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

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Wildfire has a range right?

 

No public access unless you have a tee time.

 

Paradise Valley GC on Union Hills right of the 51 has a grass range and a reasonably sized practice green/bunker. It is not a top tier place but it is a place that you can hit off grass and do a little short game work

[DrSchteeve]

I live near wildfire golf course. Can anyone recommend?

 

-A driving range to work on 50, 60, 70 wedge distances

-decent courses that offer 9 holes rates

 

McDowell Mountain. Range balls are $6 small bag, range grass with OK targets but faces west so late day practice is challenging. Also has very good short game and putting, and you can go to McDowell Mountain anytime and use the short game facilities with no charge and no hassle. Only downside is that there is only one small bunker for practice.

[BUCKEYERBALL88]

I just made a couple calls to check on when my 2 favorite public courses in the valley are re-opening post-renovation:

 

We Ko Pa Saguaro is scheduled to reopen on Friday 9/7

Troon North Pinnacle is scheduled to reopen on 10/5

[BUCKEYERBALL88]

I live near wildfire golf course. Can anyone recommend?

 

-A driving range to work on 50, 60, 70 wedge distances

-decent courses that offer 9 holes rates

 

McDowell Mountain. Range balls are $6 small bag, range grass with OK targets but faces west so late day practice is challenging. Also has very good short game and putting, and you can go to McDowell Mountain anytime and use the short game facilities with no charge and no hassle. Only downside is that there is only one small bunker for practice.

 

i've been to the ranges at MDM and PV a few times each. Do you guys know if either have good specific targets to practice partial wedges shots?

 

I think Papago is building this with targets at every 10 yards but I'm guessing this will be for ASU players only. For example i hit my 52* wedge 95 yards and I use the Dave Pelz clock method to take off yardage. I would like to fine tune how big of a swing I need to hit the gap wedge 60, 70, 80 yds... The full shots aren't very hard but the in b/w numbers can be tough. I've worked on it at the lovely crackerjax but I'm mostly guessing on the yardages b/c there aren't enough targets. Hope this explains more what I'm ideally looking for. thanks

[DrSchteeve]

McDowell Mountain has 2 or 3 flags at any given time that may be 125 and less, but nothing with the precision you are describing.

[fore_life]

Do you own a rangefinder? If the range is dead, use pool noodles and a dowel and make your own targets on the range, I do it all the time.

[BUCKEYERBALL88]

Do you own a rangefinder? If the range is dead, use pool noodles and a dowel and make your own targets on the range, I do it all the time.

 

Good idea but I use the golfshot app. I don’t own a rangefinder

[BUCKEYERBALL88]

Wildfire has a range right?

 

No public access unless you have a tee time.

 

Paradise Valley GC on Union Hills right of the 51 has a grass range and a reasonably sized practice green/bunker. It is not a top tier place but it is a place that you can hit off grass and do a little short game work

 

Just got home from a short practice session at pvgc. Very good for practice 20-40 pitch shots. Thanks

[Dr. Hack]

I live near wildfire golf course. Can anyone recommend?

 

-A driving range to work on 50, 60, 70 wedge distances

-decent courses that offer 9 holes rates

 

This time of year the best practice for those distances is getting out there when its empty. Played 20 holes at Trilogy today in 2 hours for $22, by myself, for example.

 

Nearest places to you are Grayhawk and McDowel. Haven't used the range not sure if its public. For pure range up there I go to Crackerjax which has the automatic tees and mats only, but super cheap. McCormick is the best public range with grass in my area.

 

You can modify a Gofnow search with "9-holes"....forget which ones do it but there are more places than you would think. It will never be an iconic destination, however.

 

[az2au]

I live near wildfire golf course. Can anyone recommend?

 

-A driving range to work on 50, 60, 70 wedge distances

-decent courses that offer 9 holes rates

Next year you should look at Tatum and see if they do the summer membership again. Great deal.

[Sun Devil]

I'm planning to purchase the Grayhawk White Tee card for 2019. Discounts on golf and $25 dollar range pass.

[Go_Blue!]

Just got back from a long wknd in PHX. Played Seville Golf and CC, and Boulders North. Really liked Seville. Boulders North was very scenic and cool layout, but the conditions of the fw and greens were pretty crappy. Definitely expected more from Boulders.

