Buddies trip for desert golf

[bonvivantva]

I organize a golf trip for about 12-16 guys primarily from Northern Virginia and DC, but also the rest of VA, some MD, and WV.  We go to Myrtle every other year for convenience and budget.  Other years we do things like Bourbon Country, NC Sandhills, etc.

 

They've tasked me with planning a desert golf trip.  I've only ever been to Tucson and played La Paloma.  In the Sandhills we played Tobacco Road, and then three other courses that were very nice, but not nearly as well known.  That's really what I'd like to do to manage the budget (especially since we'll be flying in).  My first thought was Scottsdale, airbnb, play one nice course, a few budget friendly ones, and make golf rezzies myself.  But since I don't know much about golf in the South West I thought I'd ask for suggestions.  I'm open to different places, on/off site, etc.  We just want to enjoy some desert golf and have a nice place to share a beer together in our off time.  The friendlier the budget, the more friends we'll get to come.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[puttnforthe8]

First question is WHEN?  That is what matters the most when it comes to budget.

 

But if budget is your driver, Scottsdale is a no.  Although you will have the nightlife, which you may desire.

 

You could do something like stay on the west Phx area, play both Verrado Courses, Estrella and Sterling Grove (if not private yet) and then a throw in like Wigwam.  A trip like that would be 100-150 per round if on the fringe times (so not high time or mid 120 degree summer).   The only problem is that there is not a whole lot to do on the west side...but there are a few things (breweries, etc).

 

You could do something and stay down at the casino or VRBO in Maricopa or Gila River - play Southern Dunes (at least once), they even have a mini - course in the afternoons; the Duke and the 2 Whirlwind courses.  There is a bit more to do in the east valley and shorter trips if you want to go up to Scottsdale.

 

You could do Tucson and do some courses there - much cheaper.

 

If you really need to be in Scottsdale, you will need to drive to get some budget courses as those around are going to be pricey...especially in high season.

 

 

 

 

[Abh159]

I second what @puttnforthe8 said about Scottsdale and budget friendly. The two don't really go together. Even the "budget friendly" courses in Scottsdale will be expensive (unless you're there in the middle of the summer) and they aren't exactly worth playing on a trip in my opinion. 

 

If the consensus is to go to Scottsdale I'd make sure they comfortable blowing the budget. If you need to keep it cheaper I'd definitely look into Tucson or maybe even someplace like St. George, Utah.

[bonvivantva]

We can go anytime.  We usually do a fall trip, but it could be anytime.  Don't want to pay winter prime rates, don't want to deal with full blown summer, but fringe would be great.

 

We usually have half the group interesting in going out, the other half happy to sit around the condo drinking beers with old friends.  I was thinking an airbnb with a pool would be ideal.  Just order pizza, etc.  Maybe have one or two nice dinners.

 

Scottsdale is not a must.  I had a great time in Tucson.  Maybe that's where I should be looking.

 

I've heard good things about Utah as well, so I'm not ruling that out.

[puttnforthe8]

ok.  Well overseed in AZ starts in Sept to Oct - so you will need to plan for that as well if you want a fall trip.  Courses after overseed are terrible to play.  So you need to look at the OS calendar and plan.

 

With that it mind, I would strongly consider the 2 options I suggested.  With the west side one, you could do a splurge trip out to Quintero which you all will love; or on the east side a splurge trip to Wekopa Saguaro.  Both will be higher priced courses and are as good as it gets for "desert golf" for visitors.

 

In Tucson - you will be driving no matter what to get some good golf in.  But I would consider a stay in Marana, then do Dove Mtn, Preserve on the other side of the mtn, then maybe one of the other nearby courses with a drive down to Sewailo for a great/fun round.  

 

St George has got pretty pricey recently, so you should have a look.  You can do a Mesquite/St George combo and get a mix with one splurge.  

[bonvivantva]

20 hours ago, puttnforthe8 said:

"desert golf"

 

Most of these guys have never seen a cactus.  Certainly never encountered a jumping cholla.  I think the view and climate will be novel enough that it will be the main draw.  Sleepier west side of Phoenix sounds good, Tucson too.  Might just choose based of flights and total cost.

[Golferpaul]

I just got back from a week in St George, UT.  Our group of eight played five great courses and the weather was wonderful. 

 

The prices are much lower than in Scottsdale.  You should check it out.

[SilverBullets]

On 5/16/2024 at 8:24 AM, bonvivantva said:

 

Most of these guys have never seen a cactus.  Certainly never encountered a jumping cholla.  I think the view and climate will be novel enough that it will be the main draw.  Sleepier west side of Phoenix sounds good, Tucson too.  Might just choose based of flights and total cost.

lol im going to be honest... i struggle to find redeeming qualities of the West valley.  I avoid it at all cost.  Not only is it sleepy but it seems like 80% of the dining options will be national chains.  

