Course memberships - Phoenix Area

[wildcatden]

Anyone on the forum living in the Scottsdale, AZ area? Considering a job offer and move to the area. I used to live there in the late 90's/early 2000's. Finding a home and the schools are pretty solid in the North Scottsdale, but I am curious about course memberships.

 

I'd like to find a course that has a challenge to it, excellent practice facilities (hit off grass on driving range, bunker practice, large putting green) and allows juniors to play. My kid is 7 years old and progressing nicely at golf.

 

Feel free to PM me if needed. Thanks in advance.

[pearls24]

Not sure of your budget, but check out Desert Mountain- 6 Nicklaus Signature courses (3 or 4 clubhouses), amazing practice facilities with all Pro V's for range balls, and I believe almost all of the courses have a slope rating of 140 or higher from the tips. Outlaw is prob my favorite one since it is the only one with no homes around it. More of a "links" style which is nice and different. The only issue I find is that you lose any of that country club camaraderie by not having 1 clubhouse that everyone hangs out after the rounds at. Also always having to take your clubs with you since you don't know which course you might be playing each time. Other then that, the place is amazing. I don't live out there but have a few friends that do and belong there. Good luck!

[DrSchteeve]

McDowell Mountain is public but very good practice facilities and lots of kids and family programs.

[wildcatden]

Not sure of your budget, but check out Desert Mountain- 6 Nicklaus Signature courses (3 or 4 clubhouses), amazing practice facilities with all Pro V's for range balls, and I believe almost all of the courses have a slope rating of 140 or higher from the tips. Outlaw is prob my favorite one since it is the only one with no homes around it. More of a "links" style which is nice and different. The only issue I find is that you lose any of that country club camaraderie by not having 1 clubhouse that everyone hangs out after the rounds at. Also always having to take your clubs with you since you don't know which course you might be playing each time. Other then that, the place is amazing. I don't live out there but have a few friends that do and belong there. Good luck!

 

Wow Desert Mountain with six (6) Nicklaus courses!! Golf heaven possibly. I've got an inquiry into them, but likely out of budget.

[az2au]

Not sure of your budget, but check out Desert Mountain- 6 Nicklaus Signature courses (3 or 4 clubhouses), amazing practice facilities with all Pro V's for range balls, and I believe almost all of the courses have a slope rating of 140 or higher from the tips. Outlaw is prob my favorite one since it is the only one with no homes around it. More of a "links" style which is nice and different. The only issue I find is that you lose any of that country club camaraderie by not having 1 clubhouse that everyone hangs out after the rounds at. Also always having to take your clubs with you since you don't know which course you might be playing each time. Other then that, the place is amazing. I don't live out there but have a few friends that do and belong there. Good luck!

 

Wow Desert Mountain with six (6) Nicklaus courses!! Golf heaven possibly. I've got an inquiry into them, but likely out of budget.

Honestly, if you can afford to join DM there are better choices unless you never want to actually go into PHX or Scottsdale. I've mentioned it here before but we looked at living there and decided it would be like being in a very nice prison because going anywhere is a hassle. Most people consider where I (and a couple of other guys here) to be extreme North Scottsdale and we all live 25 minutes South of the gates and when you go play one of their courses it takes forever. Realistically you're 45-55 minutes from Old Town and 1:00+ from things in downtown PHX and 15 minutes to civilization as a whole (from your actual house, not the gates).

 

Also, as I always like to mention when someone asks about Desert Mountain, be aware of the commitment. See: http://desertmountaingolfscam.com/

 

They're all nice courses but there are none at the top of courses in the area ranking wise. I agree that Outlaw is the best and I think it is Top 5 in the state but it never gets rated that high. The rest are fine and very nice but definitely not special.

[pearls24]

Not sure of your budget, but check out Desert Mountain- 6 Nicklaus Signature courses (3 or 4 clubhouses), amazing practice facilities with all Pro V's for range balls, and I believe almost all of the courses have a slope rating of 140 or higher from the tips. Outlaw is prob my favorite one since it is the only one with no homes around it. More of a "links" style which is nice and different. The only issue I find is that you lose any of that country club camaraderie by not having 1 clubhouse that everyone hangs out after the rounds at. Also always having to take your clubs with you since you don't know which course you might be playing each time. Other then that, the place is amazing. I don't live out there but have a few friends that do and belong there. Good luck!

