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

[Hooded7]

Yea, I've certainly noticed the pricing situation.  Much higher than I anticipated.

 

I was able to talk the group out of the Stadium course.  We're doing Boulders North instead.

 

Looking forward to wearing myself out next week!  Appreciate all the advice on here.

[Sportsman16]

Traveling to Chandler the week of 11/16.  Plan to play 3-4 rounds in the area.  I have only visited the Scottsdale area twice playing the Phoenician course while staying there and most recently playing Boulders South.  I am 7 hcp and travelling with a buddy who is 20 hcp.  We are looking for nice courses and not afraid to drive a bit.  

 

I was thinking of Quintero and We Ko Pa and maybe one closer to Chandler?  I didn't realize November was not considered a good time of the year to golf in AZ.  

 

Any advice on 3-4 courses to play that might be a good experience in a couple weeks?

[azgolfer44]

November is a good time. Weather will be perfect and courses, although not peak, should be very good. Everything should be lush. Greens may be a tad slower but nothing you’ll likely notice.

 

From Chandler, your best two options are Southern Dunes or Whirlwind. I really like both, but maybe a slight edge to Southern Dunes based on design.  Whirlwind has 36 so one course should be out of overseed for a while. Otherwise, I’d consider Papago, which is our best municipal course but has a great feel. (I’m playing there both days this weekend and will update on condition.) 

[Sportsman16]

Thanks for the recommendations.  I will check out the course you mentioned online.  Would you consider it worth the drive from Chandler to play Quintero and or We Ko Pa?  

 

[azgolfer44]

We Ko Pa, yes. Quintero is really far. Not worth it to me but the course is pretty sweet and probably to play it once. 

 

 

[Sportsman16]

azgolfer44,

 

I checked on dates that the following  courses might have come out of overseed to re-open:

Quintero 10/15

We Ko Pa Cholla 10/22

We Ko Pa Saguaro 10/30

Greyhawk Talon 10/4

Southern Dunes 10/29

Whirlwind Devils claw 10/8

Whirlwind Cattail 10/29

Papago 10/23

 

Based on these dates and the reputation for these courses, how would you rank them?  Which 4 might you select if you were playing out of the Chandler area for 3 days?  (might play 2 one day)  (Not afraid to drive a bit)

 

Appreciate your time and advice!

[puttnforthe8]

2 hours ago, Sportsman16 said:

azgolfer44,

 

I checked on dates that the following  courses might have come out of overseed to re-open:

Quintero 10/15

We Ko Pa Cholla 10/22

We Ko Pa Saguaro 10/30  1

Greyhawk Talon 10/4

Southern Dunes 10/29  - 

Whirlwind Devils claw 10/8

Whirlwind Cattail 10/29

Papago 10/23

 

Based on these dates and the reputation for these courses, how would you rank them?  Which 4 might you select if you were playing out of the Chandler area for 3 days?  (might play 2 one day)  (Not afraid to drive a bit)

 

Appreciate your time and advice!

 

 

Quintero 10/15  6 - As mentioned before; this is a great course for out of towners; it is far though.  

We Ko Pa Cholla 10/22  3 - for an out of towner, it moves up the rank; plus they have a 36 hole deal if you want to do both.

We Ko Pa Saguaro 10/30  2 - Is really #1, but as per below.

Greyhawk Talon 10/4  4 - a really good course and great facility; it would be #3 except for the fact that you can get 36 in at Wekopa if you want (savings on the 36 hole deal)

Southern Dunes 10/29  -  1 - Gets the nod because of proximity to Chandler - you cannot pass it up.

Whirlwind Devils claw 10/8  5 - in quite good shape and a better challenge than Cattail

Whirlwind Cattail 10/29 7 - very good course, very easy course, resortish

Papago 10/23

 

 

****You can move Quintero to #3 since you are an out of towner playing it for the first time - it will be quite impressive for you guys.

Edited November 9, 2020 by puttnforthe8

[Sportsman16]

Thanks for the ranking!  Any concern playing Sagauro or Southern Dunes just 3 weeks out of overseed closure?

