Favorite course in Phoenix?

[fore_life]

[quote name='isaacbm' timestamp='1335759413' post='4813466']
[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1335755445' post='4813124']
[quote name='wcb231' timestamp='1335748099' post='4812346']
No love for Las Sendas? Not on the same level as some of the other desert courses, sure, but some great holes and a fun, challenging layout with nice greens. Lousy range, though
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I thought the range was the best part haha
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I hated this course! We played a couple of Gateway tour events there and I struggled a lot. There's a par 5 on the front, 7 or 8 that is top 10 worst tee shots I've ever seen. I have a feeling I might like this course from the middle tees. I just didn't like hitting driver to tiny targets with desert rocks and gravel on both sides. Very pretty, but don't bring a new set of clubs to this place! LOL!
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Is that the one where you have to either cut the corner blindly over a mountain or lay up to an area where everything slopes into the desert or a bunker short of that?

[isaacbm]

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Is that the one where you have to either cut the corner blindly over a mountain or lay up to an area where everything slopes into the desert or a bunker short of that?
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Yup. It's about a 275 yard blind carry over boulders and the side of a mountain from the tips. If you miss it's re tee time. If you lay up, it's about 25 yards wide sloping into more rocks and a bunker. Then the shot into the green is just as bad. It would be a much more enjoyable course if they had a 10 yard collar of 3 inch rough around most of the fairways. that way at least your ball wouldn't roll under a boulder. I understand you should be penalized if you land it in the desert but a gently rolling ball hit 2 degrees off line shouldn't be unplayable.

[Pepperturbo]

[quote name='isaacbm' timestamp='1335759413' post='4813466']
[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1335755445' post='4813124']
[quote name='wcb231' timestamp='1335748099' post='4812346']
No love for Las Sendas? Not on the same level as some of the other desert courses, sure, but some great holes and a fun, challenging layout with nice greens. Lousy range, though
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I thought the range was the best part haha
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I hated this course! We played a couple of Gateway tour events there and I struggled a lot. There's a par 5 on the front, 7 or 8 that is top 10 worst tee shots I've ever seen. I have a feeling I might like this course from the middle tees. I just didn't like hitting driver to tiny targets with desert rocks and gravel on both sides. Very pretty, but don't bring a new set of clubs to this place! LOL!
[/quote]

Never played that course. However, I learned long ago to carry a desert 5i (made to match my set) and leave my normal 5i in the trunk. My friends in AZ have them as well.

[isaacbm]

[/quote]

I hated this course! We played a couple of Gateway tour events there and I struggled a lot. There's a par 5 on the front, 7 or 8 that is top 10 worst tee shots I've ever seen. I have a feeling I might like this course from the middle tees. I just didn't like hitting driver to tiny targets with desert rocks and gravel on both sides. Very pretty, but don't bring a new set of clubs to this place! LOL!
[/quote]

Never played that course. However, I learned long ago to carry a desert 5i (made to match my set) and leave my normal 5i in the trunk. My friends in AZ have them as well.
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I suggest bringing about 4 desert clubs.... S.W. 9,7,5 that should about cover you for all the gravel on this course.

[mflores]

I'm going with:

Cholla
Superstition - Prospector
Quintero

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1335795857' post='4814716']
[quote name='isaacbm' timestamp='1335759413' post='4813466']
[quote name='wcb231' timestamp='1335748099' post='4812346']
No love for Las Sendas?
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I hated this course! We played a couple of Gateway tour events there and I struggled a lot. There's a par 5 on the front, 7 or 8 that is top 10 worst tee shots I've ever seen. I have a feeling I might like this course from the middle tees. I just didn't like hitting driver to tiny targets with desert rocks and gravel on both sides. Very pretty, but don't bring a new set of clubs to this place! LOL!
[/quote]

Is that the one where you have to either cut the corner blindly over a mountain or lay up to an area where everything slopes into the desert or a bunker short of that?
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#6.

No love for Las Sendas from this perspective. While it is true, most all desert courses penalize you if you stray from the turf, Las Sendas just seems to have a smaller margin for error. It has a pretty high slope as I recall. There are a few holes I like, but generally speaking, the course just seems forced onto the property with a lot of shaping and bunkering that doesn't really fit the surroundings. Another detractor - It is a mostly unwalkable real-estate routing with every hole flanked by housing, although to be fair, that is mostly a fact of life for modern courses. Whatever it is, I just don't have fun playing this course.

[LDinAZ]

WeKoPa is by far the best public 36 hole facility in town (actually in Fountain Hills about 20 minutes away). Other great options are:
Grayhawk Raptor
Troon North Monument
Talking Stick (I prefer the North course)
Papago - it's a great muni and pretty inexpensive (no clubhouse, no frills, but great golf)
Legend Trail is another good one, very close to Troon North.

[wcb231]

All fair points on Las Sendas. I've played it twice and enjoyed it both times, although 18 is sort of gimmicky. Then again, I grew up in Massachusetts where it's tree lined hole after tree lined hole, so the desert and mountains are a nice change!!

