East Valley around $20 need suggestions

[LouieLouie]

Hey gang,

I need a few course suggestions for the east valley, preferably the Mesa area. I'm looking for something in the $20 range. I have been using teeoff lately and we played Arizona Golf Resort two weeks ago. Not the worst track I've played on.

 

Anyway, just looking for suggestions for courses that might be in this price range. any tee time works until about 2pm because after that I think you start to run out of daylight. We have older gentlemen golfers in our group so tracking a ball in good lighting is even a challenge. haha.

 

So far I like Toka Sticks, Western Skies, and San Marcos, only because I have never played any of them. Which of these three do you think is best and or do you have other suggestions.

Thanks!

[mikedejong]

My father in law lives in Mesa and I come down quite a bit. When we are looking for a "cheaper" alternative that is close by, we often play Painted Mountain or Viewpoint. Both are pretty fun, decent courses and I think you could find rates in the price range you are looking for (maybe twilight, after noon, or something). I haven't played any of the courses you mention above, so I don't really know about them.

[LouieLouie]

Yeah we have played painted mountain a couple of times. Its not bad. Better than Arizona Golf Resort in my opinion. Don't think I've played Viewpoint. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the heads up.

[quarterskins]

I play all of those courses. My thumbnail sketches...

 

AGR (your reference course) - I'm not sure why I'm not really drawn to AGR. Flat and mostly straight-ish with a couple of severe dog legs in a row, and too long of par 3s. A good walking course, but I'm not sure if they always have a walking rate. Conditions usually ok. Surprisingly nice 19th hole setting in the bar.

 

Toka Sticks - Flat and mostly straight-ish. Usually decent conditions. For a less expensive course TS is one of my frequent choices, esp when prices are high. Fantastic walking course that always has a very nice walking rate.

 

Western Skies - Not a bad course, but I don't usually have this one in the rotation. When I've played it I seemed to have a lot of tight lies.

 

San Marcos - Foam ball range. Conditions darn good since the redo. Some of the best sand in the Valley. Flat and straight-ish, but the big trees add to the interest. A couple of really dumb hole designs; #1 and the stupid long #4. A good walking course, but no walking rate to my knowledge.

 

Painted Mtn - No range. Ok course with generally ok conditions. I don't play this one very often. Decently walkable, but I'm not aware of a walking rate here.

 

Viewpoint - One of the best ranges in the East Valley. I play this course fairly often, as it's the nearest course to my house. Fantastic walking course. They don't often advertize/publicize a walking rate, but they do have one from time to time. I think they may only offer a walking rate to residents in the winter. Decent course, but a tad narrow. Conditions range from darn good to a bit burnt out. When the bermuda rough gets thick it can be tough to find your ball.

 

Las Colinas - I call this one The Golfer's Friend. I tend to score well on LC. Conditions lately have been really nice; well, except for most of the sand. Right now their weekend afternoon rate is a little over $20, but it'll get down there soon. Not a good walking course.

 

Las Sendas - Surprisingly, LS is in this price range right now. $22 weekend tee times on their web site after 1pm. High quality course, usually in very nice condition. Sand can be variable (as in all of AZ), but usually playable. Range balls included in green fee. Not a walking course. I've played LS a lot, as it's near my house and has often had low prices in the summer. It beats me up like no other. I recommend playing a tee shorter than you think you should. Has some holes that people seem to hate; #4 and #6, but mostly a quality layout. I've had a lot of birdies and an eagle on the par 5 #18, one of my favorite holes. Pop a decent drive and you have a good look at a hybrid or long iron over one of two lakes to a receptive green; fun. Really nice 19th hole with a good happy hour if you can finish before 6pm. No beverage cart. They have a snack shack at the confluence of #2 to #3 and #13 to #14; on a hot afternoon it's best to be sure you got your drinks from the snack window at the clubhouse, as the snack shack isn't usually open when there aren't a lot of players on the course.

 

Kokopelli - Sorry, but not a fan of Kokopelli. I've only played it a couple of times, but both of those times the conditions were not very good, and it seemed narrow to me.

 

Apache Creek - Not a bad course, but for some reason doesn't draw me back a lot. Good walking course.

 

Apache Wells - Kind of reminiscent of AGR without the hotel aspect. Very walkable, but I don't know of a walking rate.

 

Dobson Ranch - Currently $18 to walk after 1pm; $29 to ride. Great walking course. Surprisingly good conditions most of the time; even sand. Interesting layout. I'm a big fan of DR.

 

Ken MacDonald - Decent course. Ok conditions. I don't often play here, but I wouldn't turn my nose up at it. While there are a lot of walkers on this course it's only a decent walking course due to a couple of long hauls. They have a walking rate.

 

Superstition Springs - I *think* you can play here for $20 in the afternoon. Interesting layout that borders on odd. Usually pretty good conditions. Don't walk this course. I don't usually score well here.

 

If you want to play a short course Augusta Ranch and Sunland Village are nice.

[Kenny Lee Puckett]

Yeah we have played painted mountain a couple of times. Its not bad. Better than Arizona Golf Resort in my opinion. Don't think I've played Viewpoint. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the heads up.

if you haven't done it, +1 on Viewpoint... just played a quick round on Monday (this was the second Monday in a row I went there, it is NOT a desert course, if you want to see it there's video I was taking below)... for this time of year the course looked great and greens were rolling fine... should find sub-$30 rates now 7 days a week... very friendly skill level course for any group of players... they have nicely seated covered patio or indoor bar and grill, perfect for post round refreshments and telling lies.

[LouieLouie]

Wow, thanks for the rundown quarterskins and thanks for the confirmation Kenny. This is exactly what I was looking for.

[fore_life]

Starting June 1st, viewpoint starts running some awesome weekday specials. I have the practice membership but I've never played it, but I will this summer for sure! Greens are pretty damn pure but they are punching after the holiday weekend

[golfandfishing]

Deal site idealgolfer just posted AZ Golf Resort for $15.95 FYI.

 

http://www.idealgolfer.com/m/deal/phoenix/agr1606?blastID=1346682&rcpGbsId=19751022&utm_campaign=Phoenix+%2805%2F25%2F2016%29&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=subscriber_phoenix