One round only in Scottsdale with high handicapper wife

[eyedoc1]

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the input about golf in the Phoenix area. Its almost too much to absorb!!

 

So....I'm going to ask you experts for your opinion on my situation. My wife and I are going to be spending a few days at the end of November in Scottsdale. We plan on visiting the Grand Canyon but will have a few days to shop etc. I will be playing only one (boo-hoo) round of golf with my wife who is a high handicapper. So I am looking for one nice round at a course that is not too difficult (Im a 20 handicap), has fantastic views and isn't excessively expensive. From what Ive been reading Im leaning toward Gold Canyon Dinosaur, WeKoPa Saguaro, or Vista Verde. Ambiance will be as important as challenging golf.

 

As well, I believe the mother in law wishes to hang out with us as an extra rider/non golfer. Will that be an issue? I realize she will probably have to pay a fee for this...no problem.

[Australian_Blade]

We-ko-pa is a great course.

Out of the 3 you listed that one has my vote for you.

Eagle Mountain would be worth looking into. I think your wife and mother in law would enjoy the elevation changes and scenery that this course provides

[teejaywhy]

I think We-Ko-Pa Saguaro is the ticket. It is my favorite public golf course in the greater Phoenix area and the one I would most recommend for an out of town visitor of any skill level.

- It is a core golf course without housing intrusion.
- It makes great use of the natural desert terrain
- Some of the widest fairways of any desert/target golf course in AZ
- Interesting and sometimes quirky design features that aren't typically found in modern courses
- Fun greens with big contours
- Superb vistas of the surrounding mountains
- Challenging, but not brutal. Pick the right tees and have fun. I don't think the forward tees have any desert carries to speak of... although I guess I never really paid attention.

The only downer is right now thru the end of the year it is cart path only... The upside is it is walkable and they provide SpeedCarts if you want.

Vista Verde - great course, a little more difficult, mostly with the greens, nice views, no houses yet, no clubhouse or amenities in place.

Gold Canyon Dinosaur - fun course, very scenic with the Superstition Mtns looming over, does have houses and a little more narrow playing corridors.

Can't go wrong with any of the three.

Enjoy!

[sabram]

Definitely Saguaro. It has wide fairways and great views. The greens may be tough for a high handicapper, but overall the course will not beat you up. Dinosuar Mountain is pretty and has more elevation chnages, but not as friendly to a high handicapper

Here is a link to my phootos of Saguaro:

[url="http://sports.webshots.com/album/563720024mtsCgK"]http://sports.webshots.com/album/563720024mtsCgK[/url]

[DavePelz4]

[quote name='sabram' post='2072507' date='Nov 18 2009, 08:27 PM']Definitely Saguaro. It has wide fairways and great views. The greens may be tough for a high handicapper, but overall the course will not beat you up. Dinosuar Mountain is pretty and has more elevation chnages, but not as friendly to a high handicapper

Here is a link to my phootos of Saguaro:

[url="http://sports.webshots.com/album/563720024mtsCgK"]http://sports.webshots.com/album/563720024mtsCgK[/url][/quote]

Dino Mtn from the forward tees is short, ample fairways and still fun. The forward tees take the angles out of the vast majority of the tee shots, eliminate forced carries or hazards and it's very, very scenic.

The range is lacking though...you're not allowed to hit drivers which has always bugged me.

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Ill also throw my vote in for Wekopa sagauro from your list. Great course wide landing areas. As tjy said the cart path only is in effect now. The course is set up outstanding for walkers though. I will add there its not a super easy walk though. There are a quite a few decent elevation changes. Vista verde is similar to the Saguaro course and will be less expensive. Dino Mtn is fantastic as well but a healthy drive from scottsdale.

[rlheiman]

I'd play WeKoPa as my first choice.

But another fun option that is in Scottsdale and an easier course: Keirland. You could do the Segways for carts and it has 27 holes too. Very friendly. It isn't as rugged as some of the others, but fun.

[blonday]

I'll throw a vote in for Vista Verde. While I have enjoyed all three, my wife like Vista Verde the best. For reference she is an 18 hcp and I'm a pro.

[eyedoc1]

Thanks everyone for the replies...much appreciated!! My final decision was Wekopa Saguaro. I booked there mostly because *I* wanted to to try it...I'm pretty sure my wife doesn't much care. I definitely have to come back to the area to try out the other suggestions made here. Wish the weather was going to be a tad warmer though I shouldn't complain.

There is the remote chance we may play again close to the airport...thinking of Raven South Mountain. Good choice?

[One_Putt_Blunder]

[quote name='eyedoc1' post='2082805' date='Nov 24 2009, 12:02 PM']Thanks everyone for the replies...much appreciated!! My final decision was Wekopa Saguaro. I booked there mostly because *I* wanted to to try it...I'm pretty sure my wife doesn't much care. I definitely have to come back to the area to try out the other suggestions made here. Wish the weather was going to be a tad warmer though I shouldn't complain.

There is the remote chance we may play again close to the airport...thinking of Raven South Mountain. Good choice?[/quote]

Raven at South Mountain is a very good course, definatley worth playing and your wife should be just fine there too.