Arizona Golf Trip Mid February 2017

[wilymo]

I know I could probably search for each course and get a good amount of feedback on them so sorry in advance but curious if anyone had any thoughts on some courses. We're going on a small golf trip in February and wanted some feedback on what courses to play. Primarily interested in course conditions, layout, etc. Outside of the obvious choices, Troon, We-Ko-Pa, Quintero, TPC, etc. any hidden gems worth checking out?

 

Here are a few of the courses we're considering that we have in's to.

 

Wickenburg Ranch

Starfire

Gainey Ranch

Gold Canyon

 

Thanks in advance!

[txeconomist]

Outside of the most popular courses: TPC, Troon, WeKoPa, Grayhawk etc... I really like Camelback Ambiente, its pretty awesome I think.

[az2au]

Starfire is a joke, stay away. Gainey Ranch is also not good IMO but others do like it. Gold Canyon Dinosaur is basically AZ's version of Wolfcreek (pretty but tricked up as much as your average putt putt course).

 

Use the first post in the sticky about traveling to PHX to pick other courses.

[wilymo]

Thanks! Any particular reason Gainey Ranch and Starfire aren't great?

[az2au]

Thanks! Any particular reason Gainey Ranch and Starfire aren't great?

Starfire is jammed in the middle of a residential neighborhood and is just a boring, below average golf course.

 

Gainey has three 9s. One of them is OK. The other two are also just boring, run of the mill 9s.

[az2au]

BTW, Gainey is a nice place and I'd be shocked if it weren't in good shape. I just don't think the courses are very good.

[DrSchteeve]

I know I could probably search for each course and get a good amount of feedback on them so sorry in advance but curious if anyone had any thoughts on some courses. We're going on a small golf trip in February and wanted some feedback on what courses to play. Primarily interested in course conditions, layout, etc. Outside of the obvious choices, Troon, We-Ko-Pa, Quintero, TPC, etc. any hidden gems worth checking out?

 

Here are a few of the courses we're considering that we have in's to.

 

Wickenburg Ranch

Starfire

Gainey Ranch

Gold Canyon

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Of the 4 additional courses you mention, Starfire and Gainey Ranch are no reason to make a trip to Arizona. Gold Canyon Dinosaur has views but the layout is pedestrian. Wickenburg Ranch is definitely one to play if you can. az2au is spot on with Camelback Ambiente - not a traditional desert course, but a great layout and takes you through a corridor of really nice older Paradise Valley homes, and is the closest thing to links style you will find in the area.

 

Of the obvious choices, Wekopa (Saguaro edge over Cholla), Troon (Pinnacle edge over Monument), and Grayhawk (Raptor edge over Talon) will find few detractors, TPC is considered by most to be overrated with the only reason to play being the TV factor. Quintero is polarizing, certainly a better choice than Gold Canyon Dinosaur for views and conditions, but the layout leaves much to be desired - Wickenburg Ranch is 20 miles farther than Quintero, but is a much better choice overall.

 

Southern Dunes is arguably as good or better than Troon, Wekopa, or Grayhawk. Another to be considered is Verde River - it now has housing and has been recently remodeled, but it is a solid track with good views and the price will probably be more reasonable than the others.

[Chomper]

I agree w every statement above.

 

Good grief, if I visited AZ in Feb and played Starfire, I would take a 9 iron to my travel agent!!

 

Gainey is going to be in good shape, but I don't think it would rank in my top 50 courses in the area. If you have an "in", try to head to Anthem. It is a better ClubCorp course, but I don't know how much better.

 

Southern Dunes and Wickenburg Ranch are probably as far away from each other as you can get in the Phoenix area. Having said that, they are both worth the drive if you are a serious golfer. I like Quintero, but it is polarizing. Great views!

 

WeKoPa Saguaro is a solid course, I do not like Cholla.

[jjr]

Agree with the Dr and Chomper SD & Wickenburg are definitely must plays. Played Wick 10 days ago for the 1st time,awesome!

When I'm back in Dec/Jan I'll be playing SD and the reno'd Verde River

[wilymo]

Awesome feedback guys! Exactly what I was looking for.

[Bigrome26]

Played Quintero, Troon North, Raven, We-Ko-Pa, and both the Talon and Raptor courses at Grayhawk last November and each course was phenomenal. Purchased the package with three of my buddies on GolfZoo.com and it was quite affordable

[puttnforthe8]

Thanks! Any particular reason Gainey Ranch and Starfire aren't great?

 

Because they are junk! Not sure what else you need. But let me try some: they are short, often poor condition, boring, ugly, poor design, poor service.

[toypor]

If you are making the drive to play Wickenburg Ranch and are up to a 36 hole day, I would absolutely recommend Los Cabbaleros. Truly a fun layout in a fantastic setting. Typically in very good condition. Challenging but will not beat you up. As mentioned above, Anthem CC is a much better Club Corp option than Gainey. Both courses are excellent.

 

[One_Putt_Blunder]

There are no hidden gems in phx the last one was Vista Verde Tehgava Verde River or whatever it is now. We hyped it too much and it was no longer hidden.

 

[BUCKEYERBALL88]

I'd say copper canyon is a hidden gem

[herbygolf21]

I'd say copper canyon is a hidden gem

 

Shut your mouth! Now everyone will be going to my spot!