End of December Golf in Scottsdale

[Froo Shon Tay]

Good afternoon,

 

Last second trip for us. We will be there Dec. 27th-30th. Looking to get in two rounds. I live in Dallas and normally use golfnow and have been lucky with Hot Deals. Does anybody have any experience using Golfnow in the area during that time?

[fore_life]

How many players? It's such a crapshoot that time of year, you might be able to get a sweet deal of you might not see anything available for a few days.

 

Playing as a single it becomes much easier to find something.

 

Teeoff works well and usually cheaper, but less deal time options. But there are always 20% coupons

[Froo Shon Tay]

How many players? It's such a crapshoot that time of year, you might be able to get a sweet deal of you might not see anything available for a few days.

 

Playing as a single it becomes much easier to find something.

 

Teeoff works well and usually cheaper, but less deal time options. But there are always 20% coupons

 

Thank you for the feedback. It will be me playing and my wife riding....

[az2au]

Just a small warning that this time is usually what I refer to as our “week of winter” so make sure you are prepared with warm clothes and understand that frost delays are definitely a possibility although they are more likely in Jan/earlyFeb.

[cbbaron]

Was there Xmas eve and Xmas don't think it broke 50 but will out there more than likely that week again lol

[Froo Shon Tay]

Was there Xmas eve and Xmas don't think it broke 50 but will out there more than likely that week again lol

 

i'll golf in cold. 50 is great. lol. I will just plan my rounds after 10am. What can I expect price wise?

[fore_life]

Depends on where you play, but it's the equivalent to dropping the soap in prison

[bulls9999]

Also check out LastMinutegolfer.com (I think they went solely to iPhone app, or the web directs you to download the app), I believe they only have tee times for today or tomorrow. Pretty good prices, imo.

 

I played the Phoenician (3 different 9-hole setups: Oasis, Mountain, Dessert?) where on any given day you play 2 of those; used one of those online tee time sites to get a discount. I never played a course format like that before (I know there's quite a few out there), but I found it to be fun, each 9-holes was somewhat different flavor than the other.

 

How many players? It's such a crapshoot that time of year, you might be able to get a sweet deal of you might not see anything available for a few days.

 

Playing as a single it becomes much easier to find something.

 

Teeoff works well and usually cheaper, but less deal time options. But there are always 20% coupons

[dtm6582]

Just a small warning that this time is usually what I refer to as our “week of winter” so make sure you are prepared with warm clothes and understand that frost delays are definitely a possibility although they are more likely in Jan/earlyFeb.

 

A fair warning. Years ago I was a "concierge" (I was really a timeshare marketer, please don't hold it against me) for a resort in Flagstaff. About once a week from October-March we would have someone show up expecting Phoenix temps. Shorts and a golf shirt aren't quite enough when the high for the day is 43 degrees, even if you're from the mid-west.

 

However, should someone happen upon this thread in the future I think we should clarify that what we call our "week of winter" is what most of the country refers to as "fall". Even the coldest days will be chilly in the early morning but will warm up to at least the mid-50s, almost always sunny. A Christmas where we barely break 50 is unfortunately too rare. I know it sounds cold but since it's almost never windy or cloudy here 50's is very comfortable weather for golf, especially if you walk.

[Froo Shon Tay]

Just a small warning that this time is usually what I refer to as our “week of winter” so make sure you are prepared with warm clothes and understand that frost delays are definitely a possibility although they are more likely in Jan/earlyFeb.

 

A fair warning. Years ago I was a "concierge" (I was really a timeshare marketer, please don't hold it against me) for a resort in Flagstaff. About once a week from October-March we would have someone show up expecting Phoenix temps. Shorts and a golf shirt aren't quite enough when the high for the day is 43 degrees, even if you're from the mid-west.

 

However, should someone happen upon this thread in the future I think we should clarify that what we call our "week of winter" is what most of the country refers to as "fall". Even the coldest days will be chilly in the early morning but will warm up to at least the mid-50s, almost always sunny. A Christmas where we barely break 50 is unfortunately too rare. I know it sounds cold but since it's almost never windy or cloudy here 50's is very comfortable weather for golf, especially if you walk.

 

Sounds ideal! Thanks for the info. I downloaded that App. i'll give it a shot

[teejaywhy]

 

What can I expect price wise?

