Traveling to Phoenix.....Some course info for you

[CPT_LHR_ATL]

This thread is immensely helpful to those of us from out of town. Thank you!

 

I'm putting together a late-February trip with a buddy from Seattle who needs some sunshine. Current thinking is We-Ko-Pa Saguaro, Grayhawk Raptor, TPC Stadium and Southern Dunes.

 

Any thoughts on where to stay given that itinerary? We're old farts but still like to party, responsibly. Budget is whatever.

[puttnforthe8]

44 minutes ago, CPT_LHR_ATL said:

This thread is immensely helpful to those of us from out of town. Thank you!

 

I'm putting together a late-February trip with a buddy from Seattle who needs some sunshine. Current thinking is We-Ko-Pa Saguaro, Grayhawk Raptor, TPC Stadium and Southern Dunes.

 

Any thoughts on where to stay given that itinerary? We're old farts but still like to party, responsibly. Budget is whatever.

Nice trip…hopefully you are booking now, that will be packed!

 

2 options for you query:  you could stay out at Wekopa(Ft McDowell resort) - really nice Reno and plenty to do.  But not really the late night stuff except the casino.

 

I would suggest looking at Hyatt Place (either) in Scottsdale….close enough for a Lyft anywhere you fancy. They are both in close enough proximity to your courses.  Of course, SD is a drive no matter.

 

if you want to pay a bit more, you could stay at Hotel Valley or the Scott to be really near downtown Scottsdale. Although, that may be younger than you want.

 

if you want to go up scale: then Phoenician, Fairmont JW or Kierland are good options.  
 

 

 

[hackeraz]

On 12/18/2024 at 7:34 PM, CPT_LHR_ATL said:

This thread is immensely helpful to those of us from out of town. Thank you!

 

I'm putting together a late-February trip with a buddy from Seattle who needs some sunshine. Current thinking is We-Ko-Pa Saguaro, Grayhawk Raptor, TPC Stadium and Southern Dunes.

 

Any thoughts on where to stay given that itinerary? We're old farts but still like to party, responsibly. Budget is whatever.

Westin Kierland. It's in the middle of your golf itinerary and you can walk over to the Quarter and Kierland for all your boomer party and eats needs. 

[Hageman11]

On 12/18/2024 at 8:34 PM, CPT_LHR_ATL said:

This thread is immensely helpful to those of us from out of town. Thank you!

 

I'm putting together a late-February trip with a buddy from Seattle who needs some sunshine. Current thinking is We-Ko-Pa Saguaro, Grayhawk Raptor, TPC Stadium and Southern Dunes.

 

Any thoughts on where to stay given that itinerary? We're old farts but still like to party, responsibly. Budget is whatever.

If you planned earlier you can usually find good deals for 2 bedroom rentals on AirBnB, but they may be picked over by now.  Lots to choose from in the Old Town area or further north.  We have stayed at We Ko Pa before as well and had a great time.  Casino was much less crowded than Talking Stick.

[AZBRONCFAN]

I would stay at Westin Kierland or JW Marriott since you said budget didn't matter. I'd dump the drive to Southern Dunes and play maybe Troon North or Legend Trail unless you are set on playing Southern Dunes. If I had to play it, I would make it the last round on the day I was flying out.

[puttnforthe8]

On 12/23/2024 at 8:52 AM, hackeraz said:

Westin Kierland. It's in the middle of your golf itinerary and you can walk over to the Quarter and Kierland for all your boomer party and eats needs. 

Kierland course is trash now!! I wouldn’t pay $30 to play! 6 hour pop on muddy everything!  

[hackeraz]

18 hours ago, puttnforthe8 said:

Kierland course is trash now!! I wouldn’t pay $30 to play! 6 hour pop on muddy everything!  

It wasn't a course recommendation, rather a hotel suggestion. 

[SilverBullets]

On 12/18/2024 at 7:34 PM, CPT_LHR_ATL said:

This thread is immensely helpful to those of us from out of town. Thank you!

 

I'm putting together a late-February trip with a buddy from Seattle who needs some sunshine. Current thinking is We-Ko-Pa Saguaro, Grayhawk Raptor, TPC Stadium and Southern Dunes.

 

Any thoughts on where to stay given that itinerary? We're old farts but still like to party, responsibly. Budget is whatever.

For proximity to golf I would say Westin Kierland, JW Desert Ridge or the Fairmont Princess. 

 

For a little better location to things going on and for getting off the resort, I would stay at The Global Ambassador or The Phoenician. Little bit further away from the golf courses but not bad. Both hotels are really nice, the Arcadia/PV/Scottsdale area is where most of the great restaurants are and there's a bit more nightlife.  

