Arizona Golf Question

[PistolPete33]

Going to be in Phoenix next week and having a bit of trouble deciding where to play 36 holes on Tuesday the 21st (first world problem if I have ever heard of one). Currently, down to either 36 at Whirlwind or 36 at Wildfire (Both are going to amount to the same cost of around $210). Was just wondering if anyone has an opinion on these two facilities in terms of which would be a better 36 hole option? Thanks in advance for any suggestions and I am aware their are numerous threads similar to this one however I do not think there has ever been a post contrasting the Palmer and Faldo courses at Wildfire to the Devils Claw and Cattail Courses at Whirlwind.

[poppyhillsguy]

I prefer the two Whirlwind courses over the two courses at Wildfire. I do not like the Faldo course. He went bunker-crazy in the design and really went overboard. The two courses at Whirlwind are pretty solid. It's been 10 years since I've played them, but remember liking both courses and the facilty.

[fore_life]

From all accounts of my trusted fellow locals, id stick with whirlwind

[teejaywhy]

I would give Whirlwind the slight edge over Wildfire mainly because Whirlwind is free from real estate, with a spacious, open feel.

Both courses at Whirlwind were designed by Gary Panks and are pretty similar. Built on a dead flat site, all of the features were pretty much created and the landscape is a "re-veg." Nonetheless, solid if not spectacular golf. Troon managed, so expect top conditioning. I like playing there because of the generous playing corridors (no turf restrictions on the reservation) and with no houses around, great views in every direction. A good choice for 36.

The two courses at Wildfire are pretty different from each other. "Bunker crazy" is a good description of the Schmidt and Curly designed Faldo course at Wildfire. While it perhaps has more character than the Whirlwind courses, it was not anything that compels me to return. As well, the Arnold Palmer course was OK not terribly interesting. Both of the Wildfire courses are routed through real estate corridors and while pretty flat, do feature a little more of the natural terrain and vegetation.

[Truman]

Go with Whirlwind if these are your four choices. I think you would like Grayhawk or Troon North better.

[puttnforthe8]

Whirlwind most definite....the Palmer course is not in the best shape and is a pretty blah course IMO. I like the Faldo course, but not enough to offset the other one. Whirwind has a great facility and good grub with a few ladies that are easy on the eyes.

If you wanted, you could also do both TPC course for not much more. If you walk you could get Champions for $55 in the morning then play Stadium in the afternoon for $210. But that would be purely for a persons desire to play a TPC course.

A very underrated 36 is the Verde courses...Vista Verde and Tonto Verde. $120-$130 max. This would be a great option to consider and one I wish more folks would think about.

[PistolPete33]

I really appreciate everyone's suggestions they have been a major help actually had travel plans change a bit and getting into Phoenix a day later so that has changed the golf up a bit and I have ended up dropping Whirlwind and Wildfire for this schedule

 

Current Schedule:

Monday: Still Deciding

Tuesday: 36 at We Ko Pa

Wednesday: WCG Accenture Matchplay (Rare opportunity for a Canadian to get to see Tiger play since he has not been to our open since 2000)<--Also why I am attending the first round because he may not last long

Thursday: Day off Golf

Friday: Seven Canyons (depending on weather)

Saturday: Troon North Pinnacle

 

If anyone has suggestions for Monday they would be appreciated (sorry for switching it up since everyone gave some great thoughts on Whirlwind vs. Wildfire, would like to keep Monday's round under $150 if possible. Thanks again, great forum here for golf fans

[Saluki91]

My vote for Monday - Superstition Mountain

http://www.superstitionmountain.com/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&pageid=278821&ssid=153201&vnf=1

$100 tee times available on that day. You may be able to do better if you call.

Tuesday looks like it will be a fun day...

Enjoy!

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='PistolPete33' timestamp='1329287849' post='4289323']
...
Thursday: Day off Golf
...
[/quote]

I see one problem with your schedule.