 

Wow Desert Mountain with six (6) Nicklaus courses!! Golf heaven possibly. I've got an inquiry into them, but likely out of budget.

Honestly, if you can afford to join DM there are better choices unless you never want to actually go into PHX or Scottsdale. I've mentioned it here before but we looked at living there and decided it would be like being in a very nice prison because going anywhere is a hassle. Most people consider where I (and a couple of other guys here) to be extreme North Scottsdale and we all live 25 minutes South of the gates and when you go play one of their courses it takes forever. Realistically you're 45-55 minutes from Old Town and 1:00+ from things in downtown PHX and 15 minutes to civilization as a whole (from your actual house, not the gates).

 

Also, as I always like to mention when someone asks about Desert Mountain, be aware of the commitment. See: http://desertmountaingolfscam.com/

 

They're all nice courses but there are none at the top of courses in the area ranking wise. I agree that Outlaw is the best and I think it is Top 5 in the state but it never gets rated that high. The rest are fine and very nice but definitely not special.

 

I agree. We were looking at moving out there as well and we actually love down by PV the best but not very many private club options down that way. So ideally would love to be near DC Ranch/Silverleaf area cuz then you are closer to everything.

[One_Putt_Blunder]

All going to depend on budget Silverleaf, DC Ranch, Troon CC, Desert Highlands are prob going to be $700+ a month plus a sizable initiation.

 

On the other side you have non family friendly options like Black Tee at Grayhawk ~8k 1st year and ~6 or 7k renewals TPC membership is roughly the same as Grayhawk. Big downside for both besides membership not extending to family is both hold numerous big events which lead to course being unavailable certain times.

 

Ancala may be the most affordable option but depending on who you talk to and your feelings about Dye designs may be the worst course.

 

I live near both DC Ranch and Silverleaf. Love the area

[wildcatden]

Anyone familiar with the Arnold Palmer course www.arrowheadccaz.com ? More mid-market at around $500/month for family membership and private. Includes unlimited golf, tennis, pool, workout center, etc... If you want a driving cart you have to BYO and pay an annual trail fee or they have annual driving cart fees also. Otherwise, $20 for a cart for 18 each time.

 

Keep in mind that I am looking for a place that welcomes juniors (mine is 7 years old) and has good practice facilities (grass driving range, putting, pitching, bunker practice). Many thanks for all the input so far! Very helpful.

[One_Putt_Blunder]

RE Arrowhead CC. Not a great range, better than Moon valley, but minimal short game area, course ebbs and flows. When I used to play the Friday game out there I thought it was in solid shape with a good core group of players. Then a few years later most left and heard nothing but bad things about it, I'm sure they'll turn it around for a bit then it will go downhill again following the cycle of the mid market courses. Same applies to Moon Valley.

[wildcatden]

Anybody familiar with Ocotillo Golf Course or Bear Creek in South Chandler area?

 

Same requirements: "Keep in mind that I am looking for a place that welcomes juniors (mine is 7 years old) and has good practice facilities (grass driving range, putting, pitching, bunker practice)."

[az2au]

Anyone familiar with the Arnold Palmer course www.arrowheadccaz.com ? More mid-market at around $500/month for family membership and private. Includes unlimited golf, tennis, pool, workout center, etc... If you want a driving cart you have to BYO and pay an annual trail fee or they have annual driving cart fees also. Otherwise, $20 for a cart for 18 each time.

 

Keep in mind that I am looking for a place that welcomes juniors (mine is 7 years old) and has good practice facilities (grass driving range, putting, pitching, bunker practice). Many thanks for all the input so far! Very helpful.

I can’t think of any place other Scottsdale National or Whisper Rock that wouldn't be family friendly. I’ve seen kids at Estancia and Silverleaf.

[az2au]

Anybody familiar with Ocotillo Golf Course or Bear Creek in South Chandler area?

 

Same requirements: "Keep in mind that I am looking for a place that welcomes juniors (mine is 7 years old) and has good practice facilities (grass driving range, putting, pitching, bunker practice)."

I don’t think either of those are going to work if you’re living in North Scottsdale. Ocotillo is terrible and I hate everything about the golf (bad Florida golf design that seems even worse in AZ). Bear Creek, for what it is, is fine and certainly welcomes juniors.

[wildcatden]

Anybody familiar with Ocotillo Golf Course or Bear Creek in South Chandler area?

 

Same requirements: "Keep in mind that I am looking for a place that welcomes juniors (mine is 7 years old) and has good practice facilities (grass driving range, putting, pitching, bunker practice)."