[Sggolf]

Back from a Sunday-Sunday trip.

Started out on Labor day at Quintero (36) holes. Rattlesnake sighting on #1.

I enjoyed the course. Conditions were nice, greens were quick but had alot of small brown spots that made them bumpy, and a little crabgrass.

$140 for two rounds.

 

Papago on day 2 for 18 only. Second time here, it is what it is...a muni. I wasn't very impressed. Greens were grainy and slow, rough was out of control. Needed cut badly. Hardly anyone playing here. Started at 12:30, cost was low 30's. Range still closed, but looks like a nice one.

 

Two courses on day 3. First 18 at Rancho Manana. A decent course for what we paid, $29. Lots of nice views, a few quirky holes, not very long-6,000 from tips. Greens were like Papago...grainy and on the slow side. Overall, I enjoyed this course.

 

Course 2 was Widfire Faldo. $31 on golfnow. Course was in great shape, greens rolled nice. Tons of sand on this track. Best course so far edging out Quintero.

 

Day 4, Wickenburg Ranch. I was looking forward to this course. First time here for me. Range was very nice. Course was in good shape overall, BUT I thought it would be better based on all the rave reviews. Greens were quick and smooth even though they were tined the day before. A few fairways on the back were just in average shape. Paid $55/tax. I would like to try it again. Side note, we had the pleasure of being served by a great lady named Mo in the bar. She was great!

 

Day 5 was both Grayhawk courses. Both were in great shape, greens were quick and smooth. Fairways were very nice. Range is very nice. I liked both courses and the service here was fantastic! The place was booming on this day. $140 for both.

 

Day 6 led us to Verrado. I was really looking forward to these also. I played the Founders several years ago and enjoyed it. Founders first up for $59. Veey nice course. Conditions were good, greens were quick and smooth. Lots of scenic views on this course. Enjoyed it once again.

 

Victory up next for $29, replay rate we got. This course is very different. Really no desert, just rocks. Course was cut out of a old Caterpillar training/testing site. You have the fairways and rocks. The heat beats down on you at this course.

Course was in good shape, greens rolled nice. Verrado greens were a little quicker. But both courses were in good shape. I really enjoyed this day and suggested to our group leader that this would be a good one to do yearly.

 

I never mentioned sand traps. To me most in Arizona have grainy sand and not much of it....hard surface. In the east, we have the nice fluffy white sand. I've only played a few courses out here like that.

 

My ratings this week;

 

Wildfire Faldo

Grayhawk

Wickenburg Ranch

Verrado

Quintero

Rancho Manana

Papago

 

Not much difference in the top three, and Verrado & Quintero were close behind.

 

As always, the Arizona weather was great. Sunny and hot for 7 days! Golf was good and we all seemed to have fun. God willing, I am looking forward to next year already.?

[Schley]

wow Wildfire Faldo in first place? Some high praise. Haven't played it, but will put it on my list next time.

[puttnforthe8]

wow Wildfire Faldo in first place? Some high praise. Haven't played it, but will put it on my list next time.

 

Play it, but it is in no way first place on that list. That's beyond silly...and it really doesn't matter that it is an opinion....Saying Faldo is #1 is just plain foolish.

 

Not sure which is worse, saying Rancho Manana is better than Papago or Faldo #1. Not sure anyone would agree with this list, except the poster!

[Sggolf]

wow Wildfire Faldo in first place? Some high praise. Haven't played it, but will put it on my list next time.

 

Play it, but it is in no way first place on that list. That's beyond silly...and it really doesn't matter that it is an opinion....Saying Faldo is #1 is just plain foolish.

 

Not sure which is worse, saying Rancho Manana is better than Papago or Faldo #1. Not sure anyone would agree with this list, except the poster!

 

Lol. Ok Mr. Arizona golf guru. As I said for this week, Wildfire was as good as any of the first five.

And by the way, yes Rancho was in better shape than Papago this week.

Have a nice day.

[az2au]

wow Wildfire Faldo in first place? Some high praise. Haven't played it, but will put it on my list next time.

 

Play it, but it is in no way first place on that list. That's beyond silly...and it really doesn't matter that it is an opinion....Saying Faldo is #1 is just plain foolish.

 

Not sure which is worse, saying Rancho Manana is better than Papago or Faldo #1. Not sure anyone would agree with this list, except the poster!

