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

[capking]

^good to know either way it’s better then the snow that will be in my backyard at that time haha

[andersry]

I am headed to Phoenix in December and need a recommendation. I have Stadium, Quintero, Ak-Chin, and Papago on my itinerary and need one more. Can I get a value recommendation relatively close to Phoenix? I have been looking at Legacy, Aguila, maybe Estrella but probably to far, Ken Mac, GCU, Arizona Grand, Encanto? Any others?

[puttnforthe8]

> @andersry said:

> I am headed to Phoenix in December and need a recommendation. I have Stadium, Quintero, Ak-Chin, and Papago on my itinerary and need one more. Can I get a value recommendation relatively close to Phoenix? I have been looking at Legacy, Aguila, maybe Estrella but probably to far, Ken Mac, GCU, Arizona Grand, Encanto? Any others?

 

Value doesn't really exist in December! But Legacy and Aguila(best) are really your only options. The other courses are a huge NO; except for GCU - but that is a little further up in Phx.

 

Maybe Longbow, if you can find a decent rate - that's not too far east.

 

[azgolfer44]

> @andersry said:

> I am headed to Phoenix in December and need a recommendation. I have Stadium, Quintero, Ak-Chin, and Papago on my itinerary and need one more. Can I get a value recommendation relatively close to Phoenix? I have been looking at Legacy, Aguila, maybe Estrella but probably to far, Ken Mac, GCU, Arizona Grand, Encanto? Any others?

 

 

I would recommend in this order: Aguila, GCU, Estrella. The others are below. And then there’s AZ Grand - may be the worst course in Phoenix.

 

I play Encanto a few times each winter and enjoy it, but hard to recommend to visitors.

[andersry]

ok thanks for the advice. I have been to the Phoenix area twice before in December and have had luck playing good courses at decent rates. I have found the rates have gone up since last December. Papago is up, Stadium is up, Las Sendas is way up. I thought Las Sendas was a steal last year, but it looks like 150 and up now.

 

I think Papago is a gem as long as it isn't a 5 1/2 hour round. Greens were way faster than Stadium last December. Maybe I will give Aguila a shot. It seems people are recommending it. Longbow rates are pretty high. I don't think you can get on for less than $100.

[AzSuperHack76]

@puttnforthe8 said:

> > @andersry said:

> > I am headed to Phoenix in December and need a recommendation. I have Stadium, Quintero, Ak-Chin, and Papago on my itinerary and need one more. Can I get a value recommendation relatively close to Phoenix? I have been looking at Legacy, Aguila, maybe Estrella but probably to far, Ken Mac, GCU, Arizona Grand, Encanto? Any others?

>

> Value doesn't really exist in December! But Legacy and Aguila(best) are really your only options. The other courses are a huge NO; except for GCU - but that is a little further up in Phx.

>

> Maybe Longbow, if you can find a decent rate - that's not too far east.

>

 

Why would Estrella be a "huge NO"??

[puttnforthe8]

> @AzSuperHack76 said:

> @puttnforthe8 said:

> > > @andersry said:

> > > I am headed to Phoenix in December and need a recommendation. I have Stadium, Quintero, Ak-Chin, and Papago on my itinerary and need one more. Can I get a value recommendation relatively close to Phoenix? I have been looking at Legacy, Aguila, maybe Estrella but probably to far, Ken Mac, GCU, Arizona Grand, Encanto? Any others?

> >

> > Value doesn't really exist in December! But Legacy and Aguila(best) are really your only options. The other courses are a huge NO; except for GCU - but that is a little further up in Phx.

> >

> > Maybe Longbow, if you can find a decent rate - that's not too far east.

> >

>

> Why would Estrella be a "huge NO"??

 

Wasn't referring to Estrella...since he said it was too far, I wasn't even including it. Certainly it is worth the play if you want to travel that far.

[ferrispgm]

> @andersry said:

> ok thanks for the advice. I have been to the Phoenix area twice before in December and have had luck playing good courses at decent rates. I have found the rates have gone up since last December. Papago is up, Stadium is up, Las Sendas is way up. I thought Las Sendas was a steal last year, but it looks like 150 and up now.

>

> I think Papago is a gem as long as it isn't a 5 1/2 hour round. Greens were way faster than Stadium last December. Maybe I will give Aguila a shot. It seems people are recommending it. Longbow rates are pretty high. I don't think you can get on for less than $100.

 

Aguila for sure....solid course in typically solid condition...Condition is exceptional though for the price. GCU would be my 2nd choice...traditional layout and normally in good shape as most conditioning issues there seem to be in the summer. Steer clear of AZ Grand, i wouldn't let my ex gf play that place as it's horrible. Next would be Legacy for me as it's pretty bland in my opinion but well maintained. Kenny Mac actually isn't bad...1 or 2 wonky holes but the rest is ok and they have been doing a decent job maintaining recently. I wouldn't recommend Encanto as it's just a flat boring course. The best part is that it's kinda cool to play with tall buildings in the background and not bad if you are working on some swing changes but it's not one I would recommend to anyone.

[ChuckZ1956]

In Phoenix for the week, staying near the Fairmont Princess and looking to play three rounds, preferably courses not CPO. Any suggestions from the locals??

[cbbaron]

> @ChuckZ1956 said:

> In Phoenix for the week, staying near the Fairmont Princess and looking to play three rounds, preferably courses not CPO. Any suggestions from the locals??

Grayhawk Talon is 90 degree along with Legend Trail

 

[lookylookitzadam]

Heading into Scottsdale/Phoenix area for Thanksgiving and will be playing out at WeKoPa one of the days, however I need some help with two other rounds with some caveats.

