZ. That's like saying, "I know you like women" then you show up and it's Mama June waiting for you (the pre-Mama June too).
• Sidewinder is such a poor course; Dino is not great, but as a tourist people love it.  So that is a maybe.
• Day 1, I would just do Raven.  Wigwam is not worth the drive and drive back after a flight.  The other option, is one of the Whirlwind courses(Cattail probably best).  Call them Desert Parkland.  They have a very good patio, restaurant, facility, etc as well.  
• Definitely 100% Verrado is a great option.  Lock that in!
• For Feb 4th - you should do Wekopa or Troon North, both courses.  If you are going to spend your $, might as well do it on the best courses with the best desert experience.

 

My rough estimate (as who know what they will charge this year).

Day 1:  Raven - $150

Day 2:  Verrado:  $150 each - $300 (Replay rate might bring it down by $50 total)

Day 3:  Southern Dunes:  $150 each w/ Replay $300  (Replay may bring it down by $50 total)

Day 4:  Wekopa/Troon:  $255+ each - $510+  (Wekopa does a 36 hole package which my bring it down).  Could look at Whirlwind too.

 

But if you want these, they need to be booked now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I missed that you mentioned Whirlwind. I'll check that out... 

[puttnforthe8]

12 minutes ago, DadShoeGolf said:

Thank for the reply. I really appreciate the feedback. 

Day 1 - I was leaning towards Raven. Thanks for the feedback on the other ones. 

Day 2 - Will lock in Verrado as soon as tee times open up. I called and they are not available yet. 

Day 3 - Southern Dunes. Will try to lock this in as soon as possible as well. 

 - Thoughts on the Golf Club of Estrella? - Would like to include one course with some nice elevation changes. 

Day 4 - Okay, No Dino. I agree, I haven't seem much praise for the sidewinder course. WeKoPa is $565 for 36. This puts us over budget, but we could splurge if it really seems worth it. Any other suggestions for 36 on the last day? We would prefer a place with two courses. 

 

A few other course that we were considering...

Lookout Mountain 

Legends Trail 

Some friends told us about Wickenburg Ranch, but it looks like it is now 100% private. 

 

 

 

• Estrella is a decent course...but it not a huge elevation change course.  It also is not worth to play a replay on a trip.
• If you want Elevation changes, then you could go play Quintero.  You would be happy with that - visitors love that course and 36 would be good out there.  But pricier.
• Wekopa is the best course...although I am skewed, it is not worth the price - but on a trip of this nature, it gets close.
• Lookout Mtn would be a huge No from me.  It's just a bad course on pretty good property.
• Legend Trail is definitely an option - but they are probably going to be asking close to $200.
• Wick Ranch is private now.
• Don't get me wrong - you all will love Dino Mtn...it has elevation, scenery, etc.  Sidewinder is not a very good course, but playable.  That one is like be told you are having a 3some, and when you show up it's Evangeline Lilly and Mama June. 

 

 

 

[imsurokim]

Budget will be quite off during that time. Golf price is going crazy in AZ these days. 

Troon itself can be reaching $400 in peak season.

[DadShoeGolf]

19 minutes ago, imsurokim said:

Budget will be quite off during that time. Golf price is going crazy in AZ these days. 

Troon itself can be reaching $400 in peak season.

Agreed. Troon North is not within budget for this trip. Looking for alternatives to try to make it work.

Thanks!

 

[kenoli22]

Don't know pricing, but if WeKoPa is comparable to Talking Stick, play both at WeKoPa and skip Talking Stick.  I've only played whichever course is to the north at TS and was pretty unimpressed.  Most boring Coore/Crenshaw I've played.

[DadShoeGolf]

38 minutes ago, puttnforthe8 said:

 

 

• Estrella is a decent course...but it not a huge elevation change course.  It also is not worth to play a replay on a trip.
• If you want Elevation changes, then you could go play Quintero.  You would be happy with that - visitors love that course and 36 would be good out there.  But pricier.
• Wekopa is the best course...although I am skewed, it is not worth the price - but on a trip of this nature, it gets close.
• Lookout Mtn would be a huge No from me.  It's just a bad course on pretty good property.
• Legend Trail is definitely an option - but they are probably going to be asking close to $200.
• Wick Ranch is private now.
• Don't get me wrong - you all will love Dino Mtn...it has elevation, scenery, etc.  Sidewinder is not a very good course, but playable.  That one is like be told you are having a 3some, and when you show up it's Evangeline Lilly and Mama June. 

 

 

 

Thanks! We might consider only playing 18 on Day 3 and go out to Dinosaur Mtn. . Rates seem to be more reasonable out there, then bite the bullet and play both courses at WeKoPa on Day 4 or save a bit of money and go to Southern Dunes and play that track twice. 