[puttnforthe8]

39 minutes ago, SilverBullets said:

lol im going to be honest... i struggle to find redeeming qualities of the West valley.  I avoid it at all cost.  Not only is it sleepy but it seems like 80% of the dining options will be national chains.  

 

It's a great place to avoid Scottsdale  

[BirdieRoll]

Mid-November is a time slot worth considering. You should be post-overseed on most courses and Thanksgiving is late this year so airfare may be more affordable and winter rates should not have kicked into full effect yet.

 

Average temp is 74* that time of year. And an added bonus is that the Arizona Cardinals are on bye the weekend of 11/17 so you won't be competing with 25,000 visiting fans (who also golf, dine, etc.)

 

I've traveled down there a few times at this time of year and it has worked well for me.

[MattM97]

16 hours ago, Golferpaul said:

I just got back from a week in St George, UT.  Our group of eight played five great courses and the weather was wonderful. 

 

The prices are much lower than in Scottsdale.  You should check it out.

 

My buddy wanted to do a bachelor party in Scottsdale, once I went over prices with him he balked quickly. I suggested St. George as an alternative with finishing the trip in Vegas for less than Scottsdale and this has some potential. Still desert golf but much cheaper. 

[AZBRONCFAN]

What is your budget? What someone says is within budget is not for someone else. 

[Olson12]

22 hours ago, SilverBullets said:

lol im going to be honest... i struggle to find redeeming qualities of the West valley.  I avoid it at all cost.  Not only is it sleepy but it seems like 80% of the dining options will be national chains.  

 

What do you consider 'west valley'?

[SilverBullets]

On 5/21/2024 at 1:16 PM, Olson12 said:

 

What do you consider 'west valley'?

anything west of like 7th Ave lol

[Olson12]

3 minutes ago, SilverBullets said:

anything west of like 7th Ave lol

 

YIKES

[SilverBullets]

6 minutes ago, Olson12 said:

 

YIKES

I mean outside of golf courses, what's redeeming about avenues lol

[Olson12]

13 minutes ago, SilverBullets said:

I mean outside of golf courses, what's redeeming about avenues lol

 

I'm guessing you've never had a Sonoran hot dog lol!

 

Do yourself a favor and check out. Maybe leave the monocle and top-hat at home that night though. 🤣

Dogos Guadalupe Sonora 

6330 W Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85043
 

[LeoLeo99]

On 5/16/2024 at 11:24 AM, bonvivantva said:

 

Most of these guys have never seen a cactus.  Certainly never encountered a jumping cholla.  I think the view and climate will be novel enough that it will be the main draw.  Sleepier west side of Phoenix sounds good, Tucson too.  Might just choose based of flights and total cost.

This would describe me.  I'm thrilled to play desert golf in Vegas. No rough.  It's either fairway or desert.  Seeing road runners and hares on the course is very novel for me.  Overseeding was something new to me.  They literally change from summer grass to winter grass and vice versa so there is a period where the conditions are horrible.  You want to avoid those times.  I was ignorant of this and hit a nice course at a bad time.  It was disappointing.  

[SilverBullets]

3 hours ago, Olson12 said:

 

I'm guessing you've never had a Sonoran hot dog lol!

 

Do yourself a favor and check out. Maybe leave the monocle and top-hat at home that night though. 🤣

Dogos Guadalupe Sonora 

6330 W Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85043
 

 

Gonna be honest man, of all angles I was expecting you to take in response... a hot dog wasn't one of them LOL

 

Touche 

[Olson12]

1 hour ago, SilverBullets said:

 

Gonna be honest man, of all angles I was expecting you to take in response... a hot dog wasn't one of them LOL

 

Touche 

hahah! 

[bonvivantva]

On 5/21/2024 at 3:05 PM, AZBRONCFAN said:

What is your budget? What someone says is within budget is not for someone else. 

Well the group is spoiled by 4 nights, 4 rounds in Myrtle for $700, only paying for dinners and drinks.

 

For a desert trip we'd probably be looking to spend 3 times that, plus airfare on top.  But honestly, it depends.  The final cost deters some of the group.  We've ranged from 20 on a Myrtle Trip to 2 to Ireland.

[StudentGolfer4]

10 hours ago, bonvivantva said:

Well the group is spoiled by 4 nights, 4 rounds in Myrtle for $700, only paying for dinners and drinks.

 

For a desert trip we'd probably be looking to spend 3 times that, plus airfare on top.  But honestly, it depends.  The final cost deters some of the group.  We've ranged from 20 on a Myrtle Trip to 2 to Ireland.

