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

[Schley]

Desert Forest is an awesome track. I've had the pleasure of playing it a few times and I think every time we were the only ones on the course. If I remember they only have a handful of members and a few are tour players. Always in perfect shape and some great holes. You know you're about to play a great course when the range balls are ProV1s!!

We have slightly more than a handful but 1/3 of your average club. I've been a member there for almost 10 years and I still feel thankful every time I'm there

 

Curious how you compare Desert Forest to Whisper Rock golf course wise. I believe WR is close to you and Desert Mountain.

 

Also in your view why do you get members to Desert Forest vs. DM or WR? I know DM is totally different community huge complex, and WR is 2 courses with many pros. But curious what Desert Forest's niche you think is.

[BUCKEYERBALL88]

I have my cousin visiting. Would like to play 9 holes with him. He has only probably played golf about 10x in his life. Any decent courses where I can get away with him sharing my clubs? I don’t have an extra set. Gcu said no. I have had 3 players and 2 sets of clubs at stonecreek before. Would rather not play a dump like paradise valley park (51 & union hills). Also don’t Want to slow down play or break the bank. Thanks!

[DrSchteeve]

I have my cousin visiting. Would like to play 9 holes with him. He has only probably played golf about 10x in his life. Any decent courses where I can get away with him sharing my clubs? I don’t have an extra set. Gcu said no. I have had 3 players and 2 sets of clubs at stonecreek before. Would rather not play a dump like paradise valley park (51 & union hills). Also don’t Want to slow down play or break the bank. Thanks!

 

This is GolfWRX. I can’t believe you don’t have 3 backup sets of tour issue clubs?!? And that you are going to pass up an excuse to get another set! For shame.

[BUCKEYERBALL88]

I have my cousin visiting. Would like to play 9 holes with him. He has only probably played golf about 10x in his life. Any decent courses where I can get away with him sharing my clubs? I don’t have an extra set. Gcu said no. I have had 3 players and 2 sets of clubs at stonecreek before. Would rather not play a dump like paradise valley park (51 & union hills). Also don’t Want to slow down play or break the bank. Thanks!

 

This is GolfWRX. I can’t believe you don’t have 3 backup sets of tour issue clubs?!? And that you are going to pass up an excuse to get another set! For shame.

 

Ha. Not into equipment at all. Have an old putter that’s all. Bought mostly new stuff when I moved here

[One_Putt_Blunder]

I have my cousin visiting. Would like to play 9 holes with him. He has only probably played golf about 10x in his life. Any decent courses where I can get away with him sharing my clubs? I don't have an extra set. Gcu said no. I have had 3 players and 2 sets of clubs at stonecreek before. Would rather not play a dump like paradise valley park (51 & union hills). Also don't Want to slow down play or break the bank. Thanks!

 

If you have a couple extra clubs (enough to make it look like he has his own bag I can loan you an extra bag to throw the clubs in to at least make an appearance that he has his own set. I've got a few old wedges I can toss in to fill out the bag lol

[az2au]

I have my cousin visiting. Would like to play 9 holes with him. He has only probably played golf about 10x in his life. Any decent courses where I can get away with him sharing my clubs? I don't have an extra set. Gcu said no. I have had 3 players and 2 sets of clubs at stonecreek before. Would rather not play a dump like paradise valley park (51 & union hills). Also don't Want to slow down play or break the bank. Thanks!

 

If you have a couple extra clubs (enough to make it look like he has his own bag I can loan you an extra bag to throw the clubs in to at least make an appearance that he has his own set. I've got a few old wedges I can toss in to fill out the bag lol

I have like 4 sets of golf clubs in my garage if you just need a loaner set.

[Schley]

Desert Forest is an awesome track. I've had the pleasure of playing it a few times and I think every time we were the only ones on the course. If I remember they only have a handful of members and a few are tour players. Always in perfect shape and some great holes. You know you're about to play a great course when the range balls are ProV1s!!

We have slightly more than a handful but 1/3 of your average club. I've been a member there for almost 10 years and I still feel thankful every time I'm there

 

Curious how you compare Desert Forest to Whisper Rock golf course wise. I believe WR is close to you and Desert Mountain.

