[Jim Franklin]

I will be out there at the end of January for the FBR Classic and will arrive a few days before the tourny to try and play. Are there any new interesting courses to play or any old classics I should see again? Thanks.

[Jim Franklin]

Is it ready for play yet?

[Aaron Katz]

It's set to open December 18, I think.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Yes, C&C's Saguaro at WekoPa opens next month- December 16,according to the website.

As far as old classics are concerned, there are some choices:

Papago, the venerable Phoenix muni which is now overseeding again in the winter. I played there last April and it's under $50 for non-residents.

Wigwam Gold, a RTJ original, recently restored by Forrest Richardson. I played there last November and was impressed.

Biltmore Adobe, also recently restored by Richardson.

I don't know how old Talking Stick North is, but I'd call it a classic and it desrves another play.

[rjsimper]

Ahh - January in the desert - $$$$$ season.

While it's not world-class by any means, if you've played many of the other oft-recommended courses, and can play the new We-Ko-Pa course while still looking for another spot, consider the Raven at Verrado.

It's been 1.5 years since I was there and I'm afraid there might be more housing now, but I enjoyed it when I was there, and they offer an all-inclusive package that is cheaper than 18 hole freight for some of the more central Scottsdale layouts.

(It's about 20-30 mins West of Phoenix on I-10)

[Bill_McBride]

TPC of Scottsdale - Desert Course, before they tear it up and triple the green fee for tourists.  Very walkable, affordable and fun to play.

You can walk the Talking Stick courses and they are both fun, North more so.

Wigwam Gold, walkable and a very good redo recently by Forrest Richardson.

Jay Flemma says We-ka-po is walkable, I guess so if he says so.  It's a good layout too.

[Forrest Richardson]

If you can get on Jim Engh's Blackstone, I would suggest it. A very interesting layout. You might also attempt a round at Papago Municipal...the conditions are not perfect, but it is an excellent layout.

[Jon Spaulding]

The best public for me has been WeKoPa (existing course); it is fairly walkable and more reasonable than the Scottsdale courses. The layout is enjoyable, albeit goofy in a few places. Troon Monument is very good, just very pricey and slow.

If you have any way of getting on Desert Forest that certainly has the best rep of the area. I've not played it.

[Jim Franklin]

How close is WeKoPa from the airport?

[Jim Franklin]

Thanks, that is perfect.

[Bill_McBride]

Talking Stick is even closer.

[Rick Shefchik]

I'll be in the area from Dec. 16-22. If the choice comes down to Talking Stick North or We-Ko-Pa Saguaro, which should I choose?

[Gib_Papazian]

Here is an interesting one that surprised us:

The Duke at Rancho El Dorado. I've never heard of the architect, who created a series of risk/reward option plays all the way around the layout.

We were impressed at the various ways each hole was played by members of our group, who ranged from low handicappers to one quasi-chop.

Another we are definitely going to revisit is the Marriott at Desert Ridge. I think it was Faldo w/ Schmidt & Curly but I'm not sure. It was terrific also - bearing in mind that I am not a big fan of desert golf courses in general.


 

[Aaron Katz]

I'll be in the area from Dec. 16-22. If the choice comes down to Talking Stick North or We-Ko-Pa Saguaro, which should I choose?

Based on how Arizona courses tend to rush to open, I'd say Talking Stick.  There's just too big of a risk that We Ko Pa won't truly be ready for action.

[Forrest Richardson]

David Druzisky designed The Duke.

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