 

Somewhere in the range of $30-250.

 

(Hope this helps)

 

 

[Shilgy]

Also check out LastMinutegolfer.com (I think they went solely to iPhone app, or the web directs you to download the app), I believe they only have tee times for today or tomorrow. Pretty good prices, imo.

 

I played the Phoenician (3 different 9-hole setups: Oasis, Mountain, Dessert?) where on any given day you play 2 of those; used one of those online tee time sites to get a discount. I never played a course format like that before (I know there's quite a few out there), but I found it to be fun, each 9-holes was somewhat different flavor than the other.

 

How many players? It's such a crapshoot that time of year, you might be able to get a sweet deal of you might not see anything available for a few days.

 

Playing as a single it becomes much easier to find something.

 

Teeoff works well and usually cheaper, but less deal time options. But there are always 20% coupons

didn't I read the either day the Phoenician is now 18 holes?

[az2au]

Also check out LastMinutegolfer.com (I think they went solely to iPhone app, or the web directs you to download the app), I believe they only have tee times for today or tomorrow. Pretty good prices, imo.

 

I played the Phoenician (3 different 9-hole setups: Oasis, Mountain, Dessert?) where on any given day you play 2 of those; used one of those online tee time sites to get a discount. I never played a course format like that before (I know there's quite a few out there), but I found it to be fun, each 9-holes was somewhat different flavor than the other.

 

How many players? It's such a crapshoot that time of year, you might be able to get a sweet deal of you might not see anything available for a few days.

 

Playing as a single it becomes much easier to find something.

 

Teeoff works well and usually cheaper, but less deal time options. But there are always 20% coupons

didn't I read the either day the Phoenician is now 18 holes?

It is. I played there for a work event recently and the Canyon 9 is mostly gone. Sadly, the Oasis 9 (straight up terrible design, not that Desert and Canyon were great) survived intact. The routing is terrible as well contributing to already blah design.

 

They are shutting down in January and redesigning the remaining 18 to a new course. Not sure there is much to work with given the corridors that remain jammed between the houses. I imagine it will remain the same tourist/corporate trap it always was and maybe even worse.

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Also check out LastMinutegolfer.com (I think they went solely to iPhone app, or the web directs you to download the app), I believe they only have tee times for today or tomorrow. Pretty good prices, imo.

 

I played the Phoenician (3 different 9-hole setups: Oasis, Mountain, Dessert?) where on any given day you play 2 of those; used one of those online tee time sites to get a discount. I never played a course format like that before (I know there's quite a few out there), but I found it to be fun, each 9-holes was somewhat different flavor than the other.

 

How many players? It's such a crapshoot that time of year, you might be able to get a sweet deal of you might not see anything available for a few days.

 

Playing as a single it becomes much easier to find something.

 

Teeoff works well and usually cheaper, but less deal time options. But there are always 20% coupons

didn't I read the either day the Phoenician is now 18 holes?

 

Rich folks up on Camelback got tired of the plebs parking in their neighborhoods to hike Camelback mountain. The city is building a new trailhead for the hike. Part of it will be on Phoenician land I believe the upper corner of the 9 that runs parallel to the start of the camelback hike. 300 new residences will also be built, guessing condo style resort living on the 9 that is no longer

[Froo Shon Tay]

Looking at some Golfnow deals for our upcoming trip.. Have both Mccormick Courses on there for $49 any time and Las Sendas for $69. I am sure more will pop up as it gets closer. Does anybody have feedback on these 3 courses?

[fore_life]

Read the course reviews thread, las sendas is covered frequently on here

[jatrain]

This is really going to depend on your budget. You can play somewhere like either McCormick Ranch course anywhere in the country. Unless you're looking at a budget of $50 per round, at which it might be a better option than some of your other choices, I'd look somewhere else.

 

If you've never been to the Valley before then you're going to want more of a Desert type course. Las Sendas fits this bill, but personally I just hate the course. Bad design, overly hard, slow play. Every time I play there I end up kicking myself 5 holes in.

 

If you give us your budget we can help you find some value so you make the most out of your rounds. Where are you staying, are you willing to drive? Would you leave the wife behind for one round? You can walk the TPC Champions course for something like $65. Much better course, value than either Las Sendas or MR.