 

Also in your view why do you get members to Desert Forest vs. DM or WR? I know DM is totally different community huge complex, and WR is 2 courses with many pros. But curious what Desert Forest's niche you think is.

[az2au]

Desert Forest is an awesome track. I've had the pleasure of playing it a few times and I think every time we were the only ones on the course. If I remember they only have a handful of members and a few are tour players. Always in perfect shape and some great holes. You know you're about to play a great course when the range balls are ProV1s!!

We have slightly more than a handful but 1/3 of your average club. I've been a member there for almost 10 years and I still feel thankful every time I'm there

 

Curious how you compare Desert Forest to Whisper Rock golf course wise. I believe WR is close to you and Desert Mountain.

 

Also in your view why do you get members to Desert Forest vs. DM or WR? I know DM is totally different community huge complex, and WR is 2 courses with many pros. But curious what Desert Forest's niche you think is.

They're all different and we actually have a few shared members at each. Used to have a one guy that was a member at all 3 but I think he's only at WR now. DM is not really the same thing at all and definitely distinctly different from the other two. It is mostly neighborhood cart ball (albeit very nice). Whisper Rock is mostly non-resident at this point (I think) but is very much a club that prides itself on having a large number of touring pros. There are very few that live at the club. Same for Desert Forest which is all about the golf. We don't have any houses other than the course boundaries. Same for Whisper Rock or at least it was the last time I was there (5 years ago I think). They're all very nice places but you kinda just have to go to each to understand which one is the best fit for you. I think Desert Forest is the best course of the 9 (2 at Whisper, 6 at DM) but Outlaw at DM is right on its tail. Ask me on a different day and I might tell you that Outlaw is better however. All them of them are well above average though and if you played them all and told me that XXXX (any of them but Apache at DM) was your favorite I really wouldn't argue as they're all reasonable choices.

 

As I said in another thread, we looked hard at living in Desert Mountain a few years ago but is just so freaking far from everything that we couldn't pull the trigger. We were just discussing that again the other night and neither of us could believe we ever considered it. The Troon/DC Ranch/Silverleaf area is our favorite area, followed by Paradise Valley and then we'd probably go downtown and then maybe Old Town or Biltmore. It would take a lot for me to move to DM or Mirabel as they are just so far from everything else we do.

[Schley]

Desert Forest is an awesome track. I've had the pleasure of playing it a few times and I think every time we were the only ones on the course. If I remember they only have a handful of members and a few are tour players. Always in perfect shape and some great holes. You know you're about to play a great course when the range balls are ProV1s!!

We have slightly more than a handful but 1/3 of your average club. I've been a member there for almost 10 years and I still feel thankful every time I'm there

 

Curious how you compare Desert Forest to Whisper Rock golf course wise. I believe WR is close to you and Desert Mountain.

 

Also in your view why do you get members to Desert Forest vs. DM or WR? I know DM is totally different community huge complex, and WR is 2 courses with many pros. But curious what Desert Forest's niche you think is.

They're all different and we actually have a few shared members at each. Used to have a one guy that was a member at all 3 but I think he's only at WR now. DM is not really the same thing at all and definitely distinctly different from the other two. It is mostly neighborhood cart ball (albeit very nice). Whisper Rock is mostly non-resident at this point (I think) but is very much a club that prides itself on having a large number of touring pros. There are very few that live at the club. Same for Desert Forest which is all about the golf. We don't have any houses other than the course boundaries. Same for Whisper Rock or at least it was the last time I was there (5 years ago I think). They're all very nice places but you kinda just have to go to each to understand which one is the best fit for you. I think Desert Forest is the best course of the 9 (2 at Whisper, 6 at DM) but Outlaw at DM is right on its tail. Ask me on a different day and I might tell you that Outlaw is better however. All them of them are well above average though and if you played them all and told me that XXXX (any of them but Apache at DM) was your favorite I really wouldn't argue as they're all reasonable choices.

 

As I said in another thread, we looked hard at living in Desert Mountain a few years ago but is just so freaking far from everything that we couldn't pull the trigger. We were just discussing that again the other night and neither of us could believe we ever considered it. The Troon/DC Ranch/Silverleaf area is our favorite area, followed by Paradise Valley and then we'd probably go downtown and then maybe Old Town or Biltmore. It would take a lot for me to move to DM or Mirabel as they are just so far from everything else we do.