I don't think either of those are going to work if you're living in North Scottsdale. Ocotillo is terrible and I hate everything about the golf (bad Florida golf design that seems even worse in AZ). Bear Creek, for what it is, is fine and certainly welcomes juniors.

 

For those courses, I would consider living in South Chandler. I'm not stuck on living in Scottsdale.

 

Thanks for your input.

[Need4spd]

Anybody familiar with Ocotillo Golf Course or Bear Creek in South Chandler area?

 

Same requirements: "Keep in mind that I am looking for a place that welcomes juniors (mine is 7 years old) and has good practice facilities (grass driving range, putting, pitching, bunker practice)."

 

Anybody familiar with Ocotillo Golf Course or Bear Creek in South Chandler area?

 

Same requirements: "Keep in mind that I am looking for a place that welcomes juniors (mine is 7 years old) and has good practice facilities (grass driving range, putting, pitching, bunker practice)."

 

If you’re not concerned with anything other than golf (pool, gym, blah, blah, blah) and you’re interested in looking in the Chandler area, I can’t recommend Whirlwind highly enough. Two 18 hole championship courses that have hosted Web.com events in the past, including Q-School Finals this past December, and hands down the best practice facilities anywhere in The Valley. It’s a Troon Golf facility which are always top notch. I wouldn’t be too concerned with clubs here being kid friendly as almost all will be.

 

When last I checked which was towards the end of last summer, membership was $6,500 a year for unlimited golf with no cart fees, no initiation, and no F&B minimum. Compare that to green fees right now, which is peak season, that are around $150-$175 and bottom out at about $45 over the summer, which you’ll find is common in Phoenix.

 

All that said, there was a waiting list 50 names long last summer when I inquired. The good news is you have tons of great choices!

[vallygolf]

If you are considering southeast valley you might consider Seville. Robust family membership, fantastic practice. Two sided range with grass. Chipping green large putting green and a green for short wedges as well. Putting surfaces are always good. Initiation is probably between 5-7 k monthly probably $5-600. Feels more like a public course though. It is usually busy as there isn’t a large selection of private courses out this way. Club Corp.

[Sun Devil]

Blackstone in North Peoria is pretty nice. What about just joining a semi-private like Troon North?

[az2au]

Blackstone in North Peoria is pretty nice. What about just joining a semi-private like Troon North?

I don't know the current deals at Troon North are but it used to be a horrible value. It was $50K and the monthly dues were in the $600 range for a public course. Boulders is a much better deal because at least they designate one course (switches every day) for members in season.

 

Seville is a good idea and Blackstone is great too. Another possibility is Anthem but I would assume the OP has to work and might have to commute so that should be considered before the other stuff because there's really no good reason to have a massive commute here.

[ferrispgm]

What about Alta Mesa? Very reasonable rates and I hear they have a good practice area. From what I'm told it's who philosophy is focused on golf and not the extra curriculars.

[Hokie_Golfer]

What’s the latest on best clubs in Phoenix area for junior memberships?

 

Will the new pipeline allow moon valley to recover, seems to have potential by end of this year early next. Found out they are also owned by CBRE golf not sure if that’s a good or bad thing yet, but at least they have money in the bank. I liked that they had a little 9 hope, and saw references about their range being small I though it was pretty decent practice facility though.

 

I guess only other option in the vicinity is PCC? Wouldn’t be bad but that would be a little bit of a drive. Anything closer to moon valley area worth considering?

 

Interested in everyone’s thoughts.

[BUCKEYERBALL88]

What’s the latest on best clubs in Phoenix area for junior memberships?

 

Will the new pipeline allow moon valley to recover, seems to have potential by end of this year early next. Found out they are also owned by CBRE golf not sure if that’s a good or bad thing yet, but at least they have money in the bank. I liked that they had a little 9 hope, and saw references about their range being small I though it was pretty decent practice facility though.

 

I guess only other option in the vicinity is PCC? Wouldn’t be bad but that would be a little bit of a drive. Anything closer to moon valley area worth considering?

 

Interested in everyone’s thoughts.

 

It’s not in my top 10 courses in the valley but you may want to consider Tatum ranch

[dtm6582]

 

Will the new pipeline allow moon valley to recover, seems to have potential by end of this year early next. Found out they are also owned by CBRE golf not sure if that's a good or bad thing yet, but at least they have money in the bank. I liked that they had a little 9 hope, and saw references about their range being small I though it was pretty decent practice facility though.

