Quote:
Originally Posted by Weitz
I’ve golfed in Phoenix a bit (TPC and some other tracks)
Heading down in December for a short trip for a football game bookended by 2 rounds of golf. Anyone have any suggestions?
1st round would prefer to be close to airport so time isn’t wasted much when we arrive as sun sets fairly early
2nd could be anywhere as we will have lots of time.
Thanks!
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I'm going to assume you're staying near the stadium? You're coming down when prices are almost at their highest. The biggest jump takes place after January 1st, so you might be able to catch some deals here or there, but I will mention, some courses have already made the first jump to higher prices, ahead of overseed. On overseed, you shouldn't run into much of a problem as most are going to be six to eight weeks into their rye turf. Some courses do enforce CPO for an extended period, but that is usually over by Thanksgiving. Coming in during December should see most CPO restrictions lifted already.
For rounds close to the airport I would recommend Legacy Resort or The Raven. Both are really nice layouts and usually have great conditions. They are both higher value tracks as well. Both are under $20 Uber ride from the airport. The aforementioned Papago is an option, but I think the bang for the buck is on the low side. Not a great layout and conditions can be hit and miss. ASU plays there and runs the agronomy program which is why it can be it and miss.
Since you say you have lots of time I'll suggest some courses on the perimeter of metro Phoenix where you will get great value. Starting closest to the stadium.
Quintero is a spectacular golf course and is really untouched desert on many of its holes. Tough course, but extremely picturesque and worth every dollar you spend.
A real hidden gem is
Wickenburg Ranch. It's in a retirement community, but don't let that dissuade you. It is a great golf course that will test your game and provide one of the more enjoyable experiences.
Sterling Grove is a new track that is just a couple years old. Another really great layout that is designed for the better golfers out there. This one is slated to go private, so play it while you can.
Verrado is a golf community that is gearing up to go private. They have 36 holes, one of which is already private. The public course is really nice but somewhat pedestrian. I would put it down for conditions and value for sure.
Honorable mention for around the stadium, and with a caveat. IF you know someone who is American military (preferably airforce) try and get them to take you to Falcon Dunes. A really nice Gary Panks track that doesn't charge an arm and a leg, and you get to watch the fighter jocks doing their takeoffs and landings all day. Nothing cooler than having an F35 or F16 come roaring in overhead after hitting your shot. These guys know where they are and they will sometimes put on a bit of a show for you.
If you don't mind a drive here are the courses I would recommend in a heartbeat, every time, and believe they provide the best value for your dollar.
Ak Chin Southern Dunes, in the southwest corner of metro Phoenix (Maricopa), is a must play course, if you like bunkers. This Fred Couples layout was built for players and has some real gut busters from the back of the course. Move up a couple tee boxes and it becomes a very playable and extremely enjoyable round. Fairways are lined with bunkers and greens become islands in a sea of sand. But a fantastic layout that should be experienced.
Gold Canyon Golf Resort, in the very southeast corner of Metro Phoenix, is a 36 hole facility that offers two distinct 18 hole tracks. The premiere course, and most expensive, is Dinosaur Moutain. It is one of the most scenic courses you will play. Your round works its way around and over Dinosaur Mountain and has spectacular views of the Superstition Mountains. Conditions are always top notch and the view will make you forget how badly the course is kicking your ass. The other course on property, Sidewinder, is probably the better challenge overall. The first eight holes lure you into a false sense of security, as the final ten feature elevated turtle shell greens. Bring your "A" wedge game or it will kick your ass. Conditions on this course are always top notch and the value is off the charts.
While I am not a fan, this list must feature
We Ko Pa, which is on the very eastern edge of Metro Phoenix. A 36 hole layout with two very different 18s, neither of which I think is fair. But the courses are always in a awesome shape, do not have a house in sight, and provide a great bang for the buck. Ben Crenshaw (Saguaro) and Scott Miller (Cholla) designed two beautiful courses but with some features that will leave you scratching your head as you come off the greens. Once you finish you can head to the casino onsite and donate your money to the Yavapai tribe who owns the facility.