 

Gotcha. But as I looked at the map it looks like Desert Mountain is only about 10 more minutes north?

 

Also how close are you from Desert Forest now? Is that your primary course?

[az2au]

 

Gotcha. But as I looked at the map it looks like Desert Mountain is only about 10 more minutes north?

 

Also how close are you from Desert Forest now? Is that your primary course?

That’s a deceptive 10 min. Outlaw is probably 10 min away. The gate for the others is 5-7 min away but you have to go way back into the neighborhood for most. It is deceptive because everything just takes forever. I’m 15-17 minutes South of Desert Forest as I live in Troon Village, about 5 min from the Troon CC entrance. Well, that isn’t entirely true either because we actually split time between here and NYC. We’ve almost given up playing when we’re in the city however because it takes all freaking day.

 

When here, I split time between Phoenix CC and Desert Forest but prefer Desert Forest significantly. Phoenix is a blast to play as well and completely different so it is a nice change up. We’re also members at Diamante in Cabo which is great. I know Dunes is number 38 in the world and all but I’d still rank them Desert Forest-Diamante Dunes-Diamante El Cardonal-Phoenix Country Club. All of them bring their own charm and I’m very lucky to be able to play at each.

[xjohnx]

Since there discussion about Desert Mountain I just want to say that Renegade (Gold/Gold) is the most beastly and insane course I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. Very memorable place.

[Schley]

Gotcha. But as I looked at the map it looks like Desert Mountain is only about 10 more minutes north?

 

Also how close are you from Desert Forest now? Is that your primary course?

That’s a deceptive 10 min. Outlaw is probably 10 min away. The gate for the others is 5-7 min away but you have to go way back into the neighborhood for most. It is deceptive because everything just takes forever. I’m 15-17 minutes South of Desert Forest as I live in Troon Village, about 5 min from the Troon CC entrance. Well, that isn’t entirely true either because we actually split time between here and NYC. We’ve almost given up playing when we’re in the city however because it takes all freaking day.

 

When here, I split time between Phoenix CC and Desert Forest but prefer Desert Forest significantly. Phoenix is a blast to play as well and completely different so it is a nice change up. We’re also members at Diamante in Cabo which is great. I know Dunes is number 38 in the world and all but I’d still rank them Desert Forest-Diamante Dunes-Diamante El Cardonal-Phoenix Country Club. All of them bring their own charm and I’m very lucky to be able to play at each.

 

You are fortunate indeed. Matter of fact we are all lucky we have the means and time to enjoy this recreational pursuit, many people in this world just trying to eat. Praise God.

[Lexicographer]

What makes you think that it'll be easy to find something before noon?

 

Actually, I have no idea. It's a Monday? I guess the day of the week might not matter much in the high season.

 

My buddy is a real stand-up guy and made the tee times right at midnight. We got a time at 9:20 for Monday on Saguaro. Weather looks awesome. Final Schedule:

 

Thursday - La Paloma

Friday - La Paloma

Saturday - Ak-Chin Southern Dunes/ Top Golf and Frosty Beverages

Sunday - Troon North Pinnacle/TBD

Monday - We-ko-pa Saguaro

[Arizonalefty59]

What makes you think that it'll be easy to find something before noon?

 

Actually, I have no idea. It's a Monday? I guess the day of the week might not matter much in the high season.

 

My buddy is a real stand-up guy and made the tee times right at midnight. We got a time at 9:20 for Monday on Saguaro. Weather looks awesome. Final Schedule:

 

Thursday - La Paloma

Friday - La Paloma

Saturday - Ak-Chin Southern Dunes/ Top Golf and Frosty Beverages

Sunday - Troon North Pinnacle/TBD

Monday - We-ko-pa Saguaro

Damn nice trip

[Lexicographer]

Done with the trip. All were great courses. La Paloma and Troon North Pinnacle we’re both gorgeous and very difficult. Really penal off the tee. Troon North was probably the best looking, but almost in a surreal, Disneyfied sort of way. La Paloma had some great long views to the Catalina mountains. I couldn’t get off the tee at Pinnacle, and really struggled the front nine. Played good on the back when I left the driver in the bag and just hit longer irons into the greeens.