 

Lol. Ok Mr. Arizona golf guru. As I said for this week, Wildfire was as good as any of the first five.

And by the way, yes Rancho was in better shape than Papago this week.

Have a nice day.

I'll be a slightly less confrontational :) and say that there's no objective way to rank courses that I can personally see that puts Rancho ahead of Papago. It is truly one of the worst golf courses, design wise, I have ever played and I consider it an embarrassment to the area when anyone visiting plays it because they might think it represents golf in AZ. I also don't understand design wise how Faldo is higher than fourth on your list BUT, let me be clear and say that I'm good with a "to each his own" philosophy here. I just wouldn't ever recommend that order for a visitor. I also struggle a little with ranking both Grayhawk courses together but it I think it provides a little insight into how you view courses which isn't how a lot of us do it. Again, that's fine. Your choice and in the end it is truly subjective and I would also hope that people play what they enjoy the most.

 

Now, on the sand thing, I have played all over the country and world and strongly prefer our sand type to the sand in the NE or somewhere like FL. I love the consistency of the sand at a lot of courses here but you do have to play it differently. When we replaced the sand at one of my clubs here we had five different types put into the short game area and the membership voted on what would they liked best. All of them were sand that is appropriate here however. Not the abomination that the white sand at TPC Stadium is. It looks wrong but plays fine I guess but I truly despise the look. One of the problems that public courses face around here however is that bunkers are the hardest thing to maintain due to high rates of contamination of the desert and our high amounts of wind. That means that they have to spend a ton to keep them where they need to be and often fall behind in getting it done. Thus, when faced with those conditions, you just gotta understand how to play them.

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Facepalm.gif

[phx1205]

wow Wildfire Faldo in first place? Some high praise. Haven't played it, but will put it on my list next time.

 

Play it, but it is in no way first place on that list. That's beyond silly...and it really doesn't matter that it is an opinion....Saying Faldo is #1 is just plain foolish.

 

Not sure which is worse, saying Rancho Manana is better than Papago or Faldo #1. Not sure anyone would agree with this list, except the poster!

 

So the guy comes to town, has a great time playing golf and enjoying himself here. And wants to tell people about the experience.

 

And then here you come telling him he's an idiot and he must have some kind of mental issue if he enjoyed himself playing the courses he did. Are there better courses here and would most people rate the courses differently? Yes. But seriously, I have to ask why can't you just say "cool, glad you had a good time in AZ. I would have ranked the courses differently, but you obviously enjoyed yourself".

 

I guess I just don't get why the need to jump on someone for liking a course you don't? Everyone gets to have their own opinion, so I get your point as well as his. But what exactly are you trying to prove when you jump on someone's opinion saying it is silly and foolish?

[Rohlio]

wow Wildfire Faldo in first place? Some high praise. Haven't played it, but will put it on my list next time.

 

Play it, but it is in no way first place on that list. That's beyond silly...and it really doesn't matter that it is an opinion....Saying Faldo is #1 is just plain foolish.

 

Not sure which is worse, saying Rancho Manana is better than Papago or Faldo #1. Not sure anyone would agree with this list, except the poster!

 

So the guy comes to town, has a great time playing golf and enjoying himself here. And wants to tell people about the experience.

 

And then here you come telling him he's an idiot and he must have some kind of mental issue if he enjoyed himself playing the courses he did. Are there better courses here and would most people rate the courses differently? Yes. But seriously, I have to ask why can't you just say "cool, glad you had a good time in AZ. I would have ranked the courses differently, but you obviously enjoyed yourself".

 

I guess I just don't get why the need to jump on someone for liking a course you don't? Everyone gets to have their own opinion, so I get your point as well as his. But what exactly are you trying to prove when you jump on someone's opinion saying it is silly and foolish?

 

Totally agree with you.

 

A person expressing their personal ranking doesn't deserve to be be mocked. He gave his ranking of what he enjoyed the most from playing each course one time. He can't be wrong about his impression. Might it change if he played each course 10 times over the course of a year, sure but he was clear about what he was expressing.

 

No need to police the thread to eliminate differing opinions. Anybody reading the thread probably has a reasonable idea of the rough ranking of the locals.

[rpalmer109]

Hey Guys,

 

Just got engaged recently (yea, yea I know) but just got the 8 guys that I want to go to confirm they're cool with a Scottsdale trip.

