From Chicago IL to Phoenix AZ

[mulliginman]

what are the best corses to hit?

My father and I are planning to drive down to our home in phoenix AZ. for a little golf adventure. Out starting point, Chicago IL. Now i am wondering what are the must play courses on the drive down to Phoenix. Not really looking to drive multiple hours out of the way but if it takes us a little off the highway its not a problem. Looking for 3 courses to play for the drive down, and then 2 while we are in the Phoenix area. Any info on great courses is much appreciated.

Thanks, Liam

[Preduck]

Which route are you taking? Will make a huge difference on course selection. Depending on when you go, some of these states on your route will still be snow covered.

[mulliginman]

i will be going over spring break, and will be traveling which ever way mapquest sugests

[Preduck]

What kind of budget you looking at per round?

[fore_life]

If you're in the area of Albuquerque, then I wouldn't pass at the chance to play Paa Ko Ridge.

http://www.paakoridge.com/

[mulliginman]

great thanks. anyone else have some good suggestions?

[fore_life]

I would also suggest that if you go through Albuquerque and then head to Phoenix, instead of taking the I40 east to the 17 south(long and very boring stretch of road), I would take the "back way" in to Phoenix, coming down through Payson, and playing The Rim golf club in Payson. Shoot me a PM if you need actual directions. This is the way my wife and I always take and its a lot more scenic and shaves about an hour or so off your drive time.

[feedlotdoc]

IF you go through KS on I-70, try Colbert Hills in Manhattan. It is a beast from any tees. Very hard course, but fun. Fairly reasonable at around $65. You could then go down I-35 and hit Sand Creek Station. I have not played but have heard good things.

[fore_life]

And another plus to driving through payson is that once you get back into the phoenix area, the road you take from payson into Phoenix(the 87) takes you right past WeKoPA

[Preduck]

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1293763482' post='2867026']
And another plus to driving through payson is that once you get back into the phoenix area, the road you take from payson into Phoenix(the 87) takes you right past WeKoPA
[/quote]


WeKoPa is Awesome!!! Play both courses if possible. If you go to Payson, make sure you go to the south rim of the grand canyon. One of the most breath taking things I've ever seen.

Here are my suggestions:

Phoenix:

WeKoPa (both courses)
Troon North (both Courses)
Grayhawk (both are good, but I prefer Raptor. Good value here)

Iowa or Illinois depending on route
TPC Deere Run (silvis,Ill)
Harvester (Rhodes, IA.....Little bit off the route worth it)
The Den at Fox Creek(Bloomington, Ill)
Weaverridge (Peoria,Ill)
Legacy (Norwalk, Iowa)
Tournament Club of Iowa(Polk City, Iowa)
Blue Top Ridge (Riverside, Iowa)


Those are the ones that come to mind. The only one I haven't played is Blue Top because of the flooding, but I've heard good things about it.

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1293756288' post='2866846']
I would also suggest that if you go through Albuquerque and then head to Phoenix, instead of taking the I40 east to the 17 south(long and very boring stretch of road), I would take the "back way" in to Phoenix, coming down through Payson, and playing The Rim golf club in Payson. Shoot me a PM if you need actual directions. This is the way my wife and I always take and its a lot more scenic and shaves about an hour or so off your drive time.
[/quote]

Great suggestion Mark!

The OP didn't say when this trip is happening however... Payson just got 16" of snow from this last storm!

[fore_life]

I think he said it was over spring break, so mid march??? Paa Ko runs that chance of being snowy but hopefully Payson will be dug out by then haha

[mccjud]

I agree 100% with playing WeKoPa, just an outstanding course with playability. I played Dove Mountain and really enjoyed that course, plus it was affordable.

Enjoy the trip!

[fairwayallday]

I second Colbert Hills and the Harvester, both killer courses.

In KC there is a nice place called The Golf Club of Kansas. Off of I-435, not sure if you would be in the area but it is one of my favorites.

Another really nice one that I am just going to throw out is Wildhorse off of I-80 in Nebraska. Again, not sure that you are going that way but if so it is crazy cheap and really good.

I am playing WeKoPa in a couple of weeks and can't wait. Been buried in snow for what seems like months...