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Tony Weiler

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SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« on: March 16, 2012, 09:30:13 AM »
We will be making our annual/semi annual trip in a couple weeks.  Will be staying SE Phx and I wonder if there is anything of architectural interest there?  We will be playing Longbow in Mesa, as I really like what Kavanaugh did with Vista Verde.  I've already played We Ko Pa, so won't go there again this trip.  Any suggestions in the SE area?  Thanks. 
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Mike Wagner

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Re: SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« Reply #1 on: March 16, 2012, 09:43:42 AM »
Southern Dunes
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Tony Weiler

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Re: SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« Reply #2 on: March 16, 2012, 09:50:27 AM »
Quote from: Mike Wagner on March 16, 2012, 09:43:42 AM
Southern Dunes

Thanks, Mike.  Definitely have it on the list, but heard the conditioning was not good at all this year?

I should also say that ASU Karsten and Las Sendas are two I looked at but they both have tournaments/events the day we have an opening.  Plus, I'd like to stay fairly close to Longbow and thus Papago is a bit too far.

Also, I have already played Raven as So. Mt., Whirlwind Devils Claw, Sunridge Canyon, Grayhawk, WKP, TPC Scotts., VV, and several others.  Thanks. 
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Steve_ Shaffer

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Re: SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« Reply #3 on: March 16, 2012, 10:14:25 AM »
Try Encanterra(Lehman.) It's private but I think they have a "member for a day" program. It's a core course in a real estate development. It's worth the trip.  www.encanterragolf.com



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Mike Lacey

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Re: SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2012, 10:20:12 AM »
Tony

If you are staying in close proximity to Longbow, Papago is an easy shot.  As long as you did not time your travel during the morning rush hour, I would guess that you could get from Longbow's parking lot to Papago's in less than 15 minutes on the 202 Fwy.

Talking Stick would be easily accessable from there as well.  

I played Foothills a couple of weeks ago, a Weiskopf/Morrish desigin routed through a housing development.  Conditioning was decent.  Greens were not pretty, but were firm, quick, and reasonably true.  New owners have cleared out a bunch of the brush in the desert areas, which reduced much of the claustrofobia that I have experienced there in the past.  
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Jud_T

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Re: SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« Reply #5 on: March 16, 2012, 10:40:57 AM »
Talking Stick North is a must see IMO...
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Jason Topp

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Re: SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« Reply #6 on: March 16, 2012, 11:18:20 AM »
I like Vistal as a lower cost option.
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Matthew Petersen

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Re: SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« Reply #7 on: March 16, 2012, 01:02:52 PM »
What have you heard about Southern Dunes?

I like that course very much but haven't been down there in some time. I know they used to let the fairways go dormant in winter (and certainly this is something many players aren't fond of) but I had assumed they stopped that practice when they were bought by the tribe/casino.

Hoping they aren't having real issues, as it's a wonderful course when in good, firm condition.
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Tom Yost

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Re: SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« Reply #8 on: March 16, 2012, 06:37:43 PM »
IMO, the SE valley has little to offer from an interesting GCA perspective.

Red Mountain Ranch is a Pete Dye course, a private that is allowing public play.  Not everyone's cup of tea but certainly "interesting."

I agree with the others, Talking Stick is a 20 min freeway hop away and recommended.  Other than maybe Papago, virtually nothing else inside 20 min of Longbow that is interesting. 

The only thing I know about Southern Dunes is it was bought by the Ak-Chin nation and is being managed by Troon.  They did a complete overseed this winter so I have a hard time believing the conditioning is not up to standards, but I haven't been down there this season.

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Mark Smolens

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Re: SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« Reply #9 on: March 17, 2012, 12:06:53 AM »
How about Superstition Mountain? It used to be completely private, but it's my understanding that one of their courses is now open daily to public play. I've never been, but my recollection from television is that it was very nicely conditioned and looked like it might be a lot of fun to play. It's also in the East Valley I think.

I would second the Vistal rec -- I thought it was a blast. . . no overseed so it played hard and lightning fast, and you can get on there for less than thirty dollars in a cart. . . that's like playing for free in the Valley (heck, I think they get fifteen for a bag of balls up at the TPC).
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Chris DeNigris

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Re: SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« Reply #10 on: March 17, 2012, 07:54:50 AM »
Would totally endorse Southern Dunes. They had had conditioning problems a few years ago (no money-gee whiz) but the new owners have supposedly taken care of that. Very unique for desert golf and IMO one of the very best in the area. Great course to walk as well.

If you're based near Mesa you might want to try Las Sendas, better than most in that general area. A few miles East on 60 will get you to the super scenic Gold Canyon...which is a lot of fun. And more Kavanaugh.

Have a great trip!
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Chris DeNigris

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Re: SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« Reply #11 on: March 17, 2012, 08:10:41 AM »
Didn't see your earlier post about Las Sendas.  Superstition Mtn is Ok, played it a few years ago just after they started allowing outside play. Played very F&F with the speediest greens we've run across out there. As opposed to some of the other ones mentioned you might not get a decent rate there.

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Dave Givnish

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Re: SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« Reply #12 on: March 17, 2012, 05:50:28 PM »
And it might take longer to get to Superstition Mountain from Longbow than it takes to get to Papago.  Legacy Golf Resort isn't bad for the days of travel as it is close to the airport.  I think that it is a better course than ASU Karsten.
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Tony Weiler

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Re: SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« Reply #13 on: March 28, 2012, 11:01:43 AM »
Itinerary is set:  Las Sendas, Longbow, Grayhawk 36, and Southern Dunes.  Thanks for the suggestions, I will report back when we return late next week.  TW
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Ben Carey

Re: SE Pheonix Interesting Courses?
« Reply #14 on: March 28, 2012, 11:20:53 AM »
+1 on Las Sendas - fun course.

Red Mountain Ranch is near Las Sendas and Longbow as well - it's a shorter course, but worth looking into.
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