February 1–5 Phoenix Trip - Are we crazy?

[st1800e]

@puttnforthe8 please share your insight

[puttnforthe8]

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!

 

 

 

Geez...I can only extend sincere apologies for the 'saguaro up the bum' on the prices.

 

For you last questions:  

• Arrival Day - You will prefer Raven to kick off.  Just a bit more relaxed; but not really AZ golf.  If you want a primer to AZ golf, then do Longbow.
• I would do Cholla first.  The sunsets and such in the evenings on Saguaro are brilliant because of the elevation.
• At the prices, I would do Southern Dunes - just play a really good course.
• And yes, the prices on drinks may be increased.  What tends to happen is they put "specials" to get people out in the heat.  So in reality, it may just be the prices are back to their normal levels.  But, the greed is strong - so be wary.  FYI, buy your minis or halfs and just order mixers; or bring your own 1-2 beers. 

 

[puttnforthe8]

9 minutes ago, st1800e said:

@puttnforthe8 please share your insight

 

🙂  Previous recent commentary:  

 

 

[DadShoeGolf]

On 9/12/2023 at 10:39 PM, vallygolf said:

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). 

It looks like southern dunes is the clear winner for the last day. Once tee times start opening up we will get these booked. 
Thanks! 

[DadShoeGolf]

18 hours ago, puttnforthe8 said:

 

Geez...I can only extend sincere apologies for the 'saguaro up the bum' on the prices.

 

For you last questions:  

• Arrival Day - You will prefer Raven to kick off.  Just a bit more relaxed; but not really AZ golf.  If you want a primer to AZ golf, then do Longbow.
• I would do Cholla first.  The sunsets and such in the evenings on Saguaro are brilliant because of the elevation.
• At the prices, I would do Southern Dunes - just play a really good course.
• And yes, the prices on drinks may be increased.  What tends to happen is they put "specials" to get people out in the heat.  So in reality, it may just be the prices are back to their normal levels.  But, the greed is strong - so be wary.  FYI, buy your minis or halfs and just order mixers; or bring your own 1-2 beers. 

 

Thanks again for all of the help here.

 

I’ll let the group and price decide on Longbow vs Raven, but it sounds like both are solid options. Leaning Raven. 

Looks like Southern Dunes is the solid choice for the last day. 

 

Thanks for the We-Ko-Pa order recommendation. 

Will lock in tee times as soon as the booking windows open up. Looking forward to the trip. 
 

Thanks!
 

[teejaywhy]

On 9/8/2023 at 11:03 AM, 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.  

Hello @imsurokim

Welcome to the Southwest forum.

Nice post. Oh... you forgot the smiley face!

 

[PappleT]

I'm playing in Scottsdale area in late February and have these on the plan (in addition to Saguaro & TPC Champions course), surprised they weren't mentioned in the thread as they were highly recommended?

Phoenician

Eagle Mountain

[fore_life]

They aren’t your real friends if they suggested those 

[AzSuperHack76]

10 hours ago, PappleT said:

I'm playing in Scottsdale area in late February and have these on the plan (in addition to Saguaro & TPC Champions course), surprised they weren't mentioned in the thread as they were highly recommended?

Phoenician

Eagle Mountain

I'd recommend Eagle over Phoenician 100% of the time. The Phoenician is a one of the most overpriced tourist traps around, and an below average layout at that. 

 

I'd recommend We-Ko-Pa Saguaro over either of those courses, if you are traveling you mind as play one of the best in the state. 

[puttnforthe8]

12 hours ago, PappleT said:

I'm playing in Scottsdale area in late February and have these on the plan (in addition to Saguaro & TPC Champions course), surprised they weren't mentioned in the thread as they were highly recommended?

Phoenician

Eagle Mountain

Just played Phoenecian - using my 2 for 1 Troon deal and was still disappointed.   The front is just so blah and bad - the 3-4 holes that go up into the mountain with views and elevation do not in any way redeem the rest of the course.   Not to mention the price makes it just a "scam".

 

Eagle Mtn is decent and fun and an ego booster because the fairways are generous and mostly roll inwards.