Edited January 3 by SilverBullets

[puttnforthe8]

9 hours ago, hackeraz said:

It wasn't a course recommendation, rather a hotel suggestion. 

I know.  Was just providing insight into the course conditions as well.  The group I played with did some Sort of package and were really let down.

[scullawm]

Coming out in Feb...like all the rest of the cold weather golfers...I have played out there before...wekopa, southern dunes, whirlwind, Estrella, Longbow etc.

 

This year looking at either southern dunes, whirlwind or Verrado, maybe legends trail or Sterling grove.

 

Between whirlwind and Verrado which would yall recommend? 

What do you think of Legends and Sterling grove?

[puttnforthe8]

9 hours ago, scullawm said:

Coming out in Feb...like all the rest of the cold weather golfers...I have played out there before...wekopa, southern dunes, whirlwind, Estrella, Longbow etc.

 

This year looking at either southern dunes, whirlwind or Verrado, maybe legends trail or Sterling grove.

 

Between whirlwind and Verrado which would yall recommend? 

What do you think of Legends and Sterling grove?

All great choices.

 

if you want no houses, do Whirlwind.

 

Other than that, it will come down to preferences.  Sterling is a really good course, but not desert.  Legend Trail is desert with lots of good holes through housing (not intrusive).  
 

Verrado is real desert golf with some good and some bad mixed.  New course has some blind shots which people don’t like.  Old course kind of showing its age but still good and tough.

 

Edited January 21 by puttnforthe8

[scullawm]

On 1/21/2025 at 12:53 AM, puttnforthe8 said:

All great choices.

 

if you want no houses, do Whirlwind.

 

Other than that, it will come down to preferences.  Sterling is a really good course, but not desert.  Legend Trail is desert with lots of good holes through housing (not intrusive).  
 

Verrado is real desert golf with some good and some bad mixed.  New course has some blind shots which people don’t like.  Old course kind of showing its age but still good and tough.

 

I f you have to choose between Verrado and Whirlwind which would you do? 

[chisag]

1 hour ago, scullawm said:

I f you have to choose between Verrado and Whirlwind which would you do? 

 

 

... Several factors to consider. Verrado is up against and for one hole up the mountain. Whirlwind is in a valley with mountains in the distance. Verrado has houses on and near holes while Whirlwind is in the middle of nowhere. I don't know where you will be staying but I10 West of Phoenix heading to Verrado can be a nightmare for traffic. I10 East of Phoenix heading down to Whirlwind has less traffic. 

... I am not a fan of the Victory Course but always enjoy the Founders course at Verrado.  I think it is a close call but I prefer  Whirlwind. Fwiw I have also seen several Bobcats at Whirlwind, something I have never seen anywhere else. Both have Coyotes and Verrado has some huge Jackrabbits if you are into nature while playing. 

[puttnforthe8]

3 hours ago, scullawm said:

I f you have to choose between Verrado and Whirlwind which would you do? 

@chisag is spot on.

 

If you want some elevation then Verrado.  If you want some peace and a little remoteness then Whirlwind.  Plus WW facilities are head and shoulders better - so that would push it over for me.

 

Plus casino is there if you need after!

Edited January 22 by puttnforthe8

[Bmay93]

I’m coming with a group the first weekend of April and am wanting to play that Friday for around 100 a person. What are my best options in that budget? 

[SilverBullets]

12 hours ago, Bmay93 said:

I’m coming with a group the first weekend of April and am wanting to play that Friday for around 100 a person. What are my best options in that budget? 

Putting $100 on black, hoping you hit so you can make your budget $200

[Argonne69]

15 hours ago, Bmay93 said:

I’m coming with a group the first weekend of April and am wanting to play that Friday for around 100 a person. What are my best options in that budget? 

 

TopGolf? 

 

Sadly, even the goat tracks are going to be close to $100 on a weekend. 

 

[chisag]

7 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

 

TopGolf? 

 

Sadly, even the goat tracks are going to be close to $100 on a weekend. 

 

 

 

... Yup. Encanto is what I would call a step above a goat track and it is $78 on the weekend for those without a city card. Decent little muni is average condition but flat, in the city with no mountain views or any desert features. Sun and warm weather are the only real attributes. Personally if I were visiting for a long weekend or even a full week and money was important, I would be looking in the $100-$150 range that had some views and a desert feel.

