Golf in Phoenix

stateofmind

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2007
6,635
4,174
113
Ankeny
I'm flying out to Phoenix the morning of 8/30 and my director wants to play some golf instead of work. Can't turn that down. I've played Sun Lakes, Ocatillo, Raven, 500 Club, Bear Creek, Encanto, TPC Scottsdale (both).

I would play any of these again, but looking for a suggestion of a new course to play. One that is fairly nice, not too hard, not too expensive, etc. Since it's going to be the last day in August it will be hot, and I'm sure we will get a good rate. Just want to make sure he enjoys the experience.
 

DesertClone1

DesertClone
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Mar 6, 2009
8,226
3,558
113
Queen Creek, AZ
I recommend Arizona Grand, it's right off of the 10 and is well maintained. Except for the 1st green.
I really liked Las Sendas, it's in North Mesa, I also really liked Trilogy golf course in Gilbert. All will be relatively cheap since it will be so hot out.

On the little more of expensive side ASU Karsten golf course, heard it's really nice, haven't gotten the opportunity to play it since moving down here.
 
  • Like
Reactions: stateofmind

enisthemenace

Well-Known Member
Dec 5, 2009
13,971
10,176
113
Runnells, IA
I've only played Troon North (real pricey, but a good time) and Southern Dunes in Miracopa.

Southern Dunes was reasonably priced and a good time. A bit off the beaten path though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: stateofmind

srjclone

Well-Known Member
Nov 17, 2014
11,927
11,254
113
Downtown Minneapolis
I am a big fan of the Phoenician, they have 3 9 hole courses and it changes each day for which 2 make your 18, and the one (I believe it's Desert, but could be Canyon) that climbs camelback mountain is an awesome 9, with a couple holes that have a really cool view of Phoenix and the surrounding area. Can see most of the southern side of the valley. TPC you can't go wrong. And obviously Troon North, is a big hit. Talking Stick Resort has 2 courses that aren't too hard or too pricey. But if you are willing to drive a bit to north Scottsdale, there was a place I would always play after work that I would recommend. It is called McDowell Mountain Golf Club. It is cheaper, but still has some difficult holes. Phil Mickelson's "Golf Properties" purchased this older course and completely re-layed it out. Great green fairways and is well kept, enough. "We wanted to create an experience for all players that provides an enjoyable round of golf regardless of abilities. We wanted to present demanding shots for the better players but give the average player more shot options," stated Phil Mickelson.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: stateofmind

srjclone

Well-Known Member
Nov 17, 2014
11,927
11,254
113
Downtown Minneapolis
I recommend Arizona Grand, it's right off of the 10 and is well maintained. Except for the 1st green.
I really liked Las Sendas, it's in North Mesa, I also really liked Trilogy golf course in Gilbert. All will be relatively cheap since it will be so hot out.

On the little more of expensive side ASU Karsten golf course, heard it's really nice, haven't gotten the opportunity to play it since moving down here.
Krasten is a very quality college golf course. During the summer it is a bit dried up and fast, but that is to be expected with most courses this time of year. And when I played it last summer it was only like 30 bucks for 18 and a cart. Would definitely recommend it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: stateofmind

stateofmind

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2007
6,635
4,174
113
Ankeny
Just booked Troon North for $39. Thanks for the suggestions. I hiked pinnacle peak trail last time out there and overlooked the two courses, I wanted to play bad. I figured it was going to cost me $200 to play it...
 

Cyclonic1

Well-Known Member
Aug 7, 2012
1,628
171
63
Sun City, AZ
I'm flying out to Phoenix the morning of 8/30 and my director wants to play some golf instead of work. Can't turn that down. I've played Sun Lakes, Ocatillo, Raven, 500 Club, Bear Creek, Encanto, TPC Scottsdale (both).

I would play any of these again, but looking for a suggestion of a new course to play. One that is fairly nice, not too hard, not too expensive, etc. Since it's going to be the last day in August it will be hot, and I'm sure we will get a good rate. Just want to make sure he enjoys the experience.
Sunridge Canyon is a gorgeous layout on the East side that was designed by Foster - same guy that did Harvestor - so you get awesome vistas and a good but fair test of your game.
 
  • Like
Reactions: stateofmind

mywayorcyway

Well-Known Member
Mar 1, 2012
2,330
2,355
113
Phoenix
Just booked Troon North for $39. Thanks for the suggestions. I hiked pinnacle peak trail last time out there and overlooked the two courses, I wanted to play bad. I figured it was going to cost me $200 to play it...

I was just about to type out a lengthy reply...glad I saw you had already replied back.

In June/July/August during the week you won't pay much anywhere...though I'm surprised to see you were able to book Troon North for that cheap. It's still usually over $50. Nice work.

You can get it for $200 during the winter....if you play a Monday night twilight and only finish 12 holes. :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: stateofmind

mywayorcyway

Well-Known Member
Mar 1, 2012
2,330
2,355
113
Phoenix
Krasten is a very quality college golf course. During the summer it is a bit dried up and fast, but that is to be expected with most courses this time of year. And when I played it last summer it was only like 30 bucks for 18 and a cart. Would definitely recommend it.

I don't think much of Karsten. I like very few Pete Dye courses to begin with, it's usually in rougher shape than most courses, the "moguls" in the middle of fairways are ridiculous, and the surroundings of the course (the power plant, the power lines, the airport) aren't very pleasing to the eye. There are 50 courses here I'd play before that one. Even if you picked it up and dropped it on the side of a beautiful mountain I'd still give it a 6 of 10.
 

stateofmind

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2007
6,635
4,174
113
Ankeny
Yeah, I played TPC for around the same last year, but of course it was 113 when I teed off. But the heat doesn't bother me out there. Better than high 80s and 80% humidity here if you ask me.
 

abd4cy

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2010
257
322
63
Phoenix
I've lived out in Phoenix for 6 years and I would say check out Rancho Manana. It's up in cave creek so it will be a few degrees cooler. Not to mention the course is beautiful.
 

enisthemenace

Well-Known Member
Dec 5, 2009
13,971
10,176
113
Runnells, IA
Just booked Troon North for $39. Thanks for the suggestions. I hiked pinnacle peak trail last time out there and overlooked the two courses, I wanted to play bad. I figured it was going to cost me $200 to play it...

Wow. Unbelievable price, and I don't care how hot it is.
 

CyzzleB

Member
Sep 12, 2009
35
2
8
Ranch Mañana is a great choice if you are up north. You cannot go wrong with Troon.

I would definitely try the golfnow website.

From mid May to the end of June Phoenix is the biggest golfing bargain in the country. Prices go down to dirt cheap but it is still beautiful weather.
 

srjclone

Well-Known Member
Nov 17, 2014
11,927
11,254
113
Downtown Minneapolis
I don't think much of Karsten. I like very few Pete Dye courses to begin with, it's usually in rougher shape than most courses, the "moguls" in the middle of fairways are ridiculous, and the surroundings of the course (the power plant, the power lines, the airport) aren't very pleasing to the eye. There are 50 courses here I'd play before that one. Even if you picked it up and dropped it on the side of a beautiful mountain I'd still give it a 6 of 10.
Fair, but I thought I got what I payed for. And I have played a handful of college's courses and that is probably top 2 if not best. Not saying its a TPC Tournament or Troon North, but not terrible.
 

stateofmind

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2007
6,635
4,174
113
Ankeny
I used golfnow to look around, but booked this rate right on Troon's website. So if you are in the area I would recommend checking it out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: srjclone