Traveling to Phoenix.....Some course info for you

[potomacgolfer]

Wekopa Saguaro was perfect today. Sub 4 hr pace (as a single on the front then paired up with others on the back). Great!

[sdhayes135]

Heading to Phoenix in the first week of March. Staying in Mesa right near Dobson Ranch and want to play 3 rounds. RIght now I have rounds at Vista Verde, Dobson Ranch (right across street and play there with my Grandpa) and Southern Dunes. Vista Verde is a good 45 minute drive but I have heard good things. If I swap VIsta Verde out what should I replace it with? Want to keep it under $100 if possible.

Thanks

[linkerpan]

[quote name='sdhayes135' timestamp='1392301712' post='8658837']
Heading to Phoenix in the first week of March. Staying in Mesa right near Dobson Ranch and want to play 3 rounds. RIght now I have rounds at Vista Verde, Dobson Ranch (right across street and play there with my Grandpa) and Southern Dunes. Vista Verde is a good 45 minute drive but I have heard good things. If I swap VIsta Verde out what should I replace it with? Want to keep it under $100 if possible.

Thanks
[/quote]
Another at Southern Dunes or Raven at Verrado.

[sdhayes135]

I have heard good things about Raven at Verrado but that is just as far away from where we are staying as Vista Verde. Excited to play Southern Dunes but want some variety so wont play that twice.

Might just keep Vista Verde unless anyone else knows of a good spot.

[OspreyCI]

You will really enjoy Southern Dunes. Played Dobson Ranch a few times and still enjoyed it, always get paired up with friendly people.
Wish I could help you with VV, haven't played it yet.

[dtm6582]

Unless someone has posted that VV is in bad shape I wouldn't drop it. That's one my favorite courses in Phoenix.

[fore_life]

It's a long drive from mesa but it's worth it IMO.

[linkerpan]

[quote name='dtm6582' timestamp='1392326032' post='8661857']
Unless someone has posted that VV is in bad shape I wouldn't drop it. That's one my favorite courses in Phoenix.
[/quote]

I played it in December and loved it!

[slice21]

Played Vista Verde last weekend. It was in perfect shape. My favorite round of the 6 we played while out there.

[sdhayes135]

Well it sounds like I have to keep Vista Verde. Thanks for the advice everyone. Been a long winter here in Kentucky and I am counting down the days until I head out there in March.

[ND2005]

I'm heading to PHX for a conference in a couple of weeks. Will hopefully have time to sneak in two rounds and would appreciate input:

Day 1: Need somewhere as close to the airport as possible (possibly Raven or Legend based on my reading of the site??). We land at 1:30 so getting in 18 before dark will be the challenge.

Day 2: Willing to drive pretty much anywhere within reason. Goal is to get a memorable "Desert" experience more than anything else. Probably Troon North or We-Ko-Pa? Other thoughts?

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='ND2005' timestamp='1393732915' post='8775632']
I'm heading to PHX for a conference in a couple of weeks. Will hopefully have time to sneak in two rounds and would appreciate input:

Day 1: Need somewhere as close to the airport as possible (possibly Raven or Legend based on my reading of the site??). We land at 1:30 so getting in 18 before dark will be the challenge.
[/quote]


The Legacy and the Raven are comparable, but I like the Legacy better. Both should be in a similar price range. You will definitely be fighting a twilight finish. Papago would be another option, just as close and cheaper, unless the others are offering a very attractive afternoon rate.



[quote name='ND2005' timestamp='1393732915' post='8775632']
Day 2: Willing to drive pretty much anywhere within reason. Goal is to get a memorable "Desert" experience more than anything else. Probably Troon North or We-Ko-Pa? Other thoughts?
[/quote]

We-Ko-Pa Saguaro course. Best in state for public access golf IMO.

[mikedejong]

I'm curious to see what the locals think about Dinosaur Mountain. We played there on Monday and had a great time. It was pricey, but the views were incredible and I really had a good time. Sure there were some gimmicky holes, but I think that is some pretty spectacular desert golf all in all. We also really enjoyed Southern Dunes and Vista Verde (thanks to those who have contributed to this thread). I was disappointed in Troon North for the price, and we liked some of the local courses like Longbow and Red Mountain as well (stayed in Mesa). Just wondering what the locals think about Gold Canyon Dinosaur, because I thought it was pretty nice out there.

[Tipsy McHooker]

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1391661163' post='8607783']
Southern dunes is my favorite but it's a drive from the boulders, Wekopa would be my choice based on location
[/quote]

How far is Southern Dunes from Zona Suites?? 45 mins?

[One_Putt_Blunder]

[quote name='Tipsy McHooker' timestamp='1393979214' post='8799015']
[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1391661163' post='8607783']
Southern dunes is my favorite but it's a drive from the boulders, Wekopa would be my choice based on location
[/quote]

How far is Southern Dunes from Zona Suites?? 45 mins?
[/quote]

I live in that general area and I plan 60 minutes for the drive. usually make it in about 45-50 depending on traffic

[One_Putt_Blunder]

[quote name='mikedejong' timestamp='1393968048' post='8797781']
I'm curious to see what the locals think about Dinosaur Mountain. We played there on Monday and had a great time. It was pricey, but the views were incredible and I really had a good time. Sure there were some gimmicky holes, but I think that is some pretty spectacular desert golf all in all. We also really enjoyed Southern Dunes and Vista Verde (thanks to those who have contributed to this thread). I was disappointed in Troon North for the price, and we liked some of the local courses like Longbow and Red Mountain as well (stayed in Mesa). Just wondering what the locals think about Gold Canyon Dinosaur, because I thought it was pretty nice out there.
[/quote]