... I visited Phoenix back in the mid 90's coming from Chicago in the middle of winter and remember playing Papago, Estrella and Ocotillo. At that time I was impressed with the desert feel of Papago and Estrella, both being low/mid priced courses. Ocotillo was our last round before heading to the airport and we were all staying there so I didn't mind the water and tree lined course but I would have been disappointed if it were an earlier round. 

[puttnforthe8]

15 hours ago, Bmay93 said:

I’m coming with a group the first weekend of April and am wanting to play that Friday for around 100 a person. What are my best options in that budget? 

Probably Wigwam or Estrella or Copper. 
 

maybe some other courses after 1pm not guaranteed to finish.

[Argonne69]

2 hours ago, chisag said:

 

 

... Yup. Encanto is what I would call a step above a goat track and it is $78 on the weekend for those without a city card. Decent little muni is average condition but flat, in the city with no mountain views or any desert features. Sun and warm weather are the only real attributes. Personally if I were visiting for a long weekend or even a full week and money was important, I would be looking in the $100-$150 range that had some views and a desert feel.

... I visited Phoenix back in the mid 90's coming from Chicago in the middle of winter and remember playing Papago, Estrella and Ocotillo. At that time I was impressed with the desert feel of Papago and Estrella, both being low/mid priced courses. Ocotillo was our last round before heading to the airport and we were all staying there so I didn't mind the water and tree lined course but I would have been disappointed if it were an earlier round. 

 

Unfortunately that was Papago pre-pandemic. No chance of a sub-$100 round these days. One is lucky to simply get a tee time.

 

[chisag]

2 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Unfortunately that was Papago pre-pandemic. No chance of a sub-$100 round these days. One is lucky to simply get a tee time.

 

 

 

... I hear ya. Living here I rarely play Papago. Far too much dirt and those in carts kick up dust like a Haboob. I am covered in dust and so is my remote cart when I finish and I find the layout and conditions average at best. But if I were visiting Phoenix I would certainly consider it with the cost of other courses $200 and over.

[vernon]

I started a new thread last week asking for advice since this will be our first trip to Arizona and got some great responses that were extremely helpful.

 

That said, someone suggested that I also post in this thread as it would likely get noticed by a lot more folks.

 

My primary question is regarding courses to play.  Thus far I've set up tee times on the following courses but other than Whirlwind, Seville and Southern Dunes my impression from input thus far is that the rest are pretty much lower tier in regards to quality which is fine - I understand that you get what you pay for and we're good with that.  What I was wondering is how you guys would rate them compared to one another.  It's likely we'll have to cancel at least one and maybe two just because we're old and all have bad backs and I doubt we can make it that many days in a row. 

 

The list:

 

Seville

Southern Dunes

Whirlwind

Poston Butte

San Tan Highlands 2 rounds (where we'll be staying)

Bear Creek

The Duke 

Legacy

Las Colinas

 

If you had to drop one or maybe two of these which would they be?

 

Any other input relative to our stay is greatly appreciated as well!

 

Thanks

 

 

 

[fore_life]

IMO, 100% drop las colinas, toss up between san tan and the duke 

[AZ_JHWK]

13 hours ago, vernon said:

I started a new thread last week asking for advice since this will be our first trip to Arizona and got some great responses that were extremely helpful.

 

That said, someone suggested that I also post in this thread as it would likely get noticed by a lot more folks.

 

My primary question is regarding courses to play.  Thus far I've set up tee times on the following courses but other than Whirlwind, Seville and Southern Dunes my impression from input thus far is that the rest are pretty much lower tier in regards to quality which is fine - I understand that you get what you pay for and we're good with that.  What I was wondering is how you guys would rate them compared to one another.  It's likely we'll have to cancel at least one and maybe two just because we're old and all have bad backs and I doubt we can make it that many days in a row. 

 

The list:

 

Seville

Southern Dunes

Whirlwind

Poston Butte

San Tan Highlands 2 rounds (where we'll be staying)

Bear Creek

The Duke 

Legacy

Las Colinas

 

If you had to drop one or maybe two of these which would they be?

 

Any other input relative to our stay is greatly appreciated as well!

 

Thanks

 

 

 

I agree with dropping Las Colinas. Legacy is a keeper. The other 3 are a toss-up but should be in decent shape.

 

RCJH

[SilverBullets]

On 1/31/2025 at 4:14 PM, chisag said:

 

 

 

... I hear ya. Living here I rarely play Papago. Far too much dirt and those in carts kick up dust like a Haboob. I am covered in dust and so is my remote cart when I finish and I find the layout and conditions average at best. But if I were visiting Phoenix I would certainly consider it with the cost of other courses $200 and over.

haha I always feel like I got back from a long hike in the desert after I play Papago... its part of why I gave up trying to get tee times there

[chisag]

... Wow, only $399 to get a Troon Access Card. Then it's only $249 instead of $400 for only 5 days. First round with Card and Green fees is only $648. Welcome to Phoenix!  🤑

Join Troon Access and Save Big!