 

 

Who knows what will happen to MV. I was a member there a couple years ago and the place definitely needs to spend some $. Water is their big issue. Get that dealt with and..maybe.

 

Either way, I still get their emails and they are running a membership special for the 4th (valid 2 days only July 2-4). $1776 covers initiation and 4 months of dues. Pretty good deal if you're on the fence.

[Hokie_Golfer]

 

Will the new pipeline allow moon valley to recover, seems to have potential by end of this year early next. Found out they are also owned by CBRE golf not sure if that's a good or bad thing yet, but at least they have money in the bank. I liked that they had a little 9 hope, and saw references about their range being small I though it was pretty decent practice facility though.

 

 

Who knows what will happen to MV. I was a member there a couple years ago and the place definitely needs to spend some $. Water is their big issue. Get that dealt with and..maybe.

 

Either way, I still get their emails and they are running a membership special for the 4th (valid 2 days only July 2-4). $1776 covers initiation and 4 months of dues. Pretty good deal if you're on the fence.

 

Sounds like the water issue will get resolved. Deal seems ok thanks for sharing, why won’t you join back then?

 

I need to make a correction, they are owned by CB Golf or. Something not cbre.

 

Any opinions on PV cc? Mv seems more my style and more low key, but want to make sure I evaluated everything in that vicinity.

[az2au]

PV is a fun course but an extremely different membership profile from MV. Your assessment is correct.

[Hokie_Golfer]

PV is a fun course but an extremely different membership profile from MV. Your assessment is correct.

That’s helpful thanks

[dtm6582]

Mv seems more my style and more low key, but want to make sure I evaluated everything in that vicinity.

 

I can't speak for PV, but MV is a very relaxed membership. The course is okay. It feels crowded by the houses at times and conditions when you get away from the club house area can be spotty. Pace of play was always great, the membership itself is friendly.

 

As for why I wouldn't join again, I can't say that I never would. The biggest issue I had at the time was the volume of outside play and the frequency of the course and amenities (like the pool) being closed to the membership for outside events. Not sure if that is still an issue or not, you would want to talk to a current member to find out. The second issue is more personal. I'm an on again, off again player (as evidenced by my roughly year long absences from this forum, I must be starting an "on again" cycle because here I am). I'll get into it for 6 months or a year..then basically not play for a year or two. Rinse, lather, repeat. Private memberships are...not a cost savings to begin with. As a public player when you stop playing, at least you stop paying. Not so with a membership. Financially it doesn't make sense to me.

[Bonneville85308]

I'm starting to think that a club membership in the Phoenix area doesn't make sense unless you either:

-Are retired, can/want to play 5x+ per week during prime time hours, and don't care about variety or a not-so-great course. Cost per round will be good at the lower level clubs.

-Are a multi-millionaire mucky muck and can afford Scottsdale-level initiation fees and dues without hurting your lifestyle.

 

As a Monday through Friday office drone who can usually only play on weekends, or weekday twilight (which doesn't exist time-wise during winter with the early darkness), the best strategy in my eyes seems to be to play the city courses in the winter on weekend mornings with the county rate card, and the touristy courses in the summer on off-season or resident (weekend morning) and twilight (weeknight) rates.

 

I doubt that the selection of public courses, easy availability of prime tee times, and reasonableness of greens fees has ever been this good.

[az2au]

Depends on what is important to you. Playing golf the cheapest way possible or extracting the maximum amount of value out of my memberships is not at all important to me. Maximizing convenience, course quality, conditions and availability are all significantly more important to me. In fact, as long as I can afford the dues, those factors are the only things improtant to me. I completely understand how someone else can view it differently I just wouldn’t make the black and white comparison that is made in the previous post.

 

Also, FWIW, I know plenty of people like me that work every day and are members at Scottsdale clubs. Almost none of them are multi-millionaires. Sure, there are some, but most are just people that work hard, have good jobs and love golf.

[dtm6582]

So having read Cherokee's post I feel the need to add, there is definitely value in joining a private club, even if your cost per round is higher. Even at a lower end club, pace of play was much better. The staff was better. Low turnover and they made an effort to know the members. Bar/Restaurant staff reviewed the tee sheet to know who was on the course. It was a better experience than public play, without question. When I say it didn't make sense financially I mean because I don't play enough and I take long breaks where I don't play at all.