Played Dino once that was enough for me. Location is terrible for me plenty of other courses I can drive to that are better and closer. Some guys like it for the views but IMO was nothing outstanding as a course design

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='mikedejong' timestamp='1393968048' post='8797781']
I'm curious to see what the locals think about Dinosaur Mountain. We played there on Monday and had a great time. It was pricey, but the views were incredible and I really had a good time. Sure there were some gimmicky holes, but I think that is some pretty spectacular desert golf all in all.
[/quote]

I'd say it is certainly worth a visit for the scenery but ultimately the wow wears off and there is not enough in the golf course itself to maintain interest for repeated play. For sure a dramatic property, but the original nine (now played as holes 1-4 and 14-18) seem a bit "overshaped," a characteristic of the 1980's perhaps. There are some cool holes, but like One_Putt said, for the same price point, there are better options.

[mikedejong]

Interesting. Thanks for the opinions. I thought it was pretty spectacular. But then again, I kind of liked Wekopa Cholla better than Saguaro and that seems opposite to the popular choice. Lots of good options that's for sure

[Pleasedwith3putts]

[quote name='mikedejong' timestamp='1393993799' post='8800951']
But then again, I kind of liked Wekopa Cholla better than Saguaro and that seems opposite to the popular choice. Lots of good options that's for sure
[/quote]

I'm totally with you on that one - Cholla for me every time

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Cholla is more scenic close up. The par 5s on the front nine are horrid though. 8 might be one of the dumber holes I have played. Back nine is better.

Saguaro is a different beast. Coore/Crenshaw used the distant back drop for the majority of the scenic value. I am still in awe on a few holes that frame the distant mountains perfectly. One of the few courses I stand on the green looking back down the fairway and just stare at the views.

Cholla has grown on me a little but forced to choose its Saguaro

[teejaywhy]

The Cholla course is for sure, a striking and visually dramatic layout. But for me anyway, the attraction wore off after a few plays. The Saguaro on the other had, just gets better with each visit.

[mikedejong]

Fair comments for sure. Truth be told I have only played Saguaro once, and Cholla probably 6 or 7 times. Might have to give it another shot next time. Either way, that is a great place to play

[isaacbm]

Played dinosaur mountain on Wednesday. Had a good time but I agree with others that some of the holes are just plain silly. Can't imagine how bad the snakes must get out there too.

I would have liked it more for $80 but paid $160. I don't really ever like to play for more than $100...

First impression was that I couldn't believe we had to hit off mats for that kind of money. Next, the par 3's were just a little over the top. I understand the desire for "signature" holes on golf courses but you don't need 4 of them. Just got a little silly by the 5th par 3 that was 200 yards and 50 feet downhill. It was interesting playing 6 par three's though... I found for a desert course that there was a lot of room to miss the driver and I like that as I'm currently hitting it all over the park.

Restaurant was great. Had an unreal grilled tuna salad.

over all, it was in great shape and we motored around in 3.5 so that was good. I'd say I'd go again for $75 but I'd never pay full price again.

[isaacbm]

Played gray hawk 3 or 4 times this week. I get a "guest of member' rate of $80 so it's pretty great for that price. just wish there was more room to spray it cause I'm hitting it like a car wash out there!

Also played Southern Dunes. Still my favorite in the Valley.

Went to whirlwind. Amazing shape but might be too easy for some. Perfect for me

Went to oak Quarry in Tuscan too. Had fun on the front. the back? Nothing some dynamite wouldn't fix. How can you have a 256 par 3 to an plateau with cliffs on both sides? We were all scratch and we combined for 24 on that hole! Was only $50 though and we had a blast.

[BamafaninKY]

I'd like to thank everyone who posts course info here, especially the locals. I just finished planning a golf trip for me and my son. We'll have 4 days of golf at Troon North Monument (actually the cheapest day), Southern Dunes, Vista Verde and We Ko Pa Saguaro.

[Tipsy McHooker]

[quote name='slice21' timestamp='1392398482' post='8667837']
Played Vista Verde last weekend. It was in perfect shape. My favorite round of the 6 we played while out there.
[/quote]

Did u play southern dunes as well?. debating between the 2, but S/D is over an hour from where im staying and vista verde may be one i can get a hotel shuttle to & from and leave my dad the car to take a day off and mess around

[YMark]

[quote name='Tipsy McHooker' timestamp='1396649090' post='9022411']
[quote name='slice21' timestamp='1392398482' post='8667837']
Played Vista Verde last weekend. It was in perfect shape. My favorite round of the 6 we played while out there.
[/quote]

Did u play southern dunes as well?. debating between the 2, but S/D is over an hour from where im staying and vista verde may be one i can get a hotel shuttle to & from and leave my dad the car to take a day off and mess around
[/quote]

I played Southern Dunes a couple weeks ago. Bunkers in terrible shape, like hardpan. They aren't going to improve either until they redo them in May.

I've played Vista Verde many times. Always in great shape.

[fore_life]

And I played sd a few weeks ago and didnt think the bunkers were bad, just gotta know how to play out of em.

[YMark]

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1396753657' post='9029747']
And I played sd a few weeks ago and didnt think the bunkers were bad, just gotta know how to play out of em.
[/quote]

No need to be snarky. I didn't say they were easy or hard to play out of. I said they were in poor shape (even the staff agreed). Sand bunkers should have sand in them, not look like hard pan.

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1396753657' post='9029747']
And I played sd a few weeks ago and didnt think the bunkers were bad, just gotta know how to play out of em.
[/quote]

A skill honed at the Ahwatukee CC no doubt.