[nsarnicki]

For me it is either course at Grayhawk. However, for a really enjoyable and dirt cheap round, I love shaking the rust off at Maryvale. Just a simple old muni, junkyard dog roaming the course and surprisingly nice greens.

[fore_life]

Maryvale will always be one of my favorites, I grew up playing there, lived right up the street. Haven't played it since they've redone 9 though

[JLTD63]

A few other options that haven't been mentioned yet...


Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler...36-holes, both fun courses, very well manicured.

Ocotillo Golf Club in Chandler...27-holes, water in play everywhere, fun course.

I also don't mind Legacy Resort in Phoenix, it's a resort course but it's fun to play and has always been in great shape every time I've played it.

If you're looking for a cheap round, check out Palm Valley in Goodyear. Nice layout, nothing special really, but fun. Good condition. You can play peak season for around $50.

[Pepperturbo]

If you don't mind a bit of a drive to Goodyear, check out Estrella Golf Club. Every time we've been there it's been in outstanding shape, and its a strong test. We're heading to AZ soon, and that's one of our stops.

[fore_life]

I agree pepper, just wish it were closer to my house or I'd play there frequently. Found it pretty easy off the tee but demanding from the fairway, which is a nice change of pace from many of the desert tracks out here

[Pepperturbo]

I was amazed to find that level of course where it is... seemed like it was in the outback, and its somewhat popular too. Fun course, and I agree. Reasonable off the tee and testy in to some challenging greens. Inexpensive and beautiful views.

[sabram]

If you don't mind a bit of a drive to Goodyear, check out Estrella Golf Club. Every time we've been there it's been in outstanding shape, and its a strong test.

 

I do like the course, but if I drive that far I'd probably play Raven at Verrado more than often than Estrella.

 

Golf Club of Estrella

 

Golf Club of Estrella #3

[Pepperturbo]

[quote name='sabram' timestamp='1336008177' post='4836154']
[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1335998036' post='4835136']
If you don't mind a bit of a drive to Goodyear, check out Estrella Golf Club. Every time we've been there it's been in outstanding shape, and its a strong test. [/quote]

I do like the course, but if I drive that far I'd probably play Raven at Verrado more than often than Estrella.

[url="http://sports.webshots.com/album/579765976kQijmC"]Golf Club of Estrella[/url]


Golf Club of Estrella #3
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Haven't played Raven at Verrado. However, where that club is located in Buckeye, it use to be great bird hunting.

[fore_life]

[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1336066554' post='4840876']
[quote name='sabram' timestamp='1336008177' post='4836154']
[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1335998036' post='4835136']
If you don't mind a bit of a drive to Goodyear, check out Estrella Golf Club. Every time we've been there it's been in outstanding shape, and its a strong test. [/quote]

I do like the course, but if I drive that far I'd probably play Raven at Verrado more than often than Estrella.

[url="http://sports.webshots.com/album/579765976kQijmC"]Golf Club of Estrella[/url]


Golf Club of Estrella #3
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Haven't played Raven at Verrado. However, where that club is located in Buckeye, it use to be great bird hunting.
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Haha I was going to mention the same thing. I remember going on off road day trips out where Estrella is developed and going shooting out in buckeye. Seemed so far!

[ricar1610]

I can only really afford the muni's for the most part and I like to walk. I used to play Papago a lot but have not liked it since they re-did it. I went back Tuesday and found that it is is fantastic condition and the greens are finally playable. I walked for $24. In the afternoon I played Aguila - another muni that is always in fantastic shape. Both of these are challenging and playable. My favorite is Maryvale as I live close and practice/play there 3 times a week. I just love its simplicity and the dog is great. She follows me for a few holes and then takes a nap. Grew up playing that course and now take my daughter there and she loves it. I even love Encanto, but Cave Creek is ok - although I play it sometimes to mix it up. I am a Phoenix City course lover! Great courses at great prices.

I have played several of the high end courses and find them to be fine, but not worth the money (unless it is summer afternoon). I agree with TPC being average. We play the AGA Stroke Play at the Champions course and I just can't get myself to like any holes on that course.

Papago is a great layout - try it. It is very affordable and in great condition right now. Not crowded either.

[wcb231]

Two questions for my fellow Valley-dwellers:

1) Thoughts on the Gold course at Wigwam? I see rates are starting to fall there and I'm thinking of taking advantage of that this weekend.

2) Got an email from the AGA today advertising their summer passbook. I guess it has deals on a bunch of courses where you pay just a cart fee during the summer/fall months. Has anyone ever gotten this thing in years past? Is it worth the 40 bucks at buy one get one free?

[Pepperturbo]

[quote name='wcb231' timestamp='1336691542' post='4891640']
Two questions for my fellow Valley-dwellers:

1) Thoughts on the Gold course at Wigwam? I see rates are starting to fall there and I'm thinking of taking advantage of that this weekend.