Troon Access members can save up to $200 on tee times at Quintero Golf Club in Peoria, Arizona from Wednesday, 2/5, through Sunday, 2/9.

For this tee time special, you must be a Troon Access or Troon Access+ member to book at a rate of $249* vs. the public rate of $400+.

The rates are available for the following days/times:

• Wednesday, 2/5 All Day • Thursday, 2/6 after 12PM • Friday, 2/7 after 12PM • Saturday, 2/8 All Day • Sunday, 2/9 All Day

[GolfGuy321]

On 1/30/2025 at 7:49 PM, Bmay93 said:

I’m coming with a group the first weekend of April and am wanting to play that Friday for around 100 a person. What are my best options in that budget? 

You should be able to get on Dobson Ranch of Kenny Mac for under $100.  Decent munis but expect 5-6 hour rounds on the weekend.

[SilverBullets]

22 hours ago, chisag said:

... Wow, only $399 to get a Troon Access Card. Then it's only $249 instead of $400 for only 5 days. First round with Card and Green fees is only $648. Welcome to Phoenix!  🤑

 

Join Troon Access and Save Big!

Troon Access members can save up to $200 on tee times at Quintero Golf Club in Peoria, Arizona from Wednesday, 2/5, through Sunday, 2/9.

For this tee time special, you must be a Troon Access or Troon Access+ member to book at a rate of $249* vs. the public rate of $400+.

The rates are available for the following days/times:

• Wednesday, 2/5 All Day • Thursday, 2/6 after 12PM • Friday, 2/7 after 12PM • Saturday, 2/8 All Day • Sunday, 2/9 All Day

AND....

 

Quintero doesn't give Troon Rewards points LOL

[vernon]

On 2/2/2025 at 6:54 PM, vernon said:

I started a new thread last week asking for advice since this will be our first trip to Arizona and got some great responses that were extremely helpful.

 

That said, someone suggested that I also post in this thread as it would likely get noticed by a lot more folks.

 

My primary question is regarding courses to play.  Thus far I've set up tee times on the following courses but other than Whirlwind, Seville and Southern Dunes my impression from input thus far is that the rest are pretty much lower tier in regards to quality which is fine - I understand that you get what you pay for and we're good with that.  What I was wondering is how you guys would rate them compared to one another.  It's likely we'll have to cancel at least one and maybe two just because we're old and all have bad backs and I doubt we can make it that many days in a row. 

 

The list:

 

Seville

Southern Dunes

Whirlwind

Poston Butte

San Tan Highlands 2 rounds (where we'll be staying)

Bear Creek

The Duke 

Legacy

Las Colinas

 

If you had to drop one or maybe two of these which would they be?

 

Any other input relative to our stay is greatly appreciated as well!

 

Thanks

 

 

 

Got our itinerary set:

 

Saturday               Poston Butte

Sunday                 Seville

Monday                San Tan Highlands

Tuesday                Poston Butte

Wednesday          Southern Dunes

Thursday              Whirlwind

Friday                    90 minute Ping fitting at Papago

Saturday               Bear Creek

Sunday                 San Tan Highlands

Monday                Legacy

 

Pretty sure we'll have to cancel at least one of these due to fatigue but maybe not.  

 

The more golf the better if we can do it.

 

Thanks again for all of the great input - it was most helpful.

 

Now if we just don't get stuck in the snowstorm that's supposed to be heading for the midwest while trying to drive out there next week.......

[Argonne69]

1 hour ago, vernon said:

Got our itinerary set:

 

Saturday               Poston Butte

Sunday                 Seville

Monday                San Tan Highlands

Tuesday                Poston Butte

Wednesday          Southern Dunes

Thursday              Whirlwind

Friday                    90 minute Ping fitting at Papago

Saturday               Bear Creek

Sunday                 San Tan Highlands

Monday                Legacy

 

Pretty sure we'll have to cancel at least one of these due to fatigue but maybe not.  

 

The more golf the better if we can do it.

 

Thanks again for all of the great input - it was most helpful.

 

Now if we just don't get stuck in the snowstorm that's supposed to be heading for the midwest while trying to drive out there next week.......

 

Not a spectacular lineup for a first visit, but hey, on my first visit I played Lookout Mountain and Wildfire Palmer. Lol.

 

Having played basically every goat track in the valley, you could have done worse.