AZ golf first timer

gmu155 · September 15, 2009

Just got back...dang its hot.

Well. I was in Scottsdale this weekend for a party and got a chance to play. Wekopa, Monument, and the Desert/Canyon courses at the Phoenician. This was my first time in AZ, and playing in 107º heat.

First day: Phoenician. Ok track, seems a bit gimicky with the crazy elevation changes on the Par 3s.

Second day: Wekopa. this track kicked my a**, I shot one of my highest score ever. And i was about to die from heat.

Last day: Monument was a fun course, not super tough but good layout and very relaxing.

overall good trip, but i realize never to go anytime before October.

BTW:

:partytime2: a place called Skin was awesome too, if you guys know what i am talking about.

falken19150 · September 15, 2009

I was there 2 weeks ago. It was only 85 during the day which was great. I played We Ko Pa also and found it to be one of the most beautiful courses but it was really difficult. Did you hit up the W Hotel bar at all? That place is stupid ridiculous with hot women.

fore_life · September 15, 2009

hahha you guys didnt even come here when its HOT

teejaywhy · September 16, 2009

[quote name='gmu155' post='1952901' date='Sep 15 2009, 04:13 PM']Second day: Wekopa. this track kicked my a**, I shot one of my highest score ever. And i was about to die from heat.[/quote]

[quote name='falken19150' post='1952954' date='Sep 15 2009, 04:39 PM']I played We Ko Pa also and found it to be one of the most beautiful courses but it was really difficult.[/quote]

Which course at We-Ko-Pa did you guys play ??

TML · September 16, 2009

You really have to try summer in AZ once more. The key is to book your tee time before 7am. In fact if you can tee off at 6:30am, you will only see 90s by the time you sink your last putt.

falken19150 · September 16, 2009

I did the Saguaro course. It is the newer of the 2 and was pretty much perfect. I didn't see one patch of dead grass at all. It was amazing.

Tru · September 16, 2009

fore_life is right... It's not even hot right now. I love summertime, the courses are always empty. Can play 18 in 2.5 hours. And I know a couple of the girls at Skin. Did you see the brunette with the bangin' body and piano design sleeve running down her arm? Pretty good friend of mine, and absolutely gorgeous. There's some pretty decent talent in that place.

-M

gmu155 · September 18, 2009

I played Saguaro, it took forever since the 3some in front of us spent about 10 min on each hole looking for their balls.
The W. was good. awesome talent, Scottsdale in general has the best talent ratio I've seen. Although WSU should relocate there, since its the home of the true "cougars". Didn't see the inked up girl at skin. but good talent all around.

One_Putt_Blunder · September 18, 2009

Ya it hasnt even been overly hot at all the last few weeks. Then again if I went somewhere that was 60* I would be freezing lol. Wekopa Saguaro is my favorite track out here. The 18Th hole from the tips is as brutal as they get. I have a bunch of pics of both Wekopa courses in the Sw course review section. Also agreed that skin is a must visit as well. Very good sightseeing in there.

Medicaptain · September 18, 2009

ah SKIN...I miss them

Ok...on to golf....HOT you say?......you should come around when we are throwing pullovers on when it drops down into the 90's

Gotta love AZ golf...GREAT courses, cheap green fee's in the summer, fast greens, rattlesnakes and the home of drinking 8 32 oz. Gatorades a round and not urinating for 26 hours...not to mention the home of "one day golf shirts"....spend $60 on a shirt...wear it one day for 26 holes....go home and it will stand up by itself in the corner and when washed will never look the same...kind of a tiedie (sp?) look.

Next time skip the Phoenician and hit the TPC Champions or Grayhawk.

fore_life · September 19, 2009

[quote name='Medicaptain' post='1959547' date='Sep 18 2009, 05:28 PM']Ok...on to golf....HOT you say?......you should come around when we are throwing pullovers on when it drops down into the 90's[/quote]

Hahah thats funny dude, Deemo and I had a 6:23 tee time the other day at Legend and were mentioning how chilly it was, while a couple from Canada that we played with were complaining about how hot it was.

kander7 · September 19, 2009

It has been pretty pleasant in the Valley the last couple weeks. It is amazing how we adapt. I remember when I first moved down here I thought I would never make it through the first summer. Now I go back to Colorado and freeze my butt off in October.

misteremanca · September 19, 2009

I expect I'll be the sweaty Canadian when I come down to golf!

I've got a 3-day course in Phoenix in April, and some flexible work time, so the family and I are coming for the entire month of April. We are staying in Estrella Mountain in Goodyear, and looking forward to the two courses out there.

For you AZ locals, it is starting to heat up in April too, isn't it? I've never been there in April before, but know May gets pretty hot compared to what I'm used to.

Also, I'm going to go through the course reviews, but if anyone has any course referrals for me out in the SW part of the valley, I'd appreciate it. I'll be golfing with my son who is 11 and has a 20+ index at the moment. He hits mostly straight, but racks the strokes up around the greens. Target golf might not be his strong point yet...

Thanks for the great posts.

Cheers

eman

Brad6260 · September 19, 2009

Mistera. Here is a post I put up in Feb. on some West Valley tracks.
Copper Canyon would be my first choice for playing with your son.

As mentioned previously I played several courses last week in the West Valley that don't get a lot of press so this may be of interest especially as they are pretty good values being out of the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills "must Play" hit list's.

1) Golf Club of Estrella- Nice Troon managed layout. Reminded me of Legend Trail.
A steal at $45.00!

2) Los Caballeros (Wickenburg) I had been told that this place was a hidden gem. Very cool course in a very nice, friendly, laid back golf club. Felt like I was playing a non desert course in the middle of the desert. A thinking man's layout. True golf! $75.00 and worth it if your up for a nice drive.

3) Copper Canyon- Another Troon property . While not as challenging or in quite as breathtaking a location this course was every bit as well kept as Troon North. Superb facilities and well laid out .If your a mid handicapper looking for a fun day it's a definite keeper.$69.00

All in all for under a $70.00 average for in season play all three of these places exceeded my expectations.

Cheers,

Brad

misteremanca · September 19, 2009

Hiya Brad.

Thanks for the information, it is very much appreciated!

I believe we are staying very close to the golf club of Estrella, and I've looked at that course. I wasn't sure if it would be too much for my boy or not, but it sure looks to be in great shape!

You have no idea (or maybe you do, since we are both on this forum) to getting to see these courses in person!

I am also thinking I might try hook my son up with some lessons to help him start the season. If you happened to know of any instructors who are great with kids, I'd love to know where to look....

Thanks again Brad!

Cheers

Alexander

Medicaptain · September 19, 2009

Your son may struggle on a few holes at GCE....17 is amazingly difficult par three...all carry to a tiny green border by rocks 20 feet high on one side and straight down to the desert on the other....a few long uphill holes too....but 13 to 14 holes are fine for anyone.

Raven Verrado is good too...there are others that are not too demanding. Palm Valley has a nice and short little layout on one 18...I see mostly kids and VERY old playing that side...plus the Wigwam....they may not be the "best" per say....but it is still golf at reasonable prices and drives