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

[fore_life]

[quote name='YMark' timestamp='1396758880' post='9030195']
[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.
[/quote]

Mucho sensitevo! Take it easy, I just wouldn't say they are horrible, they are absolutely playable.

Now Ahwatukee, those are bad.

[YMark]

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1396805214' post='9032217']
Now Ahwatukee, those are bad.
[/quote]

Nah. Just need to know how to play out of them.

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='YMark' timestamp='1396809102' post='9032543']
[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1396805214' post='9032217']
Now Ahwatukee, those are bad.
[/quote]

Nah. Just need to know how to play out of them.
[/quote]


A putter works best

[One_Putt_Blunder]

[quote name='teejaywhy' timestamp='1396828416' post='9034487']
[quote name='YMark' timestamp='1396809102' post='9032543']
[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1396805214' post='9032217']
Now Ahwatukee, those are bad.
[/quote]

Nah. Just need to know how to play out of them.
[/quote]


A putter works best
[/quote]

Seriously have considered it before

[ckguy914]

[quote name='One_Putt_Blunder' timestamp='1394063037' post='8806637']
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
[/quote]

Played Saguaro twice now and I don't know if it is because my expectations were so high, I just didn't find it all that interesting. I enjoyed Cholla much more, I thought it was visually pleasant and not much of a grip it and rip it off the tee golf course.

[asommers14]

For all of you that have played We Ko Pa I was wondering what is the walkability of the courses there? I prefer walking over taking a cart

[One_Putt_Blunder]

[quote name='asommers14' timestamp='1397240967' post='9069359']
For all of you that have played We Ko Pa I was wondering what is the walkability of the courses there? I prefer walking over taking a cart
[/quote]

Saguaro designed for walkers cholla not for walkers. One thing to consider though is while Saguaro is designed to walk there are many elevation changes and the closing 4 holes will wear you out especially in the heat.

[quarterskins]

[quote name='asommers14' timestamp='1397240967' post='9069359']
For all of you that have played We Ko Pa I was wondering what is the walkability of the courses there? I prefer walking over taking a cart
[/quote]

I've played Saguaro probably 15 times in the last 3 years. The walkability of it is touted, but I've only seen 2-3 people walking it. The guy with a Sunday bag seemed the most appropriately outfitted. Btw, they have ice cold filtered water stations every other hole. I've never seen a push/pull cart on Saguaro. I don't think it would be a good choice as a lot of the walking paths through the desert are loose gravel.

[jewofgolf]

[quote name='quarterskins' timestamp='1397277254' post='9072917']
[quote name='asommers14' timestamp='1397240967' post='9069359']
For all of you that have played We Ko Pa I was wondering what is the walkability of the courses there? I prefer walking over taking a cart
[/quote]

I've played Saguaro probably 15 times in the last 3 years. The walkability of it is touted, but I've only seen 2-3 people walking it. The guy with a Sunday bag seemed the most appropriately outfitted. Btw, they have ice cold filtered water stations every other hole. I've never seen a push/pull cart on Saguaro. I don't think it would be a good choice as a lot of the walking paths through the desert are loose gravel.
[/quote]

I pushed there once. The elevation changes are huge and it's a hard finish. Certainly not an easy walk...southern dunes was easier for example.

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Updated the Op added Camelback Ambiente which I played today, Wigwam Gold, Quintero and Trilogy at Vistancia. Also updated the current conditions for a few courses IE TPC Scottsdale both champions and stadium

[Matsui]

Where do folks go for nightlife in Scottsdale area(all mid 30's males) on a guys golf trip? heading there next week. Restaurants? Bars? We are staying at Talking Stick.

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Old Town Scottsdale for nightlife, plenty of options from low key places to full on clubs. something for just about everyone.

Food wise, Mastro's or City Hall, for high end steaks.

big fan of Culinary Dropout in Old Town (pretzel fondue FTW) Pomo Pizzeria in Gainey Ranch is awesome.

Bandera in old town was solid for dinner as well. Olive and Ivy is good

[az2au]

Virtu, FnB and Citizen Public House are the best places I have eaten in Old Town lately. The Mission is also always a classic.

[wcb231]

If you're looking for a late lunch/happy hour after a morning round, Rehab Burger Therapy is absolutely incredible. Cheap happy hour drinks and their burgers are the best you'll ever have

[Rohlio]

[quote name='az2au' timestamp='1401565263' post='9403395']
Citizen Public House
[/quote]

What he said for dinner in Scottsdale.

[teejaywhy]

Come on over to Gilbert. We have Red Lobster, Chilis, Applebees, Olive Garden, and many other fine dining choices. ha ha (sad...)

[Fetch07]

Looking to book a trip in late September, from Alberta, Canada. 4 guys, 4 nights, 4 courses. First Timers. What do you guys recommend for golf and accommodations?

Seen a few packages, liked:

Golf:Grayhawk Golf Club, Kierland Golf Club, TPC at Scottsdale and Troon North Golf Club

Stay:Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Honestly I am not the best when it comes to resorts since I live here. Xona has a ton of golf packages.

as far as the golf goes I would most certainly drop Kierland. TPC is closed for rennovation and the champions course in horrid shape. Wekopa is a must really.

Really bad time to come out here for vacation due to the overseed schedule you should really consider either rescheduling for late May or plan your courses around the overseed schedule and it will be slim pickings and less than stellar conditions

[Rohlio]

[quote name='Fetch07' timestamp='1406234179' post='9777977']
Looking to book a trip in late September, from Alberta, Canada. 4 guys, 4 nights, 4 courses. First Timers. What do you guys recommend for golf and accommodations?

