Arizona suggestions

[Jim Johnson]

Just booked a one-night golf package at Fort McDowell and a round Monday a.m. May 12th on the We Ko Pa Saguaro course.

Immediately after getting off the phone with them, I phoned Apache Stronghold to book a one-night golf package there, but was told they have a two-day PGA sectional tournament there, so we're s.o.l. on that one. (we fly into Phoenix on the Sunday evening, then have Mon/Tues/Wed for some golf before heading into Havasu Falls for hiking/camping on the Thurs/Fri/Sat).

We had hoped to go to Apache Stronghold for a Tuesday round, and then up to Sedona for a round on Wednesday, before our hike.

Any suggestions as to a golf course choice between our round at We Ko Pa Monday a.m. and a round at Sedona Wednesday afternoon? Looking for a decent public track, I don't think price would be an issue at that time of year.

Was looking forward to giving Apache Stronghold a shot, disappointed not to be able to play.

Suggestions?

JJ

[Jason Topp]

The other We-Ko-Pa course is very enjoyable and probably as good as any other option.  I suggest you extend to 2 days.
 

[Andy Troeger]

I was going to suggest the same thing as Jason, the other We-Ko-Pa course has a very good reputation in its own right. I intended to play there last year but then realized I had accidentally booked two rounds at the Saguaro Course.

I was disappointed in not seeing the Cholla Cse, but getting a second crack at Saguaro was good fun too.

Gold Canyon Dinosaur Mountain and Vista Verde would probably be my next choices from what I've seen.

[Dan Boerger]

I played the Saguaro course a couple of weeks ago. Really a lot of fun. I played with Clyde Drexler who is a legit 2 handicap!

[Mark Smolens]

Not sure that Vista Verde is a public access course, but if you can get on, do so!  Cholla is nice, but after Saguaro it's hard to go back, and it's not a very walking friendly course (I know, some of the folks here are hard core walkers, and that's fine, but I've walked Cholla and it's a hike!).  Saguaro in the am and Cholla in the pm is a great day of golf.  TPC Champions -- the old Desert course -- is excellent, and will be very reasonably priced in May.  Talking Stick North is also an excellent course and very walkable.  I will be playing both courses at Whirlwind this Saturday -- both are nice, and walkable (there's a Nationwide event there, or at least used to be).  There have been nice things written on this site about the rehab at the Biltmore Adobe at Wigwam by Forrest Richardson, but I haven't made it out to either one as yet.  If Papago's still open, you might want to see it before they shut it down and upgrade. . .  Finally, at that time of year Troon North, either course, could well be affordable.

[Dave Givnish]

Papago is scheduled to be closed sometime in April.  Add TPC Champions and Whirlwind (new) courses to your mix. Talking Stick and Wildfire Faldo should be in good shape then as well.

May is shoulder season for most of the courses.  Some courses start softening their rates, but most won't drop them completely until June 1.  Check out the discount services on the web as you get closer.  PM me with your email and I'll forward one or two as I get them so you know where to look.  Grayhawk has an email service that is currently offering select days for $95+ per player.

[Wayne_Freedman]

You cannot miss with the first We Ko Pa course. It would be my second choice, given the firsr. Am also a big fan of Vista Verde. Neither long, nor tight, but interesting and strategic. .

I also like Talking Stick. Not a lot of construction distractions,  nor tricked-up. Nice use of the land.

Of the Troons...both nice.  I prefer Pinnacle.

If you would like photos of some of these courses, shoot me an e-mail and I will send some to help you make a decision.