[puttnforthe8]

21 minutes ago, DadShoeGolf said:

Thanks! We might consider only playing 18 on Day 3 and go out to Dinosaur Mtn. . Rates seem to be more reasonable out there, then bite the bullet and play both courses at WeKoPa on Day 4 or save a bit of money and go to Southern Dunes and play that track twice. 

 

For the price - should be almost the same, I would go play Quintero over Dino.  The only downside is Quintero sucks for post round.  

 

Or even better - do Wekopa Saguaro for a splurge.

 

[doc52]

Played Camelback last Feb. and it was $300+.

[imsurokim]

IMHO, Must play course for AZ is Troon and Quintero. If want to play well known course, TPC scottsdale. These three are just in different league than other courses. I would skip others and play these three and enjoy couple days in Sedona. Look into Troon foursome cards as they might pay off if you use 2 for 1 wisely. 
 

day 1 - recommend ocotillo or raven

day 2 - don’t do verrado as it is very simple course. Haven’t played camelback yet
day 3 - rancho manana is very short course. 6000ish from the tip. Southern dunes plays US open qualifier and a lot of bunker course. 

day 4 - gold canyon

day 5 - week day WM was supported by Ford dealer last year and was free.  

Edited September 8 by imsurokim

[puttnforthe8]

1 hour ago, imsurokim said:

IMHO, Must play course for AZ is Troon and Quintero. If want to play well known course, TPC scottsdale. These three are just in different league than other courses. I would skip others and play these three and enjoy couple days in Sedona. Look into Troon foursome cards as they might pay off if you use 2 for 1 wisely. 
 

day 1 - recommend ocotillo or raven  

day 2 - don’t do verrado as it is very simple course. Haven’t played camelback yet
day 3 - rancho manana is very short course. 6000ish from the tip. Southern dunes plays US open qualifier and a lot of bunker course. 

day 4 - gold canyon

day 5 - week day WM was supported by Ford dealer last year and was free.  

 

Wow - so much wrong and bad info here!  It's alarming.

 

Ocotillo is a dog track and would never advise a guest to AZ to play it!

TPC Scottsdale - you do realize the course is closed for the WMO?? 🤔

Troon 2 - 1 would never work - you would need 2 and can only book a couple days out - zero chance tee times are available.

Gold Canyon - already said it.

[imsurokim]

3 hours ago, puttnforthe8 said:

 

Wow - so much wrong and bad info here!  It's alarming.

 

Ocotillo is a dog track and would never advise a guest to AZ to play it!

TPC Scottsdale - you do realize the course is closed for the WMO?? 🤔

Troon 2 - 1 would never work - you would need 2 and can only book a couple days out - zero chance tee times are available.

Gold Canyon - already said it.

I’m not sure what is so bad and wrong info. Don’t be aggressive. I started the post with “IMHO”. Why are you so mad?🤷
 

Well, I live in Chandler so Ocotillo works just fine for me. A lot of water, reminds of me golf in Wisconsin.

Didn’t realize TPC is closed for WMO. 
 

What I tried to say was they can buy troon card and play 5 rounds of golf in troon courses. Troon north has two courses, Quintero, Phoenician. Might save more money than what you pay for membership, which I have annually. I know it is three days out for booking but other than troon north, you probably will be fine. 

Edited September 8 by imsurokim

[soregongolfer]

You are going to be hard pressed to play 7 rounds for 1,000 bucks during the first week of February.  Not only are the prices completely unbelievable, but they've gotten MUCH worse over the past few years with no signs of change.  Even the goat tracks down there charge $150-$200 in January/February.  

 

If you've never experienced Scottsdale/Phoenix golf, do what I've done.  Go in August when the courses are still good shape and play the best public courses when they are at their cheapest.  Troon North is around $140.  Same for Grayhawk.  Wekopa is around $110.  Southern Dunes is $85 I believe.  Quintero is also around $85.  Get early tee times and you won't have to worry about the heat.  Check maintenance schedules for punching.  I typically get done before noon leaving me the rest of the day to explore the area, eat, etc.  

Edited September 8 by soregongolfer

[AzSuperHack76]

Sterling Grove would be a solid option for you on the west side.

 

I also don't mind Wigwam Gold as an option as well, during peak season it will be in great shape, they will have played the Patriot All American Tournament there about a month prior, price wise it is a solid value. 

 

Even further west is Copper Canyon great course, 3 9's but tee times during the winter are hard to come by. 

 

Trilogy of Vistancia is another solid course that I would highly recommend. 

 

You're coming at prime time, a week before the WMO so everything is going to be super inflated. 

 

I wouldn't recommend Rancho or Ocotillo to anyone from out of town. 