A little about the guys that are going:

- We all have a lot of student debt

- fairly cheap for the most part (but will spend money where it counts)

- don't mind the hot weather since we did our grad school is FL and played golf all summer

- golfers ranging from collegiate golfers to drunk degenerates shooting 120+ (but will be in check and respect nice courses)

 

I would like to do it the weekend of May 18th (before Memorial Day). I've been doing a lot of reading on when the best times to go are and it seems like mid May is when the prices drop significantly. However, is there a specific date for these drops? Because May 18th is literally mid May. We would also like a big house with a pool/putting green (so any information on best areas to stay would be awesome).

 

Long story short, would that weekend work out well? Or would we be better off waiting until mid June or so?

[Rohlio]

If you can hold off until the last week of may or first week of june you will get massive bargains...both on housing and courses. Some courses will have immediately began punching and summer prep right after memorial day but many hold off longer. Memorial Day is the last gasp for the valley so a lot of the courses will keep their rates elevated through that time.

[rpalmer109]

If you can hold off until the last week of may or first week of june you will get massive bargains...both on housing and courses. Some courses will have immediately began punching and summer prep right after memorial day but many hold off longer. Memorial Day is the last gasp for the valley so a lot of the courses will keep their rates elevated through that time.

 

Perfect. Thanks, Rohlio. Looks like I'll shoot for June 6-9. Thanks for the feedback!

[sarmis2]

Heading to Scottsdale in early April for a Bachelors trip from Houston. We are looking for good quality courses that will not be too penalizing for higher handicaps. Coming from Houston and only playing flat golf courses, we definitely want some elevation change and "awe" factor. That being said, I think we would need a course that isn't going to be extremely busy, and one that would allow for a slower round. We will be there to enjoy ourselves first, and that will include drinking a healthy amount on the course.

 

Summed up what we are looking for: Awesome, scenic course that isn't too penalizing(especially off the tee), quality course, one that is a bit more laid back in terms of pace of play and having a good time.

 

Looking at 3 round over four days- Thursday round will be top tier course, Friday and Saturday rounds we are looking for quality golf that won't break the bank.

[DrSchteeve]

Heading to Scottsdale in early April for a Bachelors trip from Houston. We are looking for good quality courses that will not be too penalizing for higher handicaps. Coming from Houston and only playing flat golf courses, we definitely want some elevation change and "awe" factor. That being said, I think we would need a course that isn't going to be extremely busy, and one that would allow for a slower round. We will be there to enjoy ourselves first, and that will include drinking a healthy amount on the course.

 

Summed up what we are looking for: Awesome, scenic course that isn't too penalizing(especially off the tee), quality course, one that is a bit more laid back in terms of pace of play and having a good time.

 

Eagle Mountain or Dinosaur Mountain meet your scenery and forgiving requirements.

 

As for the drinking and pace of play, you aren't likely to find any decent course where slow drunk play is encouraged.

[sarmis2]

Heading to Scottsdale in early April for a Bachelors trip from Houston. We are looking for good quality courses that will not be too penalizing for higher handicaps. Coming from Houston and only playing flat golf courses, we definitely want some elevation change and "awe" factor. That being said, I think we would need a course that isn't going to be extremely busy, and one that would allow for a slower round. We will be there to enjoy ourselves first, and that will include drinking a healthy amount on the course.

 

Summed up what we are looking for: Awesome, scenic course that isn't too penalizing(especially off the tee), quality course, one that is a bit more laid back in terms of pace of play and having a good time.

 

Eagle Mountain or Dinosaur Mountain meet your scenery and forgiving requirements.

 

As for the drinking and pace of play, you aren't likely to find any decent course where slow drunk play is encouraged.

 

Appreciate the feedback, and feared that would be the case. Guess we will be saving our debauchery for the evening time.

[az2au]

Heading to Scottsdale in early April for a Bachelors trip from Houston. We are looking for good quality courses that will not be too penalizing for higher handicaps. Coming from Houston and only playing flat golf courses, we definitely want some elevation change and "awe" factor. That being said, I think we would need a course that isn't going to be extremely busy, and one that would allow for a slower round. We will be there to enjoy ourselves first, and that will include drinking a healthy amount on the course.

