If you had time for one round (assuming that I do not have access to any private clubs), where would it be? Thanks.

We-Ko-Pa (Cholla Course).

If you have to play near the airport then The Raven at South Mountain.

I second the Raven. Whirlwind @ the Wildhorse Pass Resort is another great course (Troon property) that is just 20 minutes down I-10. They host the Nationwide tour stop. Here is a link:

Whirlwind

BTW, neither the Raven or Whirlwind is in Scottsdale. Snobsdale has the iconic courses you hear about, but they are way over priced this time of year and any local will tell you that there is better golf for the dollar to be had elsewhere. If you just want to play a Scottsdale course to say you've been there and done that, then I understand. But, I lived there for nineteen years and hardly ever played golf north of the I-10 freeway. Just my two cents.

Last month, I was in Scottsdale for a two days (business meeting) and I too had not idea where to play, but since I live in Pittsburgh and it was 12 degrees when I left I was determined to play. I ended up at Troon North (pinnacle) and loved it. It was a little pricey, but I booked it online and saved some money, I think it was $120. But like I said, coming from Pittsburgh in the winter, it was worth every penny.

Ok Big Guy,
I 've posted several times asking for suggestions for my upcoming trip out there in two weeks and gotten some very helpful replies.
So based on your reply here I would be curious to hear what your votes are for Best bang for the Buck rounds around the Phoenix/Scottsdale area are in MID JANUARY.

FYI-I'll be playing as a single.

Thanks,
Brad

If you want to play for about $50 with a cart, a decent course right at the airport is the ASU Karsten course. Minutes from the airport, this is a nice course for the money and it has a nice range and friendly staff. Always enjoy my rounds there.


You are traveling to Scottsdale during the most expensive time of year. There are no cheap rounds unless you are a resident. My suggestion would be to find a good tee time broker. You call the night before and they tell you what times are available. If you are playing as a single, there will be no problem getting great tee times on some nice courses at a significant discount. Maybe some of the locals can chime in on who some of the best brokers are.

Thanks for the suggestions Spizinger,

I do have info on a couple of the brokers and will look into it when my departure gets closer. Right now I'm set to play Rancho Manana, Troon Monument and Sunridge.

I'm not just looking for great bargains but the best golf for the best value.

Thanks again,
Brad

First off, take a look at Golfnow.com. The tee times you get on that site are among the cheapest you will see in the Valley. But, the previous post is right on. No cheap golf or great deals in January. Even the value courses are expensive this time of year. Of course, the tourist trap course fees are down right ridiculous so everything is relative.

Here are my top ticks for great value courses in the Phoenix area. They are all on the outskirts of the Valley, but well worth a trip out to where they are if you're serious about experiencing some of the hidden gems:

First tier:

The Raven at South Mountain - all of the amenities you will find at top Scottsdale courses at half the price. Probably the best service you will experience on your trip and the course is challenging and highly rated.

Gold Canyon (Dinosaur Mountain) - tough course with elevation changes that winds in and out of majestic canyons and other desert terrain. Far out in the East Valley, but definitely worth the drive. A very unique golfing experience, but bring some extra balls and a full tank of gas. ;-)

Eagle Mountain - voted #1 public course in AZ for a reason. Actually in Fountain Hills outside of Phoenix, but again well worth the commute. More expensive than the others I've listed, but another classic desert course and a must play off the beaten track.

Longbow G.C. - I can't personally vouch for this course, but I've always heard really good things about it and a steal at well under $100 a round. Another highly rated track that is worth checking out in the East Valley.

Second Tier:

The Duke at Rancho El Dorado - good when you need a breather from target golf. Nice open layout where you can bomb it. It is always in great condition with a nice clubhouse and great food. Makes for a nice relaxing day, but it is also pretty far out in the South central Valley.

Kokopelli - yes, it winds around houses and is usually pretty crowded (especially on the weekends), but it is among my favorite layouts because you really have to think your way around this course. Lots of variety in terms of the layout and hazards you will encounter and a really excellent value.

I lived in Fountain Hills for 5 years (I moved out about a year ago) and I have played all of the courses there many times and Eagle Mountain is one of the worst of the courses in town.

In Fountain Hills (probably best golf for your $) it is:
We-Ko-Pa Cholla <- Amazing
SunRidge Canyon <- Best layout in town
Fire Mountain <- Most Exclusive with amazing views ($200,000 entry fee I believe)
We Ko Pa Saguaro <-Easy version of the cholla course
Eagle Mountain <- views of the valley but not of Four Peaks like the others. Although you can see them from the 3rd hole
Desert Canyon <-pretty good for a muni

"Eagle Mountain is one of the worst of the courses in town."

Wow. You have even played Desert Canyon and said this. I'm Shocked!

Eagle Mountain has beautiful views, is always in great shape, and is player friendly. I can't think of anything I dislike about Eagle Mountain.

Blades - if you think Eagle Mountain is one of the worse courses in town, then you obviously haven't played at enough courses in town. There is plenty of bad, over priced golf in the Valley and you don't have to work too hard to stumble across it.

If the town you are referring to is Fountain Hills, then I might grant you that because I haven't played some of the other courses you mention except for We-Ko-Pa. And while that facility is amazing, I had the longest round of golf in my life there because they were enforcing a cart path only rule and I believe they always do. Sorry, 90 degree I understand, but CPO is really annoying.

One Round in the greater Phoenix area: We-Ko-Pa Saguaro (30 miles from airport)

Best course closest to Airport: Papago Park - a muni that suffers from low maintenance budget and sometimes slow pace of play but a gem of a layout and a joy to walk. Due to close in April for a major renovation.

Best bangs for the buck in winter high season:
(basically you pay thru the nose for the Scottsdale zip code. look for lower rates in the surrounding areas)

Longbow (Mesa) - fun layout by Ken Kavanaugh that is a core course (no housing) and big views of the
surrounding mountains. $135 weekend/$115 weekday

TPC Champions (Scottsdale) - Formerly the TPC Desert, just opened after a 10 month, $8 million remake.
Non-resident rates: $80 ride/41 walk

The Raven @ Verrado (Buckeye) - While I'm not a fan of the Raven @ S. Mountain - I love this Fought/Lehman
layout in the west valley - $135

As others have mentioned, golfnow.com offers discounts that get better as the play date gets closer.

Tom

HANDS DOWN....WE-KO-PA CHOLLA HANDS DOWN !!!!!!!!!!!!!! WILL NOT REGREST BEST DAY OF MY LIFE OF GOLF..

Yes I am referring to Founain Hills. I have played all of the courses in FH more times than I can remember and after a while Eagle Mountain starts to feel gimicky. The "good four" (all but Desert Canyon) are phenominal, but for my money the We Ko Pa and Sun Ridge courses are much better. The range at Eagle is completely garbage too. We Ko Pa and Sun Ridge both have phenominal practice facilities. PLus the people at Eagle mountain aren't the nicest to locals. I think Sun Ridge is my fav in the area for the overall experience.

FH to Carefree is really the best golf in the valley.