 

[puttnforthe8]

20 minutes ago, Sportsman16 said:

Thanks for the ranking!  Any concern playing Sagauro or Southern Dunes just 3 weeks out of overseed closure?

 

 

...just played SD Sat and it is in great shape.  Just CPO and slower than usual greens.  Have not got out to Saguaro yet, but prob the same.

 

[vallygolf]

I think @puttnforthe8 has the rankings right.  If you are looking for 4 rounds

 

1. Southern Dunes: 20 mins from Chandler and in really great shape right now.  Just a tad slower than normal. Probably my favorite on this list (or tied with WeKoPa Saguaro)

2. WeKoPa:  Make this your 36 hole day.  45 mins from Central Chandler

3. Quintero: Style over substance, but really a unique venue worth experincing.  They dont overseed the greens so conditions are likely to be perfect on the greens (I havent been out in a couple of years so that info may be dated) count on one hour 15 mins minimum drive.

 

Chances are that all of these courses will be a bit shaggy and a little wet, but all will be as (or more) playable than anywhere else.  As mentioned if Quinterio is too long of a haul consider Greyhawk and Whirlwind.  Greyhawk is about 25-30 mins from central Chandler and Whirlwind is 10 mins from central Chandler.

Edited November 10, 2020 by vallygolf

[Sportsman16]

Thanks for all the great info!

[njspence]

Anyone know how to get on some of the private clubs in Pheonix area, are they accommodating if your club reaches out?

Edited November 15, 2020 by njspence

[YMark]

8 minutes ago, njspence said:

Anyone know how to get on some of the private clubs in Pheonix area, are they accommodating if your club reaches out?

Unless you know a member, you're probably SOL. Especially in high season. Once in a while you can score something in the summer if privates are promoting their membership.

[azmx]

1 hour ago, njspence said:

Anyone know how to get on some of the private clubs in Pheonix area, are they accommodating if your club reaches out?

There are three factors here:

1. Which club are you trying to get on?

2.Which club do you belong to?

3.When do you want to play?

 

If the answer to 1 is the big names then the answer to 2 better be very big names and the answer to 3 better be no where near the Phoenix Open and mostly during the week.

[CDM]

Looking like I will be in Phoenix. 17th-19th of December.  Have time to get in a few rounds, but since I will be there I am thinking of doing a full bag fitting with True Spec Golf at the Raven.   

 

Will be south, so was looking at Southern Dunes / Raven (since will be there anyway) and one other if I can swing it Saturday morning before flight.

 

Thoughts on True Spec and fitting? Recommendations on 3rd round potentially?

[Argonne69]

5 hours ago, CDM said:

Looking like I will be in Phoenix. 17th-19th of December.  Have time to get in a few rounds, but since I will be there I am thinking of doing a full bag fitting with True Spec Golf at the Raven.   

 

Will be south, so was looking at Southern Dunes / Raven (since will be there anyway) and one other if I can swing it Saturday morning before flight.

 

Thoughts on True Spec and fitting? Recommendations on 3rd round potentially?

 

The Legacy GC is adjacent to Raven. 'Not a bad layout. Whirlwind is a few miles south if you're willing to spend a few more dollars. If you'd like to play a cheaper course, Aguila is a few miles wet of Raven. It's probably the 2nd best muni in the city next to Papago, and is a great value.

 

[puttnforthe8]

6 hours ago, CDM said:

Looking like I will be in Phoenix. 17th-19th of December.  Have time to get in a few rounds, but since I will be there I am thinking of doing a full bag fitting with True Spec Golf at the Raven.   

 

Will be south, so was looking at Southern Dunes / Raven (since will be there anyway) and one other if I can swing it Saturday morning before flight.

 

Thoughts on True Spec and fitting? Recommendations on 3rd round potentially?

TS is the best in the biz these days.

[CDM]

1 hour ago, puttnforthe8 said:

TS is the best in the biz these days.