[puttnforthe8]

I really appreciate everyone's suggestions they have been a major help actually had travel plans change a bit and getting into Phoenix a day later so that has changed the golf up a bit and I have ended up dropping Whirlwind and Wildfire for this schedule

 

Current Schedule:

Monday: Still Deciding

Tuesday: 36 at We Ko Pa

Wednesday: WCG Accenture Matchplay (Rare opportunity for a Canadian to get to see Tiger play since he has not been to our open since 2000)<--Also why I am attending the first round because he may not last long

Thursday: Day off Golf

Friday: Seven Canyons (depending on weather)

Saturday: Troon North Pinnacle

 

If anyone has suggestions for Monday they would be appreciated (sorry for switching it up since everyone gave some great thoughts on Whirlwind vs. Wildfire, would like to keep Monday's round under $150 if possible. Thanks again, great forum here for golf fans

 

Easy: Quintero or Vista Verde. Raven at Verrado or TPC Champions would be next.

 

And yes...that Thursday schedule is a UTTER MESS!!! Shame Shame

[PistolPete33]

Haha had a feeling I might take some heat with taking a day off, always been a major basketball player/fan so going to take in the UCLA vs. Arizona State game which is at 12pm on Thursday. Thanks for the suggestions may just add Vista Verde on the Monday as it seems to come highly recommended on this forum

[jshel]

If you are flying in that Monday morning, I would suggest Southern Dunes. Not that far from the airport and it is good.

Other options including: Vista Verde, Raven Verrado, Trilogy Vistancia, Superstition Mountain are also all good.

[XFelon]

Lol.. Before I even read that you changed you mind to, Iwas going to recommend We Ko Pa for 36.. If you get a chance check out Raven -South Mountain/Phoenix. One of my favorite courses in AZ.. If you want some challenge you will get it at Troon North Pinnacle.. Little on the $ side being primetime and they are awfully proud of their course...

[OlyJay]

For Monday Check out Sunridge Canyon , Great track that will test you game

[play36]

+1 on Southern Dunes. Used to be private but went public a few years ago. It is a bit of a haul from Scottsdale but is closer to the airport.
+1000 on We-ko-pa.
I like Vista and Tonto Verde as well but they are on the northeast edge of Scottsdale so a haul depending on where you are staying. Vista is nice because there are no houses on it. There are 2 courses at Tonto, the Ranch and the Peaks. I prefer the Ranch which is longer and a bit more open. Both are lined with houses.

[ukalum]

Just returned from a golf trip to Scottsdale and wanted to share my thoughts. This is perhaps my 5th or so golf trip there so I have had a chance to play many of the courses in the area.

The highlight of the trip was to be a Trip to Dove Mountain to play the WGC tournament course before the pros arrived. But a cool, windy day spoiled that plan.

Instead we played the following courses based upon some of the help from others reccomendations above:

Las Sendas - I liked this course that we near the foothills north of Mesa. For $75 it was a great value and had some character. It did have a few blind tee shots that know knowing the course, screwed up a few holes for me, but otherwise is a recommended play.

Boulders North - Nice facility, nice course woven through the desert. Scenery on the north course isn't as good as on the south, but a high quality track. We paid $110 which I felt was a bargain in high season, and worth the round. But, rack rates were $170+ for most, which I'm not sure the course is worth of this. Play the South if you have a choice.

Whirlwind Devils Claw - Nice facility on the South side of the city. Overall very nice track with great conditions. Fairways were enormously wide, with very little desert to get in the way. (somewhat barren) Its located on a flat piece of property in the middle of nowhere. Not much scenery, housesm or fancy landscaping around with this course. Nice course, but not overly memorable. Paid $95 which was fair.

My tips for playing in Scottsdale:

Monitor Golfnow and EZlinks.com for great rates. They change daily and usually get lower closer the the round. I normally book them the night before. Also subscribe to emails from the local courses you want to play.

If you want spectacular desert golf, do play (in order)

1. Gold Canyon Dinosaur - my favorite of all the courses
2. Troon North Pinnacle - Great course
3. We Ko Pa (Both)
4. Grayhawk (Both are great, though I favor the Talon course)
5. Troon Monument (front 9 is average, back nine is very nice)

2nd Tier Courses that you'll enjoy:
Boulders (both)
Legend Trail
Sunridge Canyon - At the foothills. Nice terrain changes and challenging
Eagle Mountain
TPC Champions - really enjoyed this layout for the price.
Phoenician - Nice resort style course
Longbow
Talking Stick
Las Sendas
Whirlwind
ASU Karsten - I've played this a few time, but not my favorite. A links course doesn't fare well in AZ
Mountain Shadows - A fun executive course to take the wife for a round.

There are many other nice courses n the area that I haven't had a chance to play yet. Perhaps next year. Thanks to everyone's help on this forum for your advice in my trip planning.