 

Get to the higher end and conditions improve substantially.

 

As for who is willing to pay for that...lots of people are. And you don't have to be a "multi-millionaire mucky muck" to do it. I was surprised a couple years ago when I inquired to the dues at one of those clubs expensive Scottsdale clubs and while yes, it would be a significant monthly cost, it's within our personal budget. We're both early/mid-level professionals, no kids. And not in particularly high earning professions. But if golf was our priority we could do it and it wouldn't be a huge sacrifice to our standard of living.

 

Now, as for your point about being an M-F office drone, that's where I agree with you. In fact, I think Phoenix is a terrible place to live for golf in general (there, I said it again). When the weather is nice the days are so short that a weekly worker only gets to play on the weekends when the courses are packed. Tourists + shortened days = full golf courses.

 

Then, the days get longer and access is great, but access is great because the temperatures suck. Plus, even in June the days are still barely long enough to get in 9 if you work until 5 or so. I was in Vancouver BC last month and it was light enough to golf until 9:30PM. You could play 7 days a week if you wanted there working full time.

[Bonneville85308]

So having read Cherokee's post I feel the need to add, there is definitely value in joining a private club, even if your cost per round is higher. Even at a lower end club, pace of play was much better. The staff was better. Low turnover and they made an effort to know the members. Bar/Restaurant staff reviewed the tee sheet to know who was on the course. It was a better experience than public play, without question. When I say it didn't make sense financially I mean because I don't play enough and I take long breaks where I don't play at all.

 

I totally get that. I was a member at several private clubs for 15+ years while living on the east coast and loved every minute of it. In the area I was in, the public courses were overcrowded (until probably the last 3-4 years) during an April-October season, clogged full/unplayable with leagues during the weeknights, very little to no pace of play enforcement, with mediocre greens conditions. I joined those clubs not to lower my cost per round (it would not have done so, and I play a lot), but because I could walk 18 holes in 2.5 hours on a weeknight after work on an empty course, and play a weekend morning walking round in 4 hours or less on a course in great condition. Camaraderie with like-minded golf fanatics who respect the course and their fellow players, etc. Private golf was considerably more expensive than public golf (though a bit less than Phoenix private), but the value was there. I'm just not seeing the same value in Phoenix private golf yet. Maybe I will find that value as I get to know the lay of the land better, but as a newcomer it's my initial impression. An initiation fee as much as a new car, or a club you can't leave unless someone takes your place (and there is a waiting list to get out), is a bit much to swallow where I'm coming from.

[az2au]

So having read Cherokee's post I feel the need to add, there is definitely value in joining a private club, even if your cost per round is higher. Even at a lower end club, pace of play was much better. The staff was better. Low turnover and they made an effort to know the members. Bar/Restaurant staff reviewed the tee sheet to know who was on the course. It was a better experience than public play, without question. When I say it didn't make sense financially I mean because I don't play enough and I take long breaks where I don't play at all.

 

I totally get that. I was a member at several private clubs for 15+ years while living on the east coast and loved every minute of it. In the area I was in, the public courses were overcrowded (until probably the last 3-4 years) during an April-October season, clogged full/unplayable with leagues during the weeknights, very little to no pace of play enforcement, with mediocre greens conditions. I joined those clubs not to lower my cost per round (it would not have done so, and I play a lot), but because I could walk 18 holes in 2.5 hours on a weeknight after work on an empty course, and play a weekend morning walking round in 4 hours or less on a course in great condition. Camaraderie with like-minded golf fanatics who respect the course and their fellow players, etc. Private golf was considerably more expensive than public golf (though a bit less than Phoenix private), but the value was there. I'm just not seeing the same value in Phoenix private golf yet. Maybe I will find that value as I get to know the lay of the land better, but as a newcomer it's my initial impression. An initiation fee as much as a new car, or a club you can't leave unless someone takes your place (and there is a waiting list to get out), is a bit much to swallow where I'm coming from.

There are several places, some of them in even in Scottsdale, that meet your criteria. If you're under 35 then I can tell you that you'd be shocked by some of the deals out there.

 

Anyway, it was less about arguing and more about clearing up some misconceptions. I know off the top of my head most of the initiation and monthly fees of every club in Scottsdale due to the fact that one of my closest friends is a membership committee chair in North Scottsdale at one of the more prestigious clubs. He's constantly looking at comparisons so I hear all about it.