 

2 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

The Legacy GC is adjacent to Raven. 'Not a bad layout. Whirlwind is a few miles south if you're willing to spend a few more dollars. If you'd like to play a cheaper course, Aguila is a few miles wet of Raven. It's probably the 2nd best muni in the city next to Papago, and is a great value.

 

 

@puttnforthe8 that is what I wanted to hear 😃    Had an elbow issue and changing up my swing I see I need a refit, plus wfie gave full clearance (within reason)

 

@Argonne69  I was looking at Aguila and Whirlwind today over lunch.   Augila for the money looked like a great deal.  Not as worried on the fees as figured being peak season.  2 of the rounds will be in the 1:30ish time may only get 16-17 holes in but still worth since probably will not be able to play locally.

 

[chisag]

2 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

The Legacy GC is adjacent to Raven. 'Not a bad layout. Whirlwind is a few miles south if you're willing to spend a few more dollars. If you'd like to play a cheaper course, Aguila is a few miles wet of Raven. It's probably the 2nd best muni in the city next to Papago, and is a great value.

 

 

 

... Com'on Argonne don't tell vacationers about Aguila. For the money it is a hidden gem that most people don't know about and since I am moving to Phoenix in December I would like to keep it that way! 🤪 

[puttnforthe8]

3 hours ago, chisag said:

 

 

... Com'on Argonne don't tell vacationers about Aguila. For the money it is a hidden gem that most people don't know about and since I am moving to Phoenix in December I would like to keep it that way! 🤪 

Not sure 100+ rounds a day is a hidden gem which people don't know about.

[Argonne69]

8 minutes ago, puttnforthe8 said:

Not sure 100+ rounds a day is a hidden gem which people don't know about.

 

I imagine most of those rounds are locals. The course doesn't really show up on the radar for out of towers who generally play the high end courses. I didn't play it until my 15th trip to the area. 

[chisag]

19 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

I imagine most of those rounds are locals. The course doesn't really show up on the radar for out of towers who generally play the high end courses. I didn't play it until my 15th trip to the area. 

 

... Exactly. When I spent the winter there in 2019 I could usually book a single twilite rate at Aguila on the day of Mon-Fri and sometimes Sat/Sun with enough time to finish. Mornings are probably a different story but I never play in the morning. 

[Southdakota5]

Thinking of planning a quick trip end of January. It would be two to three day trip enough for 3 rounds. What would be everyone’s choice of 1 high end course to play and then two more of a medium range variety. Would like all the courses to be in the same part of the area if possible.

[puttnforthe8]

30 minutes ago, Southdakota5 said:

Thinking of planning a quick trip end of January. It would be two to three day trip enough for 3 rounds. What would be everyone’s choice of 1 high end course to play and then two more of a medium range variety. Would like all the courses to be in the same part of the area if possible.

 

East Valley:  Southern Dunes, Whirlwind, Raven (or little lower Duke, Legacy, Power Ranch)

Scottsdale:  Troon North or Grayhawk, Verde River, TPC Champions (could do Papagom not that far)

Fountain Hills:  Wekopa, Eagle Mountain, Sunridge Canyone (or cheapish Desert Canyon)

West Side:  Verrado - both courses, Estrella

 

 

 

[Southdakota5]

 

9 hours ago, puttnforthe8 said:

 

East Valley:  Southern Dunes, Whirlwind, Raven (or little lower Duke, Legacy, Power Ranch)

Scottsdale:  Troon North or Grayhawk, Verde River, TPC Champions (could do Papagom not that far)

Fountain Hills:  Wekopa, Eagle Mountain, Sunridge Canyone (or cheapish Desert Canyon)

West Side:  Verrado - both courses, Estrella

 

 

 

Pretty open to location in what order by area would you play? My group would be coming from the snowy Midwest looking to play some courses that differ from what we are used too. 

[Argonne69]

I'd probably go with the Fountain Hills group. We Ko Pa has a decent replay rate if you think you can play both their courses in one day. 