 

Southern Dunes has to be one of my top five courses I’ve ever played. Absolutely loved the course and the multiple strategies you were presented on each hole. I could play here every week.

 

Wekopa Saguaro was also terrific. Great long views. Wide playing corridors. I didn’t feel I was forced to make as many decisions on the tee at Wekopa today as compared to Southern Dunes, as some of the short 4s were playing into the wind. Felt like Wekopa was more about angles, while Southern Dunes was more about club selection on some tee shots. I could also play Saguaro every week. One play is not enough.

 

I think Southern Dunes was my clear favorite, but if played them again I could see switching to Saguaro. Troon North has some awesome holes, but I personally do not enjoy penal golf.

[BUCKEYERBALL88]

For any interested:

 

http://thesundevils.com/news/2018/4/9/mens-golf-sundevilmgolf-hosting-thunderbird-invitational-at-karsten-golf-course-april-14-15.aspx

[OspreyCI]

For any interested:

 

http://thesundevils.com/news/2018/4/9/mens-golf-sundevilmgolf-hosting-thunderbird-invitational-at-karsten-golf-course-april-14-15.aspx

Players might not be happy with the greens.... I know I wasn’t last weekend.

[BettorThanMost]

Would be curious to hear some thoughts on Quintero. I have played it a few times now and can't decide if I love it or hate it.

 

My quick takes:

The bent grass greens are great, and rare for a public track in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, but they are wickedly fast and borderline unplayable from above the hole on several holes.

The par 3s are beautiful, but 3/4 of them are giant drop shots with 50+ feet of elevation change, and all of them end up basically playing the same yardage.

The par 5s are fun, and good variety, but the tee shot on #7 is really weird. Rest of the hole is fantastic. #14 is one of my favorite holes in the area.

The par 4s are pretty mundane/forgettable, with a few exceptions - I love 3 and 17.

Temp clubhouse and ensuing 10 minute golf cart ride to driving range and first tee is odd. I'm sure they had grand plans for big clubhouse that never came to fruition, but still a really weird way to start and end the day!

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Quintero

 

Good conditions if they fixed the bunkers, Great views.

 

Everything else sucks. it is a awful failed attempt to make 18 signature holes.

[BUCKEYERBALL88]

https://www.troon.com/Troon-Card-Summer-Test-Drive.dept

 

What are everyone’s thoughts on this?

[puttnforthe8]

https://www.troon.co...Test-Drive.dept

 

What are everyone's thoughts on this?

 

a rip off....every single course can be had for those prices or less!!

 

except for a few things this is a bad deal

[BettorThanMost]

Where do you suggest booking/playing every single one of those Troon courses for less, as you mentioned above? Especially considering the 2/1 that you can use at each course...

[fore_life]

Golfnow and tee off

[BettorThanMost]

Rarely have I ever seen Golfnow or Teeoff have rates better than Troon Card rates, especially on the weekends. If you have an actual real example of this, I would love to see it.

[puttnforthe8]

Rarely have I ever seen Golfnow or Teeoff have rates better than Troon Card rates, especially on the weekends. If you have an actual real example of this, I would love to see it.

 

There is no "actual real example"; everyone is lying to you. You are right - never doubt yourself! Maybe you should add a sticky post - "Only listen to me - I am the only one that is right"

[BettorThanMost]

No need for the snarky response. By "everyone," you mean you and one other person that replied? I am genuinely interested if better weekend rates are available on Golfnow or similar, certainly was not telling you or anyone else they were wrong.

 

I was under the impression that was not the case. Would happily be wrong, in which case I wouldn't buy the card and save the $100, that is why I was asking!

 

I thought the 2 for 1 deals especially would be good to use in May. I.e., 2/1 at Southern Dunes in May for $17.50 per player, Quintero on Sundays for $29.50pp.

 

Troon card summer rates are:

$35 Southern Dunes

$39 Wickenburg Ranch

$39 Whirlwind

$49 Troon North

$40 Sunridge Canyon

$49 Quintero

$40 Boulders Sundays

 

You think Golfnow will have better rates for those courses on weekend mornings?

[puttnforthe8]

No need for the snarky response. By "everyone," you mean you and one other person that replied? I am genuinely interested if better weekend rates are available on Golfnow or similar, certainly was not telling you or anyone else they were wrong.