 

@puttnforthe8 is pretty much spot on. 

 

 

[puttnforthe8]

32 minutes ago, imsurokim said:

I’m not sure what is so bad and wrong info. Don’t be aggressive. I started the post with “IMHO”. Why are you so mad?🤷
 

Well, I live in Chandler so Ocotillo works just fine for me. A lot of water, reminds of me golf in Wisconsin.

Didn’t realize TPC is closed for WMO. 
 

What I tried to say was they can buy troon card and play 5 rounds of golf in troon courses. Troon north has two courses, Quintero, Phoenician. Might save more money than what you pay for membership, which I have annually. I know it is three days out for booking but other than troon north, you probably will be fine. 

Not mad; quite the opposite— I can’t stop laughing. I live in ocotillo and know the course very well. 

 

My point is it’s not right to recommend courses like that to visitors on top of general bad/incorrect info.  
 

fyi: TPC = where they are playing the tournament! 🤣
 

 

 

[imsurokim]

11 minutes ago, puttnforthe8 said:

Not mad; quite the opposite— I can’t stop laughing. I live in ocotillo and know the course very well. 

 

My point is it’s not right to recommend courses like that to visitors on top of general bad/incorrect info.  
 

fyi: TPC = where they are playing the tournament! 🤣
 

 

 

I know TPC is tournament course, just didn’t realize they closes a week before tournament. 
 

What was incorrect about my post? 

[AdExec]

Bring lube…..

 

Tee time prices have been insane the past 2 years around TPC tournament. I don’t see how you can get 7 rounds in for anywhere near $1000 even playing the mid tier courses. 
 

Troon, Grayhawk, TPC, Quintero, etc will be $250 minimum, and likely closer to $400. 

[jatrain]

1 hour ago, imsurokim said:

I know TPC is tournament course, just didn’t realize they closes a week before tournament. 
 

What was incorrect about my post? 

Once you recommend Ocotillo then everything is suspect. (And think about it, you compared it to a Wisconsin course.  Why would anyone come to Arizona to play a Wisconsin like course - a poor one at that).  
 

 

[Bonneville85308]

1 hour ago, jatrain said:

Once you recommend Ocotillo then everything is suspect. (And think about it, you compared it to a Wisconsin course.  Why would anyone come to Arizona to play a Wisconsin like course - a poor one at that).  
 

 

 

Lol, I thought it was more like a Florida course when I played it.

[imsurokim]

3 hours ago, jatrain said:

Once you recommend Ocotillo then everything is suspect. (And think about it, you compared it to a Wisconsin course.  Why would anyone come to Arizona to play a Wisconsin like course - a poor one at that).  
 

 

Well poor recommendation is my fault but I don’t see anything incorrect in my statement. To be honest if it is warm up round, Ocotillo could be good course. 

[soregongolfer]

7 hours ago, AdExec said:

Bring lube…..

 

Tee time prices have been insane the past 2 years around TPC tournament. I don’t see how you can get 7 rounds in for anywhere near $1000 even playing the mid tier courses. 
 

Troon, Grayhawk, TPC, Quintero, etc will be $250 minimum, and likely closer to $400. 

Troon was $696 during Super Bowl week.  Grayhawk was close to that.  Of course, the Super Bowl was there and that no doubt had something to do with it.  But the prices have been crazy the past two years and I expect more of the same.  

Edited September 9 by soregongolfer

[BirdieRoll]

If you have flexibility, you’ll help your budget by playing 36 one day at Raven and Legacy. They are just a mile apart. Solid mid-tier courses.

 

Playing 36 at Talking Stick makes sense as it’s all right there.

 

Longbow in Mesa is another good mid-tier course but not sure what else is close by to pair it with for a 36 hole day.

 

Another option to help with the budget is to simply play 36 at one course one day if you can get a replay rate.

 

[DrSchteeve]

Yes, you're crazy.

[DadShoeGolf]

 

I really appreciate all of the feedback. Based on comments I think we will alter our expectations and limit our number of rounds. A full 36 holes everyday was going to be difficult to get in anyway in February with Sunrise and Sunset times. This will give us time to enjoy the facilities at each course, use the range, grab a meal etc.

 

Updated Thoughts (with updated price estimates. I tried to give realistic estimates)…

 

February 1st: Arrival Day

Raven Golf Club

18 Holes

Estimate: $175 (Afer 1:00 p.m.)

or 

Longbow

18 Holes

Estimate: $150 (Afer 1:00 p.m.)

 

February 2nd: 

Verrado Golf Club

Founders Course

18 Holes

Estimate: $220 (Called the pro shop and last year it was $209)

 

February 3rd: 

WeKoPa

36 Holes - Will try for 1st tee time in the AM and 1 PM Afternoon Tee time. 

Price: $560 (Pricing is posted on their site through February 4th)

 

Suggestions for order Cholla or Saguaro 1st?