Seen a few packages, liked:

Golf:Grayhawk Golf Club, Kierland Golf Club, TPC at Scottsdale and Troon North Golf Club

Stay:Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
[/quote]


Kierland..meh. TPC Scottsdale is also not great except for the closing 4 hole stretch on the stadium course. grayhawk is always in good shape, but not my favorite track. Never played troon North.

Fairmont Princess is a great place to stay.

I would skip the package stuff and just go with rec's from the guys around here for Day Use courses.

One Putt is right about Timing. Even if the courses aren't actively closed many will be scalped or dried out badly prior to overseed. If you absolutely have to come at that time I would definately not get a package and use the overseed schedule when it is published to look for courses doing a late overseed.

[snkstaff]

So if you are staying at kierland what good courses are within 20-30 minutes from there?

[jewofgolf]

[quote name='snkstaff' timestamp='1407037673' post='9843895']
So if you are staying at kierland what good courses are within 20-30 minutes from there?
[/quote]

Troon north, boulders, tegavah, eagle mountain, mcdowell mountain and legend trail all within 30. Of course Kierland, too. A lot of people rag on the design, but conditions are impeccable and there are some nice holes.

[snkstaff]

What are course conditions like at end of march? Also is March considered peak season?

[az2au]

[quote name='snkstaff' timestamp='1407044064' post='9844241']What are course conditions like at end of march? Also is March considered peak season?[/quote]

End of March/April is pretty much as good as it gets for conditions at most courses in the area. Weather will also likely be perfect. So, yeah, definitely peak season.

[UDFlyer1]

I am flying out this Sunday. Staying in the Gainey Suites - looking to play same day around 1-2 PM. Any recommendations within 30 minutes? I've play The Boulders, Troon, Grayhawk, WeKoPa, and TPC. Working some connections for Desert Mntn & Mirabel, but planning for a contingency. Thoughts?

[One_Putt_Blunder]

[quote name='UDFlyer1' timestamp='1408401920' post='9959391']
I am flying out this Sunday. Staying in the Gainey Suites - looking to play same day around 1-2 PM. Any recommendations within 30 minutes? I've play The Boulders, Troon, Grayhawk, WeKoPa, and TPC. Working some connections for Desert Mntn & Mirabel, but planning for a contingency. Thoughts?
[/quote]

If those are what you have already played and you cannot get on the private clubs Camelback Ambiente just opened this year and from what I hear is in really good shape right now and prob one of the closer courses to Gainey

[Joselo]

[quote name='dizzydog' timestamp='1216271811' post='1169419'] Some of my Faves are in the Chandler and Gilbert part of the Valley. Ocotillo Golf Course- This is a Troon managed course. You can play for about $39 all summer. Fantastic course and quite challenging, especially the Gold course. My favorite full length course in AZ in the summer. $39 Kokopelli- Fun course, cheap, lots of hills. $30 Las Colinas- Cheap golf. Great course, no service. $17 Toka Sticks- Fun course, good service, average shape. $15 Augusta Ranch- Exec Course, but you will use every club in your bag. My personal favorite. Well maintained. Top notch. $14! Painted Mountain- Gas carts is a bumer but its a enjoyable good time course. No service. Cheap. $25 Always try their websites first. If not the best deal use www.golfnow.com Hope these additions were helpful [/quote]

THANKS for this... I'll be in phoenix for the next couple of weeks in this area so i will do a little more research on all of them

[Joselo]

[quote name='One_Putt_Blunder' timestamp='1406248738' post='9779351']
Honestly I am not the best when it comes to resorts since I live here. Xona has a ton of golf packages.

as far as the golf goes I would most certainly drop Kierland. TPC is closed for rennovation and the champions course in horrid shape. Wekopa is a must really.

Really bad time to come out here for vacation due to the overseed schedule you should really consider either rescheduling for late May or plan your courses around the overseed schedule and it will be slim pickings and less than stellar conditions
[/quote]

One_Putt_Blunder,
thank you so much for putting together this thread.
i'll be traveling to phx this next sunday and will be staying there for 2 weeks. I'm planning on doing a combo of a $$$ course (as you put it) as well as looking out courses that would make sense distance and pricing wise.

for what i've been reading WeKoPa is definitley something i should not miss, right? I'll be solo playin sep 13-14 & sep 20-21 if the heat doesnt wear me out by weeknd 1 of course

i'll be staying at the arizona grand, i dont see anything in regards to their course. that bad? should i save my money for someplace else?

during the weekends after office i might be interested in paying a vist at some ranges in the area of my hotel, any recommendations? so far i;m just planning to make the trip to the new top golf place in scottsdate. thanks again!

[fore_life]

Don't play Az grand, it is that bad, if not worse haha.

You're staying just down the road from the raven and the legacy, both of those are solid tracks. You're also close to whirlwind, but its a little overpriced IMO. But it has a great range, $25 all day pass. Same for legacy.

You're actually staying in a good area fr affordable golf vs up in Scottsdale. Wekopa is a must play.

Ken McDonald is a flat but fun Tempe muni, we just played it yesterday at 9am for $13 with cart. Use golfnow for tee times and you'll save $$$. Dobson ranch is close and a better option than Kenny Mac for a cheap round. Aguila is one of the best values out here, you're staying about 10-15 min directly easy of it on baseline.

Ocotillo, kokopelli, las colinas, painted mountain....toka sticks, don't waste your time with those.

Pm if you want more info, I live right down the road from az grand ad have played everything in that area.

[Joselo]

thanks! Az Grand it a definitely no? mkay... i'll stay out of those you mentioned too


i'll try to check out both Raven & Legacy then. WeKoPa looks incredible... Grayhawk looks great too, little closer and cheaper

[fore_life]

Are you only playing 4 rounds?