[BirdieRoll]

I'll say We Ko Pa, then a choice of Verde River/Camelback Ambiente/Eagle Mountain, and a choice of Talking Stick O'odham/Longbow/McDowell Mountain.

[Southdakota5]

Thinking of trying to do ($119) Eagle Mountain the day we get there followed by $(119) Southern Dunes and ($45)Legacy the next day. Trying to get the best bang for my buck but not overdue it too much. Is it worth it to switch Legacy out with Raven since the price is pretty close. I will be staying on the south side of town and will have a car. Or is there a 3 course plan around that $120ish a round price point I should be looking at. 

 

Thank you you to everyone for the replies so far. 

22 hours ago, puttnforthe8 said:

 

East Valley:  Southern Dunes, Whirlwind, Raven (or little lower Duke, Legacy, Power Ranch)

Scottsdale:  Troon North or Grayhawk, Verde River, TPC Champions (could do Papagom not that far)

Fountain Hills:  Wekopa, Eagle Mountain, Sunridge Canyone (or cheapish Desert Canyon)

West Side:  Verrado - both courses, Estrella

 

 

 

Pretty open to location in what order by area would you play? My group would be coming from the snowy Midwest looking to play some courses that differ from what we are used too. 

[TFavor]

Rather than starting a new thread I was thrilled to see this one, especially as the fng around here. Been years since I’ve been on a golf forum but this year played a ton of golf, traveled to pinehurst played 4 rounds, then down thru Atlanta played on a private course and some of the munis around there. Based out of Washington state, traveled up to Bandon Dunes played a couple there, played in 40 degree weather here at home with rain and wind so definetly time to get with the program and get in the boards and commune with fellow golfers.

NOW.. coming to Scottsdale next Saturday and staying a week. Booked 4 rounds at grayhawk because they have the white tee special. So that will use up my Sunday-Wednesday and was thinking about the stadium course on Thursday but saw they were overseeding for the Pheonix open preparation and given the price tag wasn’t sure it would be worth it.

Anybody provide any insight to the stadium course? Or any other recommendations other than that around the 3rd of December?

i have not been to arizona in December and certainly never played golf there. Very interested to know what type of conditions to expect, what the greens are like generally this time of the year in the area and stuff like that. Would be great to hear some feedback. 
Thanks so much in advance!!

[Kuhndogg8]

7 hours ago, TFavor said:

Rather than starting a new thread I was thrilled to see this one, especially as the fng around here. Been years since I’ve been on a golf forum but this year played a ton of golf, traveled to pinehurst played 4 rounds, then down thru Atlanta played on a private course and some of the munis around there. Based out of Washington state, traveled up to Bandon Dunes played a couple there, played in 40 degree weather here at home with rain and wind so definetly time to get with the program and get in the boards and commune with fellow golfers.

NOW.. coming to Scottsdale next Saturday and staying a week. Booked 4 rounds at grayhawk because they have the white tee special. So that will use up my Sunday-Wednesday and was thinking about the stadium course on Thursday but saw they were overseeding for the Pheonix open preparation and given the price tag wasn’t sure it would be worth it.

Anybody provide any insight to the stadium course? Or any other recommendations other than that around the 3rd of December?

i have not been to arizona in December and certainly never played golf there. Very interested to know what type of conditions to expect, what the greens are like generally this time of the year in the area and stuff like that. Would be great to hear some feedback. 
Thanks so much in advance!!

Everyone should generally be far enough out of overseed to where conditions are very good.  Unless you have to play a course you've seen on tv, I'd recommend trying something different.  Especially since you're playing Grayhawk 4 times (which you'll enjoy).  I'd recommend choosing something a little more diverse for a mountain/desert experience than TPC.  Look at WeKoPa Saguara, Troon North, Quintero, etc.  Grayhawk is fantastic but on a relatively flat piece of land.  You can get some more extreme elevation changes and views at any of those other places.  TPC is generally flat and not adored by locals - only recommend if you just have to play a television course.  Much better options in the area.