These guys (especially puttn) will be a ton of help but if your budget is actually 2-3 times the 700 you spend in Myrtle you should have alot of good options. Maybe everything has gone even more crazy since this past February but I would think, excluding airfare, something like 400 a day on golf on lodging will get you some solid courses and nice airbnb. Thats assuming you time it right before peak rates happen. Even then you can find somewhat reasonable prices if you’re willing to drive a bit. Thinking Longbow, southern dunes, Verrado courses, etc. 

 

We always rent large airbnbs as a family in PHX area so our needs are a bit different when it comes to individual bedroom count and what not but airbnbs are plentiful. When splitting it 8, 10, 12 ways or whatever your number is it’s fairly affordable on a per night basis. The more central to Scottsdale you want to be the smaller and pricier it will get. 
 

One thing to consider. It’ll get chilly at night. If anyone plans to use the pool it will need to be heated. The airbnb hosts I’ve dealt with have required us to pay for the heater if we wanted the pool heated. We have also had to pay for the heater to be on during the duration of our stay. Just 

[AZBRONCFAN]

23 hours ago, bonvivantva said:

Well the group is spoiled by 4 nights, 4 rounds in Myrtle for $700, only paying for dinners and drinks.

 

For a desert trip we'd probably be looking to spend 3 times that, plus airfare on top.  But honestly, it depends.  The final cost deters some of the group.  We've ranged from 20 on a Myrtle Trip to 2 to Ireland.

You should be able to do room and golf for 1k to 1500 depending on when and where you want to play. If you are wanting to play the name courses it will be more. 

[bonvivantva]

29 minutes ago, AZBRONCFAN said:

You should be able to do room and golf for 1k to 1500 depending on when and where you want to play. If you are wanting to play the name courses it will be more. 

Ideally we'd like to play one well known course, a few other decent ones.

[Abh159]

2 minutes ago, bonvivantva said:

Ideally we'd like to play one well known course, a few other decent ones.

 

If you're primary focus is still the Scottsdale/Phoenix area...

 

Realistically, for "decent" options I would think you're looking at approximately $150-300 per round depending on the courses you choose. You could probably go cheaper if you're willing to be flexible on the time of year and the tee times themselves (non-prime slots). This is just me, but I wouldn't want to fly across the country for a desert golf trip to play average courses. While TPC might not be the greatest course in the area it's one that I imagine people would want try to play simply because they see it on TV every year. FWIW I played TPC several years back when it was much cheaper and it's a really fun golf course.

 

If you're looking for a worthwhile trip I'd budget for around $200/round for golf and then go from there. You can get sort of stingy with the lodging if you need to (double up in rooms, someone sleeping on a couch, or etc.) Airfare is what it is and it will vary based on so many different factors. 

 

 

[Golferpaul]

41 minutes ago, AZBRONCFAN said:

You should be able to do room and golf for 1k to 1500 depending on when and where you want to play. If you are wanting to play the name courses it will be more. 

I don't see how that is possible unless you share rooms, eat only hamburgers, and play the cheapest courses.

 

Our week in St George was $4500 PP but we don't share rooms or bathrooms and we consume a lot of wine on our trips.

[hackeraz]

On 5/23/2024 at 8:16 AM, Olson12 said:

 

I'm guessing you've never had a Sonoran hot dog lol!

 

Do yourself a favor and check out. Maybe leave the monocle and top-hat at home that night though. 🤣

Dogos Guadalupe Sonora 

6330 W Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85043
 

Best ones in the valley are on 24th St and Indian School at Sonoran Dogs. No west valley trip needed! 

[Olson12]

3 minutes ago, hackeraz said:

Best ones in the valley are on 24th St and Indian School at Sonoran Dogs. No west valley trip needed! 

 

I'll have to head east and give these a try. 

[hackeraz]

1 minute ago, Olson12 said:

 

I'll have to head east and give these a try. 

FWIW it's been a couple years since I've been down there but to me they were the OG in the valley and absolutely amazing. We would roll over to their stand (started as a street cart in the comic book store parking lot) at midnight and grab a few two dollar dogs for each of us. Now that I'm old and hardly ever out past 6pm I don't get many opportunities to stop in. 

[Dtep]

If value/cost is a factor then the one course you should absolutely spend the money on is We Ko Pa Saguaro. After that, great value courses would be Verrado Founders, Southern Dunes, Sterling Grove (not desert golf), hell even the 500 Club is a fun little desert type layout. I'm not a big Quintero guy but coming from out of town that might be another to spend the money for.

 

Others mentioned overseed happening in September/October, you could still time the trip to be during overseed and have plenty of courses open. (Verrado, We Ko Pa, Troon North, etc all have 36 holes) I suggest that b/c a lot of courses are in PERFECT condition right before overseed and then they're scalped/ruined for 6 weeks. Late September would be warm but not miserable. Can understand wanting to come in late Fall though due to great weather while the rest of the country is cold. 

 

If this is a buddies trip you should stay in scottsdale, just understand you're going to have to drive for the good/affordable golf.