 

Summed up what we are looking for: Awesome, scenic course that isn't too penalizing(especially off the tee), quality course, one that is a bit more laid back in terms of pace of play and having a good time.

 

Eagle Mountain or Dinosaur Mountain meet your scenery and forgiving requirements.

 

As for the drinking and pace of play, you aren't likely to find any decent course where slow drunk play is encouraged.

 

Appreciate the feedback, and feared that would be the case. Guess we will be saving our debauchery for the evening time.

The entirety of Old Town encourages the evening drinking and debauchery. You’ll find all you want there. I would suggest the W if you’re over 25.

 

Eagle Mountain is definitely what you’re looking for. Still the only course I’ve ever broken 70 from the tips and I’ve done it there twice (they’re short and easy at 6800 yards/71.4 rating/134 slope.

 

Also, like Dr. S said, I don’t know of any decent course that will accept drunken, slow play.

[sarmis2]

Heading to Scottsdale in early April for a Bachelors trip from Houston. We are looking for good quality courses that will not be too penalizing for higher handicaps. Coming from Houston and only playing flat golf courses, we definitely want some elevation change and "awe" factor. That being said, I think we would need a course that isn't going to be extremely busy, and one that would allow for a slower round. We will be there to enjoy ourselves first, and that will include drinking a healthy amount on the course.

 

Summed up what we are looking for: Awesome, scenic course that isn't too penalizing(especially off the tee), quality course, one that is a bit more laid back in terms of pace of play and having a good time.

 

Eagle Mountain or Dinosaur Mountain meet your scenery and forgiving requirements.

 

As for the drinking and pace of play, you aren't likely to find any decent course where slow drunk play is encouraged.

 

Appreciate the feedback, and feared that would be the case. Guess we will be saving our debauchery for the evening time.

The entirety of Old Town encourages the evening drinking and debauchery. You’ll find all you want there. I would suggest the W if you’re over 25.

 

Eagle Mountain is definitely what you’re looking for. Still the only course I’ve ever broken 70 from the tips and I’ve done it there twice (they’re short and easy at 6800 yards/71.4 rating/134 slope.

 

Also, like Dr. S said, I don’t know of any decent course that will accept drunken, slow play.

 

I didn't phrase what I meant correctly on the drunken, slow play. Our group knows the importance of course etiquette. I guess what I mean more here is courses that may be a little less congested on weekend play so we aren't running off the greens every hole. We want to be able to take in the whole experience while golfing if that makes more sense..... Thanks guys

[DrSchteeve]

Heading to Scottsdale in early April for a Bachelors trip from Houston. We are looking for good quality courses that will not be too penalizing for higher handicaps. Coming from Houston and only playing flat golf courses, we definitely want some elevation change and "awe" factor. That being said, I think we would need a course that isn't going to be extremely busy, and one that would allow for a slower round. We will be there to enjoy ourselves first, and that will include drinking a healthy amount on the course.

 

Summed up what we are looking for: Awesome, scenic course that isn't too penalizing(especially off the tee), quality course, one that is a bit more laid back in terms of pace of play and having a good time.

 

Eagle Mountain or Dinosaur Mountain meet your scenery and forgiving requirements.

 

As for the drinking and pace of play, you aren't likely to find any decent course where slow drunk play is encouraged.

 

Appreciate the feedback, and feared that would be the case. Guess we will be saving our debauchery for the evening time.

The entirety of Old Town encourages the evening drinking and debauchery. You’ll find all you want there. I would suggest the W if you’re over 25.

 

Eagle Mountain is definitely what you’re looking for. Still the only course I’ve ever broken 70 from the tips and I’ve done it there twice (they’re short and easy at 6800 yards/71.4 rating/134 slope.

 

Also, like Dr. S said, I don’t know of any decent course that will accept drunken, slow play.

 

I didn't phrase what I meant correctly on the drunken, slow play. Our group knows the importance of course etiquette. I guess what I mean more here is courses that may be a little less congested on weekend play so we aren't running off the greens every hole. We want to be able to take in the whole experience while golfing if that makes more sense..... Thanks guys

 

We may need to move this to a slow play thread...

[DrSchteeve]

So just to move things in a bit of a different direction, anyone have strategies (completed or planned) on the best places to play during November/December, and by that I really mean places that don't overseed at all. Utah? Sedona? Prescott? Payson-ShowLow?