2) Got an email from the AGA today advertising their summer passbook. I guess it has deals on a bunch of courses where you pay just a cart fee during the summer/fall months. Has anyone ever gotten this thing in years past? Is it worth the 40 bucks at buy one get one free?
[/quote]

Can't speak to the AGA. However, every time we stay at Wigwam, most of our time is on the Gold course. Its the best challenge of the three. That said, I am not a green fee shopper, so the first chance I get I cross the 10 frwy and head 5mi south to Golf Club at Estrella. Not only is that course more interesting, the beauty and scenery far outweighs Wigwam.

[wcb231]

I played Estrella early last summer and I loved it. I'm always trying to find new courses to play, which is why I want to give the Gold course a try, but I totally agree with you on Estrella, it's a gem.

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='wcb231' timestamp='1336691542' post='4891640']
Two questions for my fellow Valley-dwellers:

1) Thoughts on the Gold course at Wigwam? I see rates are starting to fall there and I'm thinking of taking advantage of that this weekend.

[/quote]

You should definitely play the Gold at least once. It's a bit of a blast from the past, 60's style parkland course in the big Trent Jones style. Tree-lined, all turf, long from the tips, big greens, big bunkers. Nothing there you probably haven't seen before, but a piece of Phoenix history.

I actually prefer the Red course. Also an old school parkland style course, with a bit more of the real estate component, but more interesting greens & bunkering.

Both courses absolutely worth a play especially at the summer rates.

[Skydiver22]

Rack and stack

Southern Dunes
Estrella Mountain
Saguaro


But of the state
Forest Highlands ranks above the Dunes

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='wcb231' timestamp='1336691542' post='4891640']

2) Got an email from the AGA today advertising their summer passbook. I guess it has deals on a bunch of courses where you pay just a cart fee during the summer/fall months. Has anyone ever gotten this thing in years past? Is it worth the 40 bucks at buy one get one free?
[/quote]

Was curious about this deal so I looked into it.

Not convinced it is much of a deal at all. The "promotional fee" doesn't seem significantly lower or in some cases, lower at all than what one can snag on Golfnow. And in many cases, it is restricted to Sun-Thurs or after certain times of the day.

It might save a little money but I would look closely at exactly what you get for the $40.

[YMark]

[quote name='teejaywhy' timestamp='1336720570' post='4893836']
Was curious about this deal so I looked into it.

Not convinced it is much of a deal at all. The "promotional fee" doesn't seem significantly lower or in some cases, lower at all than what one can snag on Golfnow. And in many cases, it is restricted to Sun-Thurs or after certain times of the day.

It might save a little money but I would look closely at exactly what you get for the $40.
[/quote]

I also looked into this deal, since I live in AZ. I came to the same conclusion, not much of a deal. When you look at GolfNow and EZlink, you're really not saving anything.

[fore_life]

[quote name='YMark' timestamp='1336751143' post='4895578']
[quote name='teejaywhy' timestamp='1336720570' post='4893836']
Was curious about this deal so I looked into it.

Not convinced it is much of a deal at all. The "promotional fee" doesn't seem significantly lower or in some cases, lower at all than what one can snag on Golfnow. And in many cases, it is restricted to Sun-Thurs or after certain times of the day.

It might save a little money but I would look closely at exactly what you get for the $40.
[/quote]



I also looked into this deal, since I live in AZ. I came to the same conclusion, not much of a deal. When you look at GolfNow and EZlink, you're really not saving anything.
[/quote]
Exactly, and at many places with the time restrictions, I've found some of the golfnow tee times to be cheaper than cart fee's.

I remember when I had my membership at Ahwatukee, I could book tee times for like 9 bucks and cart fee was 14 as a member haha

[Pepperturbo]

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1336759191' post='4896448']
[quote name='YMark' timestamp='1336751143' post='4895578']
[quote name='teejaywhy' timestamp='1336720570' post='4893836']
Was curious about this deal so I looked into it.

Not convinced it is much of a deal at all. The "promotional fee" doesn't seem significantly lower or in some cases, lower at all than what one can snag on Golfnow. And in many cases, it is restricted to Sun-Thurs or after certain times of the day.

It might save a little money but I would look closely at exactly what you get for the $40.
[/quote]



I also looked into this deal, since I live in AZ. I came to the same conclusion, not much of a deal. When you look at GolfNow and EZlink, you're really not saving anything.
[/quote]
Exactly, and at many places with the time restrictions, I've found some of the golfnow tee times to be cheaper than cart fee's.

I remember when I had my membership at Ahwatukee, I could book tee times for like 9 bucks and cart fee was 14 as a member haha
[/quote]

Off topic, but curious.. Were you a member at Ahwatukee when Mark Calcavecchia lived there?

[fore_life]

Pepper, no I wasn't. I've only been playing again for about 4 years (just turned 30) and had a membership for 2 of those years, so it was well past Ahwatukee's heyday of yore haha

[HookemHornsBevo]

Karsten

[fore_life]

[quote name='HookemHornsBevo' timestamp='1336962830' post='4908982']
Karsten
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It's not awful, but it wouldn't make my top 10