[Froo Shon Tay]

This is really going to depend on your budget. You can play somewhere like either McCormick Ranch course anywhere in the country. Unless you're looking at a budget of $50 per round, at which it might be a better option than some of your other choices, I'd look somewhere else.

 

If you've never been to the Valley before then you're going to want more of a Desert type course. Las Sendas fits this bill, but personally I just hate the course. Bad design, overly hard, slow play. Every time I play there I end up kicking myself 5 holes in.

 

If you give us your budget we can help you find some value so you make the most out of your rounds. Where are you staying, are you willing to drive? Would you leave the wife behind for one round? You can walk the TPC Champions course for something like $65. Much better course, value than either Las Sendas or MR.

 

Thank you for your input. Wife will come along. We will have a car. Keep a round under $150 would be fine

[DrSchteeve]

This is really going to depend on your budget. You can play somewhere like either McCormick Ranch course anywhere in the country. Unless you're looking at a budget of $50 per round, at which it might be a better option than some of your other choices, I'd look somewhere else.

 

If you've never been to the Valley before then you're going to want more of a Desert type course. Las Sendas fits this bill, but personally I just hate the course. Bad design, overly hard, slow play. Every time I play there I end up kicking myself 5 holes in.

 

If you give us your budget we can help you find some value so you make the most out of your rounds. Where are you staying, are you willing to drive? Would you leave the wife behind for one round? You can walk the TPC Champions course for something like $65. Much better course, value than either Las Sendas or MR.

 

Thank you for your input. Wife will come along. We will have a car. Keep a round under $150 would be fine

 

For $150 you can do waaaaayyyy better than McCormick Ranch and Las Sendas. Look at the pinned topic in the Southwest section and you should have all the info you need.

 

That said, first rec would be to stretch your budget up to $170 a round and you can play either or both WeKoPa courses ($155 before Christmas, $170 after if you book ahead), pretty much the first place someone looking to play desert golf here should play. The Saguaro course if you only play one, but Cholla will still be a great choice as well. You can probably play Southern Dunes for less than $150, in my opinion (and many others) the best public track you can play in the area. Camelback Ambiente can probably be had under $150, a fun track that will allow you to see a sweet slice of Paradise Valley homes with Camelback in the background. The Verrado courses are another great option that should be within that budget. Finally, if you want to make the drive, Wickenburg Ranch and Quintero should be within that budget. Tons of choices with a budget that generous, although it won't get you on the very highest priced courses such as Troon North, Grayhawk, and the Boulders, which aren't that much better (if at all) than the ones mentioned here.

[Froo Shon Tay]

This is really going to depend on your budget. You can play somewhere like either McCormick Ranch course anywhere in the country. Unless you're looking at a budget of $50 per round, at which it might be a better option than some of your other choices, I'd look somewhere else.

 

If you've never been to the Valley before then you're going to want more of a Desert type course. Las Sendas fits this bill, but personally I just hate the course. Bad design, overly hard, slow play. Every time I play there I end up kicking myself 5 holes in.

 

If you give us your budget we can help you find some value so you make the most out of your rounds. Where are you staying, are you willing to drive? Would you leave the wife behind for one round? You can walk the TPC Champions course for something like $65. Much better course, value than either Las Sendas or MR.

 

Thank you for your input. Wife will come along. We will have a car. Keep a round under $150 would be fine

 

For $150 you can do waaaaayyyy better than McCormick Ranch and Las Sendas. Look at the pinned topic in the Southwest section and you should have all the info you need.

 

That said, first rec would be to stretch your budget up to $170 a round and you can play either or both WeKoPa courses ($155 before Christmas, $170 after if you book ahead), pretty much the first place someone looking to play desert golf here should play. The Saguaro course if you only play one, but Cholla will still be a great choice as well. You can probably play Southern Dunes for less than $150, in my opinion (and many others) the best public track you can play in the area. Camelback Ambiente can probably be had under $150, a fun track that will allow you to see a sweet slice of Paradise Valley homes with Camelback in the background. The Verrado courses are another great option that should be within that budget. Finally, if you want to make the drive, Wickenburg Ranch and Quintero should be within that budget. Tons of choices with a budget that generous, although it won't get you on the very highest priced courses such as Troon North, Grayhawk, and the Boulders, which aren't that much better (if at all) than the ones mentioned here.

