Please Help With 2 Rounds in Phoenix Area

[Flow]

Hello All,

 

I have an annual trip around once per year at the JW Marriott in early April. The Wildfire courses at the hotel are decent but I like getting out to visit some of the better courses in the area. I can probably get away for 2 off-site rounds. In the past I've done the We-Ko-Pa and Troon courses, which were all fantastic and definitely worthy of a repeat. But I'm hoping to try something new.

 

I'm from the NYC area, so scenic views are high on my priority list. I don't mind paying a little extra if it's worth it. I play to around a 14 handicap - good enough to handle most courses as long as I'm not on the tips, but I'm not going real low. I assume the pace of play is comparable at most courses in the area? If not, maybe that's a consideration.

 

Here's the short list that I'm considering so far:

 

Gold Canyon Dinosaur (not psyched about the drive since I'm having to sneak away from the family, but sounds worth it)

Boulders South (seems to always be mentioned)

Grayhawk (Raptor, I guess? Benefit is it's 7 miles away from the JW)

Verde Vista (sleeper, but maybe I'm ranking too high)

 

Any thoughts that anyone has would be greatly appreciated. My inlaws are with me on this trip, so playing 2 great courses is a HUGE draw and major therapy for me. I'm golf starved, since it's freezing here and my game has been totally shut down since early October. Thanks to all.

[sabram]

[quote]Gold Canyon Dinosaur (not psyched about the drive since I'm having to sneak away from the family, but sounds worth it)
Boulders South (seems to always be mentioned)
Grayhawk (Raptor, I guess? Benefit is it's 7 miles away from the JW)
Verde Vista (sleeper, but maybe I'm ranking too high)[/quote]

Those four are all great choices. I love the Boulders South course and if interesting scenery is important to you that would be my first choice. I was surprised to see a post recently that course conditions weren't greatthere as the Boulders is known for being in good shape. The Raptor is prettier than the Talon at Grayhawk. Vista Verde is also very good. Dinosuar Mountain has great views, but has more housing than the others, but it is less expensive if that is a factor. The only other ones I'd add to the list for consideration are Talking Stick and Rancho Manana. The courses at talking Stick are not as sceneic as the others but are very good golf courses by Coore & Crenshaw. Rancho manan is a furtehr drive than Grayhawk or Talking Stick and is a little quirky, but it is fun and sceneic.

Here are links to my pictures to give you an idea of what the courses look like.

[url="http://sports.webshots.com/album/557661553IzfCwd"]Grayhawk - Raptor & Talon[/url]

[url="http://sports.webshots.com/album/557662043DmPEmD"]Boulders - South[/url]

[url="http://sports.webshots.com/album/557662452fZmNcM"]Gold Canyon - Dinosuar Mtn[/url]

[url="http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2086535630100544033UfebKA"]Talking Stick[/url]

[url="http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2409023790100544033pDyObP"]Rancho Manana[/url]

[teejaywhy]

The second course at We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro) opened for play in late 2006 so if you haven't played it yet, that is my top recommendation.

Vista Verde is a great golf course, no amenities in place yet and the stalled build-out means some great views unspoiled by houses. Only about 10 minutes from Troon N.

[jshel]

I live in Minneapolis, but my parents live in AZ I have a decent sense of the land.

I would totally bag Gold Canyon. That is a looooooong ways from where you are staying.

Boulders and either course at Greyhawk are both good. I haven't played Vista Verde, but it comes highly recommended.

Another place that is at least worth a phone call is Quintero. It is private, but my understanding is that they are taking some outside play as they are having major, major financial issues.

[puttnforthe8]

[quote name='jshel' date='23 February 2010 - 08:27 PM' timestamp='1266985630' post='2273357']
I live in Minneapolis, but my parents live in AZ I have a decent sense of the land.

I would totally bag Gold Canyon. That is a looooooong ways from where you are staying.

Boulders and either course at Greyhawk are both good. I haven't played Vista Verde, but it comes highly recommended.

Another place that is at least worth a phone call is Quintero. It is private, but my understanding is that they are taking some outside play as they are having major, major financial issues.
[/quote]

Bag Gold Canyon but go to Quintero??? Quintero is miles past lake Pleasant sir and is much farther than GC. Also Grayhawk raptor is good but Talon is not and neither compare to Gold Canyon. Vista Verde is good value and that is why it is often recvomended.

[Medicaptain]

I dont think your going to go very wrong with any of those courses. Troon and WeKoPa are by far my favorite in that area (Pinnacle especially). VV is also my sleeper fav, cheap and accessible and just a solid all around course. Early in the morning it is incredible to watch the desert come alive with the sun rises over the four peaks.

others to discuss and investigate (and by no means am I saying they are of the same caliber course or great views/scenery....just discussion points-
Legend Trail
Whirlwind both sides
Las Sendas
SunRidge Canyon

and to be honest...if I was traveling all the way from NYC and had the time, I would add a day and go play Dove Mountain where they just completed the WGC...incredible course...2 hour drive...5 star amenities....whats another day? They have some great stay and play rates.

[Zooko23]

I like medicaptians advice, for the ritz. The course is in awesome shape prices are high but its winter what can you do. I have no clue where the j-dub is but I would try gold canyon it is really hard to screw up

[Flow]

Thanks to everyone for the great tips. Keep 'em coming!

[OlyJay]

If u can sneak away for a day. Gold canyon would be a great choice. I just played 36 holes today for this first time and it was the best golf experience I have had.

[silentcmh]

Grayhawk is overrated and won't get you the views you want.

I second SunRidge Canyon and Boulders (preferably South). I still haven't played Gold Canyon's Dinosaur Mountain course, but it's at the top of my summer playlist.