 

1. One of the rounds will be with my brother-in-law who doesn't golf much (once at year at most) but wants to play somewhere...I am thinking maybe a fun muni or executive course near Gainey Ranch.

2. Is it worth playing Gainey Ranch? I have access to clubcorp courses and am thinking this may be my second course if it is worth it.

 

Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[az2au]

Gainey is terrible. Pathetic design, boring golf. Seville and Anthem are much better Clubcorp options.

[Wardman]

> @lookylookitzadam said:

> Heading into Scottsdale/Phoenix area for Thanksgiving and will be playing out at WeKoPa one of the days, however I need some help with two other rounds with some caveats.

>

> 1. One of the rounds will be with my brother-in-law who doesn't golf much (once at year at most) but wants to play somewhere...I am thinking maybe a fun muni or executive course near Gainey Ranch.

> 2. Is it worth playing Gainey Ranch? I have access to clubcorp courses and am thinking this may be my second course if it is worth it.

>

> Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

>

> Thanks!

 

How about TPC Champions Course? More open, not as expensive, still nice and balls off line can typically be found. Aside from teh airport, not a bad option....

[Wardman]

> @andersry said:

> ok thanks for the advice. I have been to the Phoenix area twice before in December and have had luck playing good courses at decent rates. I have found the rates have gone up since last December. Papago is up, Stadium is up, Las Sendas is way up. I thought Las Sendas was a steal last year, but it looks like 150 and up now.

>

> I think Papago is a gem as long as it isn't a 5 1/2 hour round. Greens were way faster than Stadium last December. Maybe I will give Aguila a shot. It seems people are recommending it. Longbow rates are pretty high. I don't think you can get on for less than $100.

 

Stadium is under repair/prep for the WM Tourney. Not worth the money IMO with all the work going on and hidden challenges - like plastic mats down the left side on 17...

[One_Putt_Blunder]

> @lookylookitzadam said:

> Heading into Scottsdale/Phoenix area for Thanksgiving and will be playing out at WeKoPa one of the days, however I need some help with two other rounds with some caveats.

>

> 1. One of the rounds will be with my brother-in-law who doesn't golf much (once at year at most) but wants to play somewhere...I am thinking maybe a fun muni or executive course near Gainey Ranch.

> 2. Is it worth playing Gainey Ranch? I have access to clubcorp courses and am thinking this may be my second course if it is worth it.

>

> Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

>

> Thanks!

 

Mountain Shadows great little 18.5 hole executive course

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Plus it's fairly close to gainey

[lookylookitzadam]

Thanks all! Going to start booking some stuff ASAP.

[fore_life]

If you book using the teeoff app, use the code APPUPDATE for 30% off deal times

[Jmrowe23]

Have an invite to play Troon Country Club at the end of February. Has anybody played this track and have any input? Course conditions, scenery, and toughness? About a 2 handicap but coming from Wisco if that matters on your input. Any other private clubs you'd recommend besides the Scottsdale Natty and Whisper Rock and Estancia?

[azgolfer44]

Desert Forrest and Mirabel are my personal favorites. Hear good things about Desert Mountain. DC ranch is also fun place to play and hang out.

[Argonne69]

Delete.

[Argonne69]

I played it 11 days ago (1/20). Check back in this thread for photos and conditions. Fabulous course. You won't be disappointed.

 

[garneson]

Heading to Scottsdale in early June. Looking at the following courses for 3 night trip.

Arrive early on a Thursday and play Southern Dunes. Day two play both WeKoPa courses. Day three play one of the Troon North courses. Last day play Whirlwind Devil's Claw or Boulders South.

What do you guys think? Sub out any of these courses. Checked aerification and all courses look clear for these days.

 

[puttnforthe8]

verde river is a better choice than both Boulders and Whirlwind for the overall experience. But neither is a bad choice for an out of town visit. Boulders gives visitors more eye candy, but is far less of being a great golf course. Whirlwind is a resort course that is fun, good conditions, great facility.

[ferrispgm]

I would agree on Verde River....actually a good desert layout with great views...even with the housing going up it's still very nice. Course is always in great shape and the staff has always been great as well. Whirlwind is ok but nothing special in my opinion. Boulders is the typical desert layout but it is nice and the boulders piled around is kind of unique. I just think Verde River is a better golf course based on layout.

[BUCKEYERBALL88]

as a fan of golf course architecture should I try and make an effort to play any of the following?

 

Alta Mesa (I believe it was designed by Gary planks whose courses I haven’t liked)

desert mountain

paradise valley

arizona cc (I drove past it today, this is what sparked by my interest. It’s looks like it’s a pretty easy walk which is important to me)

[az2au]

You should try Outlaw at Desert Mountain. Not sure you'd care as much for the others. AZ CC is OK, similar in style to be PCC but not as good of a course and it has a couple of weird holes. PVCC is very good. I haven't played Alta Mesa in forever and it honestly doesn't make the cut in my memory which is not a good sign but the very little I remember about it makes me think you might like it.

[teejaywhy]

While you can hardly swing a 9-iron in the valley without finding a Gary PANKS course, Alta Mesa is a Dick Phelps design.

PV is Bill Coore's home course if that tells you anything. (has done some work out there as well)

Arizona CC is a pretty old course but i'm thinking I remember that Gary Panks was involved in a major renovation a few years back.

[fore_life]

Gary Panks makes super fun designs imo

[300_yard_drives]

I played for the Verde River yesterday for the first time. The greens weren’t great but the fairways were really healthy and it is the best desert layout Open to the public I have played in Phoenix. I played Cholla at Wekopa last week and the conditions were not as good as Verde River and they course lay out was much worse in my opinion.