 

February 4th:

18 Holes

Based on the courses we are playing earlier in the week I’m looking for suggestions here.

Budget: around $250

 

Options - but open to any ideas.

Dino Mountain - Estimate $250?

Whirlwind - Called and rates will be $250

Southern Dunes - Estimate: $225?

Legend Trail - Estimate $225?

Wigwam Golf - Estimate $200? - Test luck on a replay on Red or Blue?

McDowell Mtn - Estimate $225?

 

Quentero is a no. I called and prices will be $500+. I also have been reading around and many of the reviews I’ve seen say the staff can be a** holes. Not looking to drop $500+ for that experience. 

 

This would put our total golf around: $1,200 for 5 rounds. Seems crazy, but the hotel is booked and it is free (found an awesome deal using points), using point for the flight and I already secured a mini-van for our dates for $300 with taxes and fees.

 

While we are setting expectations.. We aren’t looking to get smashed on the course, but do like to have a few drinks during the round. Do the courses jack up the drink prices this time of year as well? 

 

Thanks again!

 

 

[Golf Pig]

I would suggest Verrado Victory over Founders. It would also be a good day to play 36 since it's such a hike to get there. For the last day Southern Dunes would get my vote, but Sterling Grove is a great option too.

[toypor]

On 9/8/2023 at 12:37 PM, puttnforthe8 said:

 

Wow - so much wrong and bad info here!  It's alarming.

 

Ocotillo is a dog track and would never advise a guest to AZ to play it!

TPC Scottsdale - you do realize the course is closed for the WMO?? 🤔

Troon 2 - 1 would never work - you would need 2 and can only book a couple days out - zero chance tee times are available.

Gold Canyon - already said it.

Not to mention this nugget…. LOL…

 

don’t do verrado as it is very simple course. 

[vallygolf]

On 9/9/2023 at 9:00 AM, DadShoeGolf said:

 

I really appreciate all of the feedback. Based on comments I think we will alter our expectations and limit our number of rounds. A full 36 holes everyday was going to be difficult to get in anyway in February with Sunrise and Sunset times. This will give us time to enjoy the facilities at each course, use the range, grab a meal etc.

 

Updated Thoughts (with updated price estimates. I tried to give realistic estimates)…

 

February 1st: Arrival Day

Raven Golf Club

18 Holes

Estimate: $175 (Afer 1:00 p.m.)

or 

Longbow

18 Holes

Estimate: $150 (Afer 1:00 p.m.)

 

February 2nd: 

Verrado Golf Club

Founders Course

18 Holes

Estimate: $220 (Called the pro shop and last year it was $209)

 

February 3rd: 

WeKoPa

36 Holes - Will try for 1st tee time in the AM and 1 PM Afternoon Tee time. 

Price: $560 (Pricing is posted on their site through February 4th)

 

Suggestions for order Cholla or Saguaro 1st?

 

February 4th:

18 Holes

Based on the courses we are playing earlier in the week I’m looking for suggestions here.

Budget: around $250

 

Options - but open to any ideas.

Dino Mountain - Estimate $250?

Whirlwind - Called and rates will be $250

Southern Dunes - Estimate: $225?

Legend Trail - Estimate $225?

Wigwam Golf - Estimate $200? - Test luck on a replay on Red or Blue?

McDowell Mtn - Estimate $225?

 

Quentero is a no. I called and prices will be $500+. I also have been reading around and many of the reviews I’ve seen say the staff can be a** holes. Not looking to drop $500+ for that experience. 

 

This would put our total golf around: $1,200 for 5 rounds. Seems crazy, but the hotel is booked and it is free (found an awesome deal using points), using point for the flight and I already secured a mini-van for our dates for $300 with taxes and fees.

 

While we are setting expectations.. We aren’t looking to get smashed on the course, but do like to have a few drinks during the round. Do the courses jack up the drink prices this time of year as well? 

 

Thanks again!

 

 

Wow. So much better than your starting point. I have never seen @puttnforthe8 steer someone wrong, based on my experience and opinion playing all the courses discussed here with relative frequency.  Pick southern dunes.  It is a tad out of the way, but that will yield a superior experience that won’t kill the budget in an insane week for pricing.  You have managed a great lineup for 1.2k.  Well done. I thought it was a fools errand, but stand corrected. Get it booked and have a blast!  (Just please don’t do ocotillo). 

[st1800e]

No one has mentioned Las Sendas.  Great layout, I can’t report on current condition or other aspects as I last played it ~10 years ago.  Maybe someone has a recent experience.