 

Thanks for advice. Is there a discount for playing wekopa 36 holes in 1 day?

[rtraudt]

https://wekopa.com/36-hole-package/

[Froo Shon Tay]

https://wekopa.com/36-hole-package/

 

That looks great. Thanks for the link

[az2au]

https://wekopa.com/36-hole-package/

 

That looks great. Thanks for the link

The main problem is that Cholla is not a very good golf course. If I had 100 rounds to play at We Ko Pa I'd probably go 100/0 (Saguaro/Cholla), maybe 99/1 just to remind me how little I care for Cholla.

[Froo Shon Tay]

https://wekopa.com/36-hole-package/

 

That looks great. Thanks for the link

The main problem is that Cholla is not a very good golf course. If I had 100 rounds to play at We Ko Pa I'd probably go 100/0 (Saguaro/Cholla), maybe 99/1 just to remind me how little I care for Cholla.

 

I've heard that from several people. I'm looking at current Hot Deals for like two days from now just to get an idea of courses. I know it will be more expensive at the end of December.

[DrSchteeve]

https://wekopa.com/36-hole-package/

 

That looks great. Thanks for the link

The main problem is that Cholla is not a very good golf course. If I had 100 rounds to play at We Ko Pa I'd probably go 100/0 (Saguaro/Cholla), maybe 99/1 just to remind me how little I care for Cholla.

 

Completely agree, as usual. My but, however, is that I view Cholla almost exactly like Quintero, as in to say that for visitors to the area they are memorable courses with good views even though the courses themselves are not good.

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Cholla's main fault is too many split fairway/center hazard type tee shots 4 (3 within a 6 hole stretch), and 1 really bad par 5 #2. 8 has been improved to mediocre which is an improvement from top 5 worst par 5 ever. Other than that is is a course that pretty much forces everything on you not a lot of strategy or options besides pick a number you can carry the desert with and hit it straight. Also by nature of the forced carries and more penal surroundings Cholla's pace can be painful.

 

For me highlights are the par 3 14th followed by the driveable par 4 15th Unfortunately 16 may now be the worst hole on the property since #8 has been fixed. 1 is an underrated hole but kind of an awkward opener, if it was later in the round I think it would get a lot more love.

 

I have played near or just over 100 rounds at Wekopa and I think my mix is 75/80 Saguaro 25/20 Cholla or something close to that, a lot of that is based on their alternating maintenance schedules and playing Cholla when Saguaro is in summer aeration/maintenance window.

 

 

I will add visitors love Cholla the views are more micro vs the macro vista views of Saguaro.

[Kepatterson1]

I will also be in the Scottsdale area from Dec 25th - 30th. I am also in the Dallas area. If your looking for a playing partner, hit me up.

[DrSchteeve]

Cholla's main fault is too many split fairway/center hazard type tee shots 4 (3 within a 6 hole stretch), and 1 really bad par 5 #2. 8 has been improved to mediocre which is an improvement from top 5 worst par 5 ever. Other than that is is a course that pretty much forces everything on you not a lot of strategy or options besides pick a number you can carry the desert with and hit it straight. Also by nature of the forced carries and more penal surroundings Cholla's pace can be painful.

 

For me highlights are the par 3 14th followed by the driveable par 4 15th Unfortunately 16 may now be the worst hole on the property since #8 has been fixed. 1 is an underrated hole but kind of an awkward opener, if it was later in the round I think it would get a lot more love.

 

I have played near or just over 100 rounds at Wekopa and I think my mix is 75/80 Saguaro 25/20 Cholla or something close to that, a lot of that is based on their alternating maintenance schedules and playing Cholla when Saguaro is in summer aeration/maintenance window.

 

 

I will add visitors love Cholla the views are more micro vs the macro vista views of Saguaro.

 

Great call on #16. It was overshadowed by how bad #8 was. #2 still sucks, I think a little more than #16 but it's close.

[Froo Shon Tay]

Ok. Have a troon North and Southern Dunes booked, but have time for a round when we first land. Trying to decide between Stonecreek, Octolilo, and Silverado. Any opinions?

[teejaywhy]

Ok. Have a troon North and Southern Dunes booked, but have time for a round when we first land. Trying to decide between Stonecreek, Octolilo, and Silverado. Any opinions?

 

Faced with the choice of those three, I would probably go watch Disney on Ice.