 

I was under the impression that was not the case. Would happily be wrong, in which case I wouldn't buy the card and save the $100, that is why I was asking!

 

I thought the 2 for 1 deals especially would be good to use in May. I.e., 2/1 at Southern Dunes in May for $17.50 per player, Quintero on Sundays for $29.50pp.

 

Troon card summer rates are:

$35 Southern Dunes

$39 Wickenburg Ranch

$39 Whirlwind

$49 Troon North

$40 Sunridge Canyon

$49 Quintero

$40 Boulders Sundays

 

You think Golfnow will have better rates for those courses on weekend mornings?

 

First off, a wee bit of reading goes miles! The 2-4-1 is only for 1 time at the courses!

 

Secondly, it is 2 day advance only and after 11am on weekends(on some of the courses)!!

 

Finally, you just did the analysis, so it appears you came here to what: argue with people, validate yourself, other?

 

Buy the card, use it, and then you can come give folks an assessment.

 

I can tell you from personal experience and from other peoples direct experience, it has never been worth buying. So please, continue to argue...I could use some late night reading material.

[mikedejong]

Everything you have said above is true I believe. But when we come down during peak season we always get a Troon card through our club up here. I think we do get it for a little cheaper than the typical price through our course. They may buy them in bulk or something. If you like the Troon courses, which I do, its a good deal I think. Especially if you are going to play 36 holes. We play Southern Dunes for something like $69 when the rack rate is $150. Then the play it again rate is something like $20. At Quintero we play for $89 in peak season, again when the rack rate is over $200, then play it again for $20 or $30. So one 36 hole day at Quintero or Troon North and the card has already paid for itself. We come for a week and book our times 2 days out based on the booking window, always get one of the first morning times. I agree the booking window is not great, and it is tough to use the 2 for 1 during peak season. Also, you compile points toward what they call a certificate. Again one 36 hole day and Quintero or Troon North will get you a free round on one of the other courses based on the certificates you compile. For us I think its a good deal, others might have different opinions. If you dont love the Troon courses, which I get, obviously its not for you.

[BettorThanMost]

No need for the snarky response. By "everyone," you mean you and one other person that replied? I am genuinely interested if better weekend rates are available on Golfnow or similar, certainly was not telling you or anyone else they were wrong.

 

I was under the impression that was not the case. Would happily be wrong, in which case I wouldn't buy the card and save the $100, that is why I was asking!

 

I thought the 2 for 1 deals especially would be good to use in May. I.e., 2/1 at Southern Dunes in May for $17.50 per player, Quintero on Sundays for $29.50pp.

 

Troon card summer rates are:

$35 Southern Dunes

$39 Wickenburg Ranch

$39 Whirlwind

$49 Troon North

$40 Sunridge Canyon

$49 Quintero

$40 Boulders Sundays

 

You think Golfnow will have better rates for those courses on weekend mornings?

 

First off, a wee bit of reading goes miles! The 2-4-1 is only for 1 time at the courses!

 

Secondly, it is 2 day advance only and after 11am on weekends(on some of the courses)!!

 

Finally, you just did the analysis, so it appears you came here to what: argue with people, validate yourself, other?

 

Buy the card, use it, and then you can come give folks an assessment.

 

I can tell you from personal experience and from other peoples direct experience, it has never been worth buying. So please, continue to argue...I could use some late night reading material.

 

I am well aware that the 2/1s are one use for each course, and the time-of-day restrictions. That's why I mentioned that it would seem like a really good deal for May. But, thanks for yet another condescending response.

 

I've heard of similar negative experiences of having the full-year Troon card, but this is only $99 (twosome)/$139 (foursome) for the 5 months, not $400/700 for the year. Seems like a good deal for me, just for even a handful of the 2/1 deals. I will buy the card and share my experience. If it sucks, (hard to get tee times, better deals on other sites) I'll be first to provide that feedback!

 

As for your question about why I am here...I had intended to buy the card, then saw your response saying that you could play these courses for cheaper, so I was simply seeking to understand thru what sites/when, etc.

[Sun Devil]

I've had the Troon 4some card for the last 20 or so years. Works for my group.