5 replies to this topic

[lordbyron]

We are on a pre set trip playing at 9 am each morning.  We are playing at Whirlwind, G.C. Estrella, and Macdowell Mnt. Ranch.  We are staying at Kierland and have rental cars, 4 of the 6 in the group are up for playing 36 each day.

I am looking for must play recomendations.  Southern Dunes looks like it would be a good change of pace. The only real restriction would be distance from the previously listed courses.

I have read thru most of the threads just looking for an up to date, local opinion.  we are going to be in the area the second week in March.

Thanks!

[YMark]

Wildfire has two (Palmer and Faldo) awesome courses about 10 minutes from Kierland. Grayhawk has two nice courses about the same distance. Talking Stick has two courses about 15 minutes away. Can't go wrong with any of them, but they aren't cheap in March.

[teejaywhy]

If I understand correctly, you are looking for second round options to go with the already booked 9AM rounds?

Google says sunset in PHX in mid-March is 6:30.   9am might a bit of a late start to get in 36 with travel, so you need to a) find something close by and b) plan on a quick lunch.

Here are my suggestions that are good courses and in close proximity to the first round course.

Whirlwind has 36 holes so you could play the other course and not even leave the property.  They are both nice courses with excellent conditioning but not really remarkable or "must play."   You mentioned Southern Dunes.  It is only 19 miles south of Whirlwind on a straight-shot highway (no city traffic).  That would be my recommendation - one of my favorites in the State.

Estrella - 18 miles north is the Raven @ Verrado.  Another favorite.

McDowell Mtn Ranch - Very close by are Talking Stick (North course recommended) and Grayhawk (Raptor course recommended).  But just a bit further (~16 mi) would be We-Ko-Pa. The Saguaro Course is best in state and the one true "must play."

Enjoy!

[lordbyron]

teejaywhy, on 09 January 2013 - 07:17 PM, said:

If I understand correctly, you are looking for second round options to go with the already booked 9AM rounds?

Google says sunset in PHX in mid-March is 6:30.   9am might a bit of a late start to get in 36 with travel, so you need to a) find something close by and b) plan on a quick lunch.

Here are my suggestions that are good courses and in close proximity to the first round course.

Whirlwind has 36 holes so you could play the other course and not even leave the property.  They are both nice courses with excellent conditioning but not really remarkable or "must play."   You mentioned Southern Dunes.  It is only 19 miles south of Whirlwind on a straight-shot highway (no city traffic).  That would be my recommendation - one of my favorites in the State.

Estrella - 18 miles north is the Raven @ Verrado.  Another favorite.

McDowell Mtn Ranch - Very close by are Talking Stick (North course recommended) and Grayhawk (Raptor course recommended).  But just a bit further (~16 mi) would be We-Ko-Pa. The Saguaro Course is best in state and the one true "must play."

Enjoy!

Thank you for doing the leg work,
Just the local knowledge I was looking for.  Much
appreciated.

[jshel]

Another option, especially if you're looking for a little change of pace, is to look on Golfnow for a time at Moon Valley. It's a private club in north Phoenix that has been putting a few times a day up on golfnow.

It's a more traditional, less desert course. It's where Annika shot 59 in a LPGA event. Interesting greens, etc.

Worth considering.

[lordbyron]

jshel, on 10 January 2013 - 11:02 AM, said:

Another option, especially if you're looking for a little change of pace, is to look on Golfnow for a time at Moon Valley. It's a private club in north Phoenix that has been putting a few times a day up on golfnow.

It's a more traditional, less desert course. It's where Annika shot 59 in a LPGA event. Interesting greens, etc.

Worth considering.

Thanks,
thats another good option I would not have thought of....pretty close to our lodging as well...thanks again!  I have never played